Internships in South America

I had the most amazing time during my internship in Colombia, I loved the work I did there and felt so accomplished in my placement. My coordinator Mariana was the most amazing person and we were so lucky to have her to help, she was so willing to assist with all issues and planned such amazing excursions. My experience was so life changing and has made it so clear to me that I want to continue to travel in my life.

From riding the teleférico above the city to observing fascinating procedures and talking to medical professionals to exploring breathtaking salt flats and forests, everyday of my CFHI program in La Paz, Bolivia was exciting, educational, and perspective-opening. I had the opportunity to observe a variety of medical specialties in different settings, including private and public from physical therapy to neurosurgery allowing me to explore my interests. While observing procedures and patient exams was very educational, I learned the most in my conversations with doctors, medical students, and hospital professionals. They shared helpful insights on working across cultural barriers and the resource limitations experienced both by patients and medical institutions. I was able to interact with patients through non-clinical tasks such as play therapy which helped me to truly engage. While the language barrier sometimes hindered my full understanding, my clinical rotations were a great opportunity to challenge myself to ask questions, getting greater exposure to a wide range of specialties and patient cases. My homestay was much more than an accommodation — it was a deep, lifelong connection. I have forever gained an abuela in Bolivia, who I hope to stay in contact with forever. She deeply cared about my comfort and wellbeing as she shared her cooking and culture with me and my roommates. I felt strongly supported by my local team and felt my Spanish and health classes really supported my learning. Although it challenged me, I learned so much by delivering a case study to my class and medical director. La Paz is an incredibly vibrant city and a fascinating mix of strong traditions and modern comforts. There is so much to do in the city! Some of my favorite memories include watching a Jazz-Traditional show, a local soccer match, and visiting the El Mercado de Brujas. I loved visiting historical sites and museums through the program, especially the Tiwanku ruins, San Francisco Church, and the National Art Museum. I made the most of my free time on weekends to see the breathtaking nature of Bolivia through trips to Isla del Sol, the Cloud Forest, and Uyeni Salt Flats. My travels not only gave me a sense of adventure, but helped to better understand the bigger cultural picture. Through my time with CFHI, I developed a strong sense of cultural humility and a greater understanding of the social determinants of health, especially disparities faced by those of lower socioeconomic status and those in rural areas. My experience helped me to grow as a future medical professional and as a conscious human being. I would highly recommend this experience to any student looking to expand their perspective through global travel under ethical, safety-focused leadership.