Health Care Volunteering in Oaxaca, Mexico

During my 4 weeks in Oaxaca, I spent 2 weeks at Hospital Civil where I had the opportunity to rotate through the emergency department, labor and delivery, and the operating room. Each setting offered valuable learning and exposed me to a wide range of clinical scenarios in a resource limited environment. In the emergency department, I observed the management of acute conditions and gained insight into rapid clinical decision making. In labor and delivery, I was able to participate in patient care during critical and emotional moments, which reinforced the importance of compassionate, patient centered care. In the operating room, I observed surgical procedures and developed a deeper understanding of teamwork and technique. The local physicians and staff were incredibly welcoming and committed to teaching. They made a strong effort to include us in patient care and explain their clinical reasoning, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. In addition to my clinical experience, my time in Oaxaca was shaped in meaningful ways outside of the hospital. Living with a host family gave me a genuine look into daily life and culture in a way that you simply can’t get as a visitor. From sharing meals to everyday conversations, I felt welcomed and supported, which made the experience feel much more personal. The language school was another highlight. It helped me build confidence in my Spanish and gave me a supportive space to improve my communication skills. That growth extended beyond the classroom and helped me feel more connected overall. Outside of structured activities, I also had the opportunity to experience Oaxaca’s culture through its food, traditions, and strong sense of community. These experiences added depth to my time there and reminded me how important cultural understanding is in both life and medicine.

This previous fall quarter, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico! I completed an internship with Child Family Health International (CFHI) through their Global Health in Mexico (Oaxaca) program. In Oaxaca de Juárez, I completed a total of 180 hours of clinical rotations at clinics, a hospital, and a rehabilitation center. I visited the following sites: Centro de Salud Urbano No. 1 "Dr. Manuel Martínez Soto,” Hospital General "Dr. Aurelio Valdivieso," Centro de Salud Colonia América, Centro de Salud Tlalixtac de Cabrera, Centro de Salud Urbano 04 Fracc. El Rosario IMSS Bienestar, and Centro de Rehabilitación Infantil Teletón (CRIT). During these rotations, I shadowed medical professionals during general medical consultations, surgical procedures, and physical therapy sessions. I also developed a deeper understanding about systemic barriers within the Mexican healthcare system. Additionally, I visited rural communities in the Sierra Norte, Aguaje del Zapote, and Chacahua. In the Sierra Norte, I learned about traditional medicine from local curanderas and parteras. This is an accessible alternative to allopathic medicine that uses natural remedies from indigenous practices. In Aguaje del Zapote and Chacahua, I learned about Chagas disease and Dengue. I also accompanied Dr. Isabel Saucedo and Don Julio, a vector specialist, to conduct public health inspections in the communities. I also helped deliver presentations about relevant health topics at local primary schools in Puerto Escondido. Being selected as a recipient of the CFHI UC Davis Quarter Abroad Scholarship opened a new door for me. As a first-generation college student, navigating the higher education system can be challenging. This experience reaffirmed that persistence and resilience lead to deeply rewarding opportunities. Studying abroad was a dream come true and a meaningful investment for my future. It has left a profound impact on my academic and professional trajectory, ultimately igniting my interest in pursuing a career in surgery. I am incredibly grateful to the faculty, mentors, and peers who made this such a memorable and transformative experience. Special thanks to Dr. Yvette Flores, Dr. Mónica-Torreiro Casal, Dr. Magaly Chavez, Martha Canseco, and Sandra Rivera.

Spending a month in Oaxaca was more than just a medical experience—it was an immersion into a healthcare system deeply intertwined with culture, resourcefulness, and community. Shadowing physicians in clinics and hospitals, I saw firsthand how providers balanced modern medicine with traditional healing, where resources were scarce but compassion was abundant. I witnessed systemic health challenges firsthand—patients traveling hours for medical attention, hospitals working with limited supplies, and families playing a crucial role in their loved ones’ care. This experience taught me that medicine is not just about treating illness but about understanding the patient’s beliefs, environment, and access to care. Outside of the clinical setting, Oaxaca’s rich culture embraced me—dancing in the streets during festivals, tasting mole in a bustling mercado, and connecting with local healthcare teams who welcomed me as one of their own. This experience reinforced that medicine is universal, but healing is deeply personal, shaped by history, tradition, and human connection.

