- Home
- All programs
- Global Health in South Africa (Cape Town)
Global Health in South Africa (Cape Town)
Program overview
South Africa, often referred to as “The Rainbow Nation,” is celebrated for its rich multiculturalism and multilingual diversity. This diversity has evolved from a tumultuous history marked by Apartheid, the formalized system of racial segregation. 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. Before the end of Apartheid, the majority Black population in South Africa had limited access to healthcare. Today the country’s healthcare system provides free or low-cost care to a significant portion of the population. Notably, South Africa has implemented innovative strategies for HIV/AIDS prevention and care.
Travel to Cape Town, known as the “mother city”, and one of South Africa’s most picturesque urban centers. Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa. Here, you will gain firsthand insight into the daily healthcare challenges faced by the newly established healthcare system. This program provides an in-depth look into the healthcare system and the most pressing healthcare challenges in South Africa. Choose to rotate at either a large public hospital or at a pediatric hospital specializing in trauma care; shadow local healthcare personnel to learn firsthand about determinants of health and novel approaches to meet the health needs of Cape Town’s population.
Explore the beauty of Cape Town while immersing yourself in South African culture by staying with a host family. During free time, participants can visit historical sites such as Robben Island and organize weekend trips to the Paarl and Stellenbosch regions or tour the Peninsula to visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
General information
South Africa
Communicable diseases
Global Health Nursing
Hospital & Inpatient Medicine
Pediatrics & Child Health
Primary health care
English
4 Weeks - $3135
5 Weeks - $3825
6 Weeks - $4510
7 Weeks - $5195
8 Weeks - $5880
9 Weeks - $6570
10 Weeks - $7255
February 1st, 2025
March 1st, 2025
April 5th, 2025
May 3rd, 2025
June 7th, 2025
July 5th, 2025
August 2nd, 2025
September 6th, 2025
October 4th, 2025
November 1st, 2025
February 7th, 2026
March 7th, 2026
April 4th, 2026
May 2nd, 2026
June 6th, 2026
About this program
- Location
- Accommodations
- Arrival Information
- What's Included
- A Day in the Life
- Things to Do
- Alumni Advisor
Cape Town is located on the southwestern coast of South Africa, near Cape Hope, the southernmost point in Africa. Flanked by the magnificent Table Mountain on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the natural beauty in and around Cape Town is awe-inspiring. With first-world infrastructure, it attracts tourists from all over the world for its natural beauty, history and famous places such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The city also boasts fascinating museums, lots of culture and art, and some of the country’s best beaches.
One of Cape Town’s hidden gems is the warmth of its people. The diversity and Cape Town’s ethnic make up speaks to its history as a main port of entry to the southern tip of Africa – Malay, Blacks, Whites and other mixed nationalities. It is knows as the capital of the mixed race, also known with the South African term “coloured”, who speak their own language (Afrikaans- a sister language of dutch) and have their own cultural practices. As with most South African cities, Cape Town is structured according to class, the richest being closest to the city center and the poorest being the furthest away.
The major languages in the Western Cape include Afrikaans, English, Xhosa and Sotho. English is spoken by almost everyone, even if it is their second or third language.
Program participants will find their home away from home in carefully selected homestays, screened by CFHI Local Coordinators in Cape Town and following CFHI’s health and safety guidelines. Nestled within a middle-class suburban neighborhood in the Cape Flats area of Cape Town, these homestays offer the perfect blend of comfort and authenticity. In some cases, CFHI scholars share a house or a room in the same homestay with fellow program participants.
Going beyond mere lodging, staying with a local South African family provides a unique opportunity to learn about the local culture. Accommodations include two meals per day. At the welcome orientation, participants will be instructed on culture and work etiquette to have the best experience in both homestay and the health settings.
Participants should arrive in Cape Town, South Africa on the program start date. They will be picked up from the airport by a CFHI representative and taken to their homestay. A welcome orientation will take place the Sunday after arrival.
Visas are not required for U.S. citizens staying less than 3 months in South Africa. More information on travel and logistics will be provided by CFHI after acceptance into the program.
