Global Health in South Africa (Cape Town)

South Africa, known as “The Rainbow Nation,” is renowned for its cultural richness and multilingual diversity, shaped by a history of colonialism and apartheid. Since the official end of apartheid in 1994, the country has taken meaningful steps toward reconciliation and equity, including expanding access to healthcare for its historically marginalized Black majority. Today, South Africa’s public healthcare system offers free or low-cost care to most of the population and has become a leader in developing innovative approaches to public health issues, particularly in HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Despite this progress, South Africa continues to face persistent challenges, including disparities in health access, high disease burdens, and the complex legacies of systemic inequality.

In Cape Town, CFHI program participants immerse themselves in South Africa’s healthcare landscape through clinical rotations and hospital-based learning. Cape Town is a vibrant coastal city known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Participants may rotate through departments in internal medicine or pediatrics at a major public hospital, or gain exposure to pediatric trauma care at a specialized children’s hospital. This program provides an opportunity to witness how the healthcare system is evolving to meet the needs of diverse communities, with a strong emphasis on social determinants of health, cultural context, and innovative strategies to address public health challenges.

Explore the beauty of Cape Town while immersing yourself in South African culture by staying with a host family. During free time, participants can visit historical sites such as Robben Island and organize weekend trips to the Paarl and Stellenbosch regions or tour the Peninsula to visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

Visit here to learn more.

Duration: 4-16 weeks
 

About the organization: Child Family Health International (CFHI) is a United Nations–recognized nonprofit that offers immersive, community-based Global Health Education Programs for students and emerging professionals. CFHI's unique model emphasizes reciprocal partnerships with local health professionals and organizations, encouraging participants to grow in their understanding of health, culture, and global citizenship. Programs are currently offered in 10 countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Mexico, South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, and the Philippines). As a CFHI participant, you will observe local healthcare delivery, learn from experienced medical and public health professionals, and explore key global health topics through clinical shadowing and public health activities. CFHI programs help students explore health in diverse settings, build real-world skills like cultural humility and communication, and strengthen their foundation for future academic and professional success.

Why Choose CFHI?

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CFHI's programs are tailored to students seeking a transformative experience in global health. By participating, you'll:

• Engage with diverse healthcare systems and global realities.
• Build real-world skills like communication, adaptability, and cultural competence.
• Enhance your career prospects: stand out in applications with practical experience.

Through CFHI Programs, Students Gain a Range of Competencies Essential for Academic and Professional Growth

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Cultural Humility Understand and respect the values, practices, and perspectives of diverse populations.	Interpersonal Communication Improve your ability to connect with people from all walks of life, including patients, peers, and mentors.	Problem-Solving Skills Learn to address challenges with creativity and critical thinking in real-world settings.
Health Systems Knowledge Explore how global healthcare systems function, including the social determinants of health.	Ethical Leadership Cultivate the skills needed to navigate complex ethical situations in international education and health.	Personal Growth Build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose through immersive global experiences.

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