Oaxaca was everything I hoped it would be. I got so much experience improving my Spanish by speaking with the locals, and everybody I had the pleasure of interacting with was extremely kind and gracious to me. I also had SO many opportunities to expand and explore my artistic journey, including painting a mural, which led to two more opportunities for me to create art for businesses outside of the program. I made so many friends, and re-discovered my true passion for art and illustration. This trip sparked my interest in traveling solo more often, and I can confidently say Mexico has such a magical soul.

Child Family Health International understands how to lead the nation in global health experiences in an ethical and educational manner. They value the local community, and work to partner with them so that participants can recieve a full cultural immersion. I shadowed in different clinics each morning, learning about the Mexican healthcare and insurance systems. I learned so much from observing the local healthcare providers and engaging in open conversations with them! In the afternoons, I took Spanish classes that were tailored towards medical vocabulary. Our evenings and weekends were free to explore the wonderful city of Oaxaca and make memories that would last a lifetime! I felt safe, supported, and encouraged my entire time abroad. I learned so much more than a classroom could have ever taught me and my Spanish improved immensly. This experience changed my life and made me a better human, as well as a better future physician. I learned empathy, independence, and adventure and I cannot wait to continue exploring the world of global health!

I spent three months in Oaxaca studying psychology. Understandably, this is a difficult discipline to study as an intern due to the often confidential nature of the work. Despite this, I felt that the program coordinator Carlos did a great job connecting me with local psychologists to learn, assist with presentations, practice Spanish, observe therapy sessions, and even lead sessions on my own. I wanted to learn what it would be like to work as a psychologist and I feel Adelante helped me reach this goal. I also was afforded plenty of time and flexibility to travel throughout Oaxaca and to spend time with my brilliant housemates. The language courses were much-needed and I felt much more prepared going into my work placement having that introduction. The best part of this experience for me was the housing placement. Myself and the girls I lived with were placed with an extremely hospitable family from Oaxaca. Talking with them was the best practice I had for my Spanish. They were also some of the most pleasant people I have met and I felt they really embraced me as part of the family. If you are thinking of traveling with adelante, I recommend it. It was extremely affordable compared to other programs I have seen. The process was as stress-free as possible, from the pre-departure materials and interviews, the arrival and integration with language classes, and the departure, everything was well-organized. It was also important to me to have independence and to be able to tailor the program to my goals, and this was fulfilled. Everyone I worked with from Adelante was pleasant and helpful. If I decide to study away again, I will likely choose adelante. If you are thinking of traveling to Oaxaca, also, I recommend it. Some of the best food I’ve had on my travels, some of the kindest people I’ve met, and some of the best places to visit, from the vibrant city to the ruins to the mushroom mountains and to the beaches on both sides. One could spend a lot of time studying and traveling Oaxaca, and by the end, they will want to make it home. Carlos was great as a program coordinator. If you have any concerns about speaking Spanish, I entered the program knowing a decent amount of Spanish but mostly unable to communicate at all with native speakers without great trouble. Through the classes and being integrated I quickly grew in confidence and was able to communicate much more clearly. if you have any specific questions about the program you want to ask a former participant, I am happy to chat. My email is [email protected]. Bon voyage.

CFHI offers sites across the world for a variety of students, and I absolutely loved my rotation in Oaxaca, Mexico as a medical student. This trip was specifically designed to help us learn about medicine in Latin America, with a focus on appreciating healthcare disparities. We were able to shadow physicians in many specialties in government-run clinics and even the Civil Hospital of the city. From outpatient work, to prenatal care, and even surgeries and the Emergency Department, we were able to participate and learn so much. In the afternoon's, part of your learning was Spanish class, tailored to your level of fluency. Even as a fluent speaker, the expertise of our teachers was apparent and they helped me learn so much about Medical Spanish and grammar. They have host families for us to live with who in my experience were absolutely so kind and excited to have international students (and cooked AMAZING food). Overall, I felt I learned so much for my future career in medicine and what I can do to serve internationally and locally, all encompassed in a beautiful, historic city with so much to do and see.

I did a legal internship in Oaxaca for three months and had the best time. I had great roommates, a kind host family and the best internship placement. The spanish lessons at the beginning were so helpful and I can definitely say that my spanish has improved and I also learnt so much from my internship. The internship isn't too intense and leaves you with plenty of time to explore the city and participate in other classes and activities. This was the experience of a lifetime, really helped with my university application and I will definitely be returning to Oaxaca!

