I really enjoyed immersing myself in the foreign culture. I truly believe that the best way to make the most of a study abroad experience is to actively seek out new experiences, be adventurous, try new foods, etc. I got to this all of this while creating strong freindships and relationships with my peers and program staff.
What I wish was different
I really enjoyed this program and I feel like there is little to no things that I would change about this program. However, I do wish that my friends had not gotten sick, as it hindered some of the activities we were able to do for some few days.
Advice
If you are someone who is thinking about doing study abroad, I would definitely recommend doing it! Studying abroad, in my personal experience, was definitely worth it, as I learned so much not only about myself but about the another place and its people and culture. This experience ultimately allowed me to step away from this bubble of my life and truly gain a global understanding of other realities that exist around the world. I believe this is a perspective and skill we should all gain.
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Ophthalmologist shadow and Public health research assistant
June - August 2019 • New Delhi, Delhi
What I liked
Opthalmology:
- Experience working beside doctors in all units (refractory clinic, diagnostics, surgery, eye bank)
- Experience in both charity and private institutions
-Outreach, how basic tools are used to evaluate health in areas with no medical access (rural)
- Seminar sessions with current medical students/residents.
Public health
- Depth into the experience of NGOS
- Co-operation with individuals in the medicinal/ social health/ non-profit industry allowed for honest communication about the limitations of their systems.
- Produced valuable research and data analysis for non-profit SPYM working with young male offenders with addiction (aged 6-17)
- Worked in the areas of HIV&TB, LBGTQ, midwifery in rural areas (SWACH), homelessness, addiction, youth homelessness.
What I wish was different
- The organisation of the programs
- The advertising of the program, very outdated - not representative of what was received
- Honest information about finances and expectations whilst on the program
- More time spent working with an individual NGO
Advice
- Honestly talk with previous applicants of the program about their experience before applying
- Must be an individual open to new experiences, a Go-with-the-flow attitude
- Requires an individual with the confidence to actively seek out changes if necessary.
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Global Health Intern
August - September 2019 • La Paz, La Paz Department
What I liked
Being immersed in Spanish in the pediatric health setting was a wonderful experience for a premedical student like me. I appreciated the opportunities for career exploration, research, and sustainable volunteering. I really enjoyed learning about public health from professionals navigating the system of a developing country. The preceptor physicians were kind and wanted to impart knowledge.
What I wish was different
I wish there was more opportunity for hands on research/volunteering and less focus on orientation to the city
Advice
Practice Spanish before arrival and attempt to only use Spanish to communicate to get the most improvement in your language skills
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Social Media Intern
June - July 2019 • Oakland, CA
What I liked
Everyone I worked with was super friendly and professional. They understood my unfamiliarity with the field and made me feel as comfortable as possible.
What I wish was different
I wish I could’ve explored the city some more!
Advice
Don’t forget to think outside the box! There is no perfect answer for social media, be creative!
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CPGC Intern
June - July 2018 • Oaxaca de Juárez Municipality, Oaxaca
What I liked
I loved the CFHI staff and my Spanish teachers. I also really appreciated the guidance from the various doctors that I shadowed in Oaxaca.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Intern
June - August 2018 • Arusha Chini, Kilimanjaro Region
What I liked
Having the opportunity to be able to travel across the world to help individuals in a health care setting.
What I wish was different
Nothing. The experience allowed for me to feel every emotion possible which has made me grow as a person.
Advice
Take any opportunity you get when it comes to internships abroad because it really allows for you to experience so many different things!
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Premed Intern
June - August 2017 • Tarija, Tarija Department
What I liked
This internship was incredibly hands-on, and provided a very in-close look into practicing medicine, especially in the area of rural health.
What I wish was different
Some of the work in a couple of the clinics could get highly repetitive. It would have been nice to rotate into other clinics during this time, but this problem was not reflective of the internship as a whole.
Advice
Be proactive in communicating with your local director and local physicians so that you can position yourself in the specific clinics and in the specialties you want to see the most.
