Child Family Health International

The program was outstanding, and the people at CFHI both in the US and while in Mexico were all committed to the wellbeing of the participants and the communities they serve. I am so thankful for having had the opportunity to go abroad with CFHI -- what an adventure! Beautiful beaches, fun music, local food, and surf lessons filled the afternoons and weekends. And best of all, this vacation-like experience included an altruistic mission: supporting the health of the local community. With subtle lessons in cultural competency, the daily experiences abroad have forever made me a better healthcare practitioner to all patient populations. It was both humbling and rewarding to provide primary care in the local health clinics of rural towns surrounding Puerto Escondido. Now, back in NYC, I realize that I am more understanding of many of my patients, in particular who are immigrants, who struggle with a language barrier, or who are from cultures different than my own. Lastly, I am thankful for the language skills acquired in Mexico during the Spanish classes as well as in the clinics, on the beach, and at the homestay. Knowing Spanish, especially medical Spanish, enables me to provide better care for many of my Spanish-speaking patients and allows me to pursue a greater diversity of career opportunities. I am a nurse; now back in school to become a Nurse Practitioner. I have student loans and very little time off from school; regardless, I found a way to be an international volunteer. If you like traveling, enjoy challenging yourself, and aspire to be the best healthcare professional you can be, then make the time, find the funds, and go abroad with Child Family Health International – ‘let the world change you’.

I just finished volunteering with the Child Family Health International organization in Oaxaca, Mexico. I absolutely loved this experience. I am extremely thankful for being able to maximize my Spanish speaking ability during the experience. I stayed with a Mexican host family which had a very limited ability to converse in English . The hospitality that my host family provided was excellent. They made very authentic Mexican and Oaxacan foods, and accompanied me to different regions of Oaxaca to explain the location to me. The program itself was a mix of clinics and Spanish courses, but there was enough time for sightseeing and exploration of the city of Oaxaca. The language school had a great director who facilitated everything related to the stay, including allowing for changing the host family if there was any discomfort. The language school director also gave us advice on where to visit around the city, as well as tourist locations in Oaxaca. To conclude, I had a fantastic time in Oaxaca. I got to learn Spanish, as well as benefiting significantly from the clinical primary care experience, while learning the differences between the Mexican and American Health Care systems, as well as having ample time to visit various locations in Oaxaca. If I had the opportunity, I would surely visit Oaxaca again, and do this program all over again!

Being apart of CFHI's Intensive Beginner Spanish and Healthcare program in Oaxaca, Mexico during the month of October 2013 was by far one the most amazing experiences I have had so far in my lifetime. I had a great time learning about the health system in Mexico and becoming more fluent in the Spanish language. Through CFHI's program I was able to gain a lot of first hand experience in Mexico's health system. I volunteered at a rehabilitation center where I was able to work with disabled children. Then I rotated through one of Oaxaca's hospitals and a clinic targeted towards the low-income population of Oaxaca. As a pre-med student I found the exposure to be really beneficial to anyone that hopes to one day work in the health field. Being able to see the similarities and differences between American and Mexico's health systems was an interesting comparison. One of my most memorable experiences I had through my rotations was being able to witness a child birth. Besides gaining insight on the health system and learning Spanish, exploring and just being in the city of Oaxaca was wonderful. The city is beautiful, full of culture, and easy to explore. Thank you CFHI for the awesome experience!!