More photos from this internship can be found here
Located in central Argentina, Córdoba is the country’s second-largest city, known for its colonial architecture and rich landscapes. Argentina has made major strides toward universal health coverage, though economic and social inequalities remain. This program offers the opportunity to learn from local experts through rotations at some of Latin America’s oldest and most prestigious teaching hospitals.
The internship begins with a two-week preparatory phase focused on cultural immersion, Spanish language development, and hospital readiness training. This includes introduction to Argentine Spanish and hospital-specific terminology, understanding clinical communication and hierarchy, and developing skills for ethical engagement and effective participation in hospital environments. Following this preparation, participants transition into the clinical experience phase for the remaining 8 weeks, where they engage in rotations across outpatient, emergency, and inpatient settings.
In addition to health activities, you will enhance your Spanish skills through language classes, while immersing yourself in Argentinian culture and staying with local host families. Visit here the most up-to-date details and full program information.
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 Argentina.
Budgeting Note: Estimated costs are based on typical internship-related costs and a modest standard of living. Each intern’s costs will vary based on lifestyle choices (eating out vs. cooking or eating provided meals, taking taxis vs. walking or taking the bus) and recreational spending (travelling on days off, expensive hobbies, etc.).
The Host Site Fees include:
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 IE3 students
** Fees vary based on medical history and insurance coverage
*** Check with your university's Global Opportunities Office for their pricing
All housing is screened by CFHI Local Coordinators and follows CFHI’s health and safety guidelines. Participants in this program stay with carefully selected homestay families. Beds, bedding, and bathing towels are provided. Accommodation also includes 2 meals a day. Homestays are situated in middle-class neighborhoods in downtown Córdoba with excellent access to public transportation, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Most homestays are in high-rise apartments, a common feature of urban living in Córdoba. In some cases, CFHI scholars share a house or a room in the same homestay with fellow program participants.
All CFHI Latin America programs include Spanish language instruction as an integral part of the experience. Participants attend classes, practicing conversational and medical Spanish. These lessons support communication during the experience and deepen cultural understanding. For those looking to accelerate their language learning, an intensive Spanish option is available at most sites, offering additional hours of instruction.
“I am an undergraduate student from the United States studying Health Sciences with a minor in Spanish. I chose CFHI's Global Health in Argentina because it perfectly encompasses my interests in language and healthcare studies. I had a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend this program! I spent days shadowing at the local hospital, practicing Spanish, and learning about the local culture. It was truly a one of a kind experience where I was fully immersed in the beautiful culture and learned about the world on a global scale.
The hospital shadowing experience was very well-rounded as I was able to observe pediatrics in dermatology, rehabilitation, mental health, emergency, and surgery. Everyone at the hospital was very welcoming and made it a great learning environment for me as an observer. I got to learn and understand the Argentinian healthcare system first hand and absorb all that I could learn from those experiences. Throughout my two weeks in Argentina, I was constantly challenged in my communication skills as I practiced the Spanish language. The patience of my host family and those in the hospital went a long way. Living with a local host family was another major part of the experience and something that is now very special to me. My host family was extremely welcoming and taught me a lot about Argentina through their perspective. As soon as I arrived, I was connected with the local coordinators and the other CFHI students. I appreciate CFHI because I felt supported every step of the way and the coordinators made sure that all aspects of the program were well organized. This experience has shaped me as a student, professional, and individual. I built so many long-lasting relationships and Córdoba, Argentina will now hold a special place in my heart forever.” Sarah R., 2024
“I was fortunate to be a part of the CFHI program in Argentina. This program was an immersive experience that provided me with invaluable information about Global Healthcare and specifically the culture and practices of medicine in Argentina. Going into the program, I knew I was going to be placed in hospitals. However, I was unaware of just how supportive the CFHI staff was going to be, they truly made my experience the best it could possibly have been. CFHI provided incredible host families that made me feel at home and welcome in my month spent across the world. They also talked closely with the coordinators in the hospital to make sure each student was taken care of based on their individual interests. The program also expanded farther than just the medicine present in Argentinian hospitals, providing us students with cultural immersion classes covering topics such as tango, wine and history. These additions made the experience more holistic and thus it was able to contribute to me as a person and not solely just as a future healthcare provider. In addition, I would like to mention the quality of the staff that CFHI has employed. I was blessed with three amazing program directors (Carlos, Charly and Agustín) who served as helpful advisors, fierce advocates, strong support systems and wonderful friends. The staff was available at all hours and willing to assist in any issues that appeared during the trip. CFHI and their staff are what made the experience one that I will cherish for the rest of my life and I cannot put into words just how grateful I am for this organization.” Cameron K., 2022
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 15
Spring: November 15
Summer:
- See Qualifications & Requirements section