Working for a civil engineering and architecture firm in Ecuador was the best way I could have spend the summer before my senior year of college. The program staff did a great job of preparing me for what my experience was going to be like abroad. My time in Ecuador stated with two weeks of one-on-one Spanish classes which dramatically improved my ability to speak the language. I lived with an Ecuadorian family which also helped improved my Spanish skills. My host mom cooked incredible traditional food and informed me on the best places to visit throughout my time. During my internship, I learned specific vocabulary necessary for working in a construction field, learned the differences between construction and engineering requirements in Ecuador and in the States, and learned how to communicate professionally in Spanish. I spent all of my weekends exploring different cities and places in Ecuador and learning more about their culture. These two months were an incredible experience and I cannot wait to return to Latin America.

I spent 3 months doing a business/marketing internship. I applied on late notice and everything was organised for me very quickly and I am hugely grateful for that! My internship was wonderful. All my colleagues were extremely accommodating of me and I have gained a valuable experience from working with them. Oaxaca de Juarez is a truly beautiful city with lots to do - after 3 months here, it feels like a second home. I cannot recommend Oaxaca enough! I had one of the best experiences of my life! Thank you Adelante!

In compliance with my university, I needed to complete an unpaid internship or study abroad for academic credit. I said why not both? Adelante Abroad helped me find an internship that aligned with my values and introduced me to an entirely new place I had never been before. Oaxaca is a special place that any creative should go to at least once in their life. This is the center of where your experience can be extremely impacted because of Oaxaca's huge artisan community. Therefore, when it came to my experience and my internship they helped contribute to how much I learned and grew as a designer and a person.

I had a fabulous time during my time in Oaxaca de Juarez. I found the introductory Spanish lessons at the local language school to be invaluable. The teachers shared some really useful tips on local hotspots and made lessons interesting and fun. Equally my internship with a Printing Studio was a great experience and I loved being part of their team. I really noticed the positive impact that the placement and language school had on my competence in speaking Spanish. One of my favourite things about my time in Mexico was the housing. The landlady Irma, her son Octavio and the cleaner Leti all made me feel so welcome and helped me settle in with ease. I would say the program is catered for more independent people but would recommend it to anybody as an incredible opportunity. I would love to go back!

I went to Oaxaca, Mexico with CFHI for a month. This was my first time practicing medicine abroad and I appreciate how careful they were about making sure that I only did what I was qualified to do unlike other programs which sometimes let premeds do things way above their level. They were always available which made me feel safe at any point I was in Mexico. My home stay, clinics and hospitals I visited, and Spanish school were all set up and ready to go upon my arrival. I rotated through peds, surgery, internal med, L&D, ED... My medical director was extremely receptive of what I wanted out of my experience. I got way more out of this experience than I could have possibly imagined. I previously shied away from short missions trips because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to fully immerse myself in the culture and really get something out of it while giving back. This trip with CFHI was perfect because my role often fell at the same level as it would be in the US which made it easier to feel immersed into the environment. The only down side is that it was quite expensive, but CFHI did help cover half my funds with a scholarship which was easy to apply for. A month was also the perfect amount of time to get to know plenty of people, learn medical knowledge in Spanish, and get to know the area well enough that I would feel comfortable visiting another time (which I can't wait to do). I absolutely recommend it to any other med (or nursing) students!

I loved my trip to Oaxaca, Mexico with CFHI! The organization is very well run- they were there for me every step of the way and helped me organize all of my travel plans, and ease any of my pre-travel concerns. They even offer scholarships, which is a great opportunity for those who need a little extra help funding their trip! Oaxaca is a beautiful city to visit, lots of unique culture! My Spanish school and homestay exceeded my expectations! Seeing different aspects of their healthcare system was also really rewarding and got me thinking a lot about what I want my next steps in healthcare to be! All in all, I would definitely recommend CFHI, and this program!

I recently got back from my experience in Oaxaca, Mexico this January. Not only was it great to get out of the cold, but the amount of learning and cultural experience was absolutely impeccable. To start off, the home stay was perfect. As a vegetarian, I was a little bit nervous with the meals that would be served, fortunately I was perfectly placed in a home with vegetarian hosts! For those in the home who weren't vegetarians, meat was still courteously provided for them. I was able to experience and learn about the private and public sector in healthcare through my visits in two different clinics, a private and public hospital, and a rehabilitation center for adults and children. On the weekends I visited some of Oaxaca's most treasured sites such as the ruins of the ancient Zapotecs at Monte Alban. All in all I would recommend this experience to anyone who wants to learn more about healthcare in a different country. I feel confidant that this experience will help me in my job search as graduation approaches!

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!!