More photos from this internship can be found here.
India is a culturally vibrant democracy of nearly 1.4 billion people, home to bustling cities, lush landscapes, and a diverse population. Despite challenges with poverty, malnutrition and inadequate public healthcare, India offers a myriad of innovations in health education and delivery. CFHI offers two programs in India that showcase the lingering impacts of India’s caste system and realities of healthcare initiatives within a highly diverse population.
In the bustling city of New Delhi, you will learn from NGO’s, CBO’s, and public sector agencies working to improve public health outcomes. Key program themes include sanitation and hygiene, social services safety net, health education and harm reduction for HIV/AIDS, programs for marginalized populations and determinants of health, among others. You may also request to focus your time in Delhi on Palliative Care or Ophthalmology.
Alternatively, travel to Northern India to learn from healthcare workers in urban and rural settings, gaining insight into hospital medicine, primary care, integrative medicine, public health and health realities of remote communities. You may shadow healthcare professionals at hospitals and private clinics, observe the delivery of care in a one-room clinic, and trek to witness health outreach to the community, while engaging in daily yoga sessions and breathing in the clean mountain air.
In these programs, you may stay in apartments, homestay families, and/or guest housing, while immersing yourself in Indian culture. Visit here to learn more about CFHI India internship.
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.
Intern responsibilities will include learning and completing all assignments given by the local team, completing pre-departure training so as to maximize competency development during the program, participating in engaged observation and shadowing in clinical settings, and professionally engaging in available projects and operations in any available NGO settings aligned with best practices for global health engagement.
CFHI's programs are rooted in strong ethical principles. The organization offers first and foremost a global learning opportunity, where interns learn by shadowing and engaging in clinical and public health rotations with local experts. In line with our commitment to best practices in global health, clinical rotations and public health activities in CFHI are strictly observational. Participants join the local team as learners and observers in India.
Estimated One-Time Expenses
* Fees vary based on medical history and insurance coverage
**Check with your university's Global Opportunities Office for their pricing
Estimated Monthly Expenses
*Fee amounts are calculated with an exchange rate from LOCAL CURRENCY at the time of posting.
Additional Expense Information
The host site fee includes:
CFHI program fees cover comprehensive pre-departure training and support, including access to interactive learning modules, cultural preparation tools, and virtual orientation led by CFHI’s team. On-site inclusions are housing, two meals per day, clinical and public health placements with oversight and supervision by local professionals, Spanish classes (in Latin America), local transportation to program activities, 24/7 local support, and international emergency medical and evacuation insurance. Participants are responsible for round-trip airfare, a third daily meal, visa and vaccination fees (if applicable), and any personal or leisure activities outside of the program. Learn more about CFHI scholarship opportunities here.
*This amount includes CFHI partner discount for OSU students.
All housing is screened by CFHI Local Coordinators and follows CFHI’s health and safety guidelines. In Delhi, participants stay in an apartment located in a safe neighborhood. At the apartment, there will be a local caretaker on site who will cook and provide cleaning. In Dehradun, interns stay with carefully selected homestay families. Accommodation also includes 2 meals a day. In some cases, CFHI scholars share a room with fellow program participants of the same gender.
“My time with CFHI in New Delhi was truly transformative, both personally and professionally. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a supportive and enriching environment that allowed me to grow and learn in ways I had never imagined.
The CFHI program provided an exceptional range of clinical experiences. I had the chance to observe and participate in various medical practices, which enriched my understanding of healthcare delivery in a resource-constrained setting. The hands-on experience, coupled with insightful lectures, deepened my knowledge and skills.
The mentors and healthcare professionals involved in the program were outstanding. Their dedication to teaching and their willingness to share their expertise created a nurturing learning environment. They were always available to answer questions and provide guidance, which made the experience even more valuable.
CFHI’s program in New Delhi offered a profound cultural experience. Living in such a vibrant city allowed me to immerse myself in Indian culture, traditions, and daily life. This aspect of the program was incredibly enriching and helped me develop a broader perspective on global health issues.
The program is designed with a strong emphasis on community health. I appreciated how CFHI integrates community service into the experience, providing meaningful opportunities to engage with and contribute to local communities. This aspect of the program was particularly rewarding and highlighted the importance of giving back.
The CFHI team was exceptionally well-organized and supportive throughout my stay. From pre-departure preparations to on-the-ground support, everything was handled with professionalism and care. Any concerns or issues were addressed promptly, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Participating in the CFHI program in New Delhi was an incredibly enriching experience that I will cherish for years to come. It provided me with invaluable clinical exposure, cultural insights, and personal growth opportunities. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in gaining hands-on healthcare experience while making a meaningful impact in a global context.”
Phan H., 2024
“Spending a month in New Delhi through CFHI’s Global Health Program was truly one of the most transformative experiences of my medical and public health journey. The program offered a rare blend of clinical exposure, public health education, and cultural immersion allowing me to grow both professionally and personally. Through rotations with major hospitals and nonprofit organizations, I saw firsthand how healthcare is delivered in resource-limited settings with innovation, empathy, and deep community involvement. I was especially moved by the home-based palliative care model, where patients and families are cared for with dignity and compassion. I also engaged with programs addressing infectious diseases, substance use, and sanitation gaining a more nuanced understanding of social determinants of health and systems-level interventions. Equally impactful were the cultural experiences that gave me insight into the rich history and diversity of India. In Delhi, I explored landmarks like Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the Lotus and Akshardham Temples. On weekends, I traveled to Jaipur to see the Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal, visited the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, experienced spiritual serenity at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and found peace in Rishikesh with yoga and a traditional aarti ceremony on the Ganges River. This program helped me become a more reflective, culturally sensitive future physician. It challenged me to think beyond clinical care and consider how public health, community context, and culture intersect in healing. I highly recommend CFHI to anyone passionate about global health, equity, and personal growth. The lessons and memories from India will stay with me for a lifetime.” Robel T., 2025
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 15
Spring: November 15
Summer:
- Open to all students with an interest in healthcare
- Pre-med or public health courses and prior experience in a healthcare setting is recommended, but not required