More photos from this internship can be found here.
South Africa, often referred to as “The Rainbow Nation,” is celebrated for its rich multiculturalism and multilingual diversity. Since the dismantling of Apartheid in 1994, South Africa has made significant strides in enhancing its infrastructure, education, economic opportunities, and healthcare services for underserved populations. Notably, South Africa has implemented innovative strategies for HIV/AIDS prevention and care. CFHI offers two programs in South Africa that offer an in-depth look into the healthcare system and the most pressing healthcare challenges in South Africa.
In the picturesque urban center of Cape Town, you will shadow local healthcare personnel to learn firsthand about determinants of health and novel approaches to meet the health needs of Cape Town’s population. Choose to rotate in the internal medicine or pediatric department at a large public hospital, or at a pediatric hospital specializing in trauma care.
Alternatively, visit the beautiful coastal city of Durban, where you will learn about health realities and determinants of health by observing clinical and public health activities in various settings, including a tertiary level public hospital, and in private clinics, hospices and NGO’s. Learn about infectious and non-communicable diseases from health experts and witness first-hand the challenges faced by the post-apartheid public health care system.
In both programs in South Africa, you will immerse yourself in South African culture through cultural activities and living with local families. Visit here to learn more about CFHI South Africa internships.
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 South Africa.
Fee amounts are calculated with an exchange rate from LOCAL CURRENCY at the time of posting.
Budgeting Note: Past interns have suggested that interns may want to bring additional money so that they may participate in the wide range of activities Cape Town and surrounding areas have to offer. Do some research about suggested activities for visitors and the related costs and think about if you will need to budget additional funds. Visa fee based on requirements for U.S. citizens.
Host Site Fee Details:
The host site fee from CFHI 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 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. In some cases, CFHI scholars share a house or a room in the same homestay with fellow program participants of the same gender.
“My experience in Durban, South Africa with CFHI’s Global Health Program was truly transformative. I gained hands-on exposure to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and non-communicable diseases, working alongside dedicated local physicians in resource-limited settings. The local team’s passion and willingness to teach made this experience both educational and deeply impactful. Beyond clinical work, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in South African culture and explore its incredible history. From hiking Table Mountain in Cape Town, visiting Nelson Mandela’s historic sites, and spotting rockhopper penguins, to trying Durban’s famous Bunny Chow, every moment was unforgettable. This experience strengthened my passion for global health, patient advocacy, and health equity. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to broaden their medical and cultural understanding while making a meaningful impact.” Fathi A., 2025
“Wow! Before embarking on my CFHI trip to Cape Town, South Africa, I truly didn’t know what to expect. Looking back, I can confidently say that it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! From the clinical learning at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital to the warm hospitality of my homestay family, the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town, and the support of the CFHI team—every aspect of the trip exceeded my expectations. One of the highlights was staying with a local host family. The families who opened their homes to us were incredibly kind, welcoming, and accommodating. They made us feel at home from day one, offering not only a place to stay but also cultural insights, home-cooked meals, and a sense of community. It was an amazing way to truly immerse ourselves in the local way of life. The CFHI coordinators were phenomenal. Whether it was helping us navigate transportation, answering our questions, or ensuring we had everything we needed, they were always available and ready to assist. Their dedication made the experience seamless and stress-free. The hospital experience was equally eye-opening. Being part of the pediatric surgery team at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital gave me an invaluable perspective on how medicine is practiced in a resource-limited setting. I witnessed diseases and conditions I had only read about in textbooks and saw firsthand how doctors rely heavily on clinical skills and creativity to provide care when diagnostic resources are limited. The physicians and healthcare workers were not only skilled but also incredibly compassionate and dedicated, which was truly inspiring. And then there’s Cape Town itself—absolutely breathtaking! It felt like something out of a dream. From the stunning coastline and rugged mountains to the unreal sunsets and rich cultural history, every moment spent exploring the city was unforgettable. Whether hiking up Table Mountain, visiting the Cape of Good Hope, or simply taking in the ocean views, there was always something incredible to see and do. I wholeheartedly recommend CFHI to anyone considering an international medical rotation. More importantly, I cannot recommend the Cape Town program enough! It was a life-changing experience that deepened my appreciation for global health, expanded my clinical knowledge, and left me with memories that I will cherish forever.” Natan H., 2025
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 15
Spring: November 15
Summer:
- Pre-med, pre-nursing, pre-pharmacy, public health, and other pre-health courses
- Prior experience in health care settings preferred