What’s Included
CFHI Program fees include the majority of your on the ground costs. As a nonprofit, CFHI strives to keep fees low and offers fundraising opportunities, scholarships and discounts.
Pre-Departure Support
- Program advising and support via email, phone, and web meeting from CFHI’s Central Leadership team
- Detailed online Pre-Departure Training that includes modules on program logistics (flights, visas, immunizations, and more), intercultural learning, introduction to health realities at your program site, and much more
On-Site Services
- Airport pick-up upon arrival and transportation with a local CFHI representative to your program lodging
- Welcome orientation 1-2 days after arrival covering safety, transportation, and other logistics
- CFHI Local Team that provides instruction, logistical support, and 24/7 emergency response
- Meetings and lectures on local healthcare system, socio-economic determinants of health and current cultural/historical topics.
- Placement and coordination of clinical and any public health activities (if relevant)
- Accommodation and two meals per day
- Local cell phone or support obtaining a local SIM card
- International emergency medical and evacuation insurance (unless waived by your university or institution)
Post-Return Resources
- Opportunities to engage as a CFHI Alumni Ambassador, reviewing scholarship applications, speaking on CFHI panels, and more
- Access to CFHI alumni-only social media group/s featuring news and career opportunities related to Global Health
- CFHI alumni newsletter highlighting events, professional development opportunities, resources, and ways to stay involved
Uniquely, 60% or more of CFHI student program fees go directly to the communities they will be visiting, benefiting the local economy at large.
A typical day in a CFHI program is a blend of immersive learning, cultural exploration, and personal reflection. Participants begin their mornings with breakfast at their homestays. Clinical rotations will usually take place five days a week, for 6-8 hours each day, generally from 8 am to 4 pm. Transportation will be provided to and from clinical sites. The clinical site assignments and schedule are shared by the local team upon arrival. Dinner will be served by the host family in the evenings. Weekends are free of program-planned activities.
Be advised that South Africa is experiencing frequent scheduled power outages (known as load-shedding). Power outages do not affect clinical rotations, and outage schedules are generally known in advance so that South Africans and visitors are able to plan accordingly. This means that there are likely to be times each day when electronic and communications devices cannot be used and flashlights/backup power sources will be utilized. Hot water may also be affected during load-shedding hours. We suggest coming prepared- bring books, cards, and conversation skills to develop your host family relationships during these outages.
Cape Town has some of the worlds most beautiful and interesting sights. CFHI participants have free time most evenings and weekends, and may choose to organize weekend trips to nearby destinations and take part in cultural activities offered within the city of Cape Town itself.
During the first few days in South Africa, participants may have the opportunity to participate in an educational day-long tour of Cape Town, focusing on the history of Apartheid. By visiting the Apartheid museum and the various neighborhoods that were razed and its inhabitants forcibly removed because of their race, history is not something that is just in the books, one can see first hand how it has shaped every facet of daily life for millions of South Africans.
Olivia Johnson
Olivia Johnson is a sophomore at Princeton University, pursuing an education in Molecular Biology and Global Health Policy. In addition to her position as a CFHI Alumni Advisor following her 8 week program in Cape Town, she is a Matriculate Advising Fellow, CampusRec Spin Instructor, and serves on the Princeton Premedical Society Executive Board.
Clinical Rotations & Public Health placements
Meet the Local Team
Avril Whate
Cape Town Medical Director
Avril Whate - CFHI Cape Town Medical Director
The local Medical Director oversees and arranges all clinical and public health-related activities and is also responsible for coordinating healthcare and emergency services for participants as needed. They coordinate a cadre of preceptors who mentor and supervise program participants at clinical health sites.
The Medical Director in Cape Town is Ms. Avril Whate, a Certified Nurse Practitioner who has been working in Cape Town for over 20 years. Ms. Whate has an extensive background in trauma nursing, midwifery and nursing management, managing a primary healthcare facility and community projects. She has been Medical Director for the Cape Town CFHI program since 2004.
Avril enjoys working with CFHI students because it allows her to learn about “global health concerns, its values, but most importantly, the impact it has on communities and individuals alike.” She will be responsible for your weekly medical education and will work to arrange your clinical rotations according to your level and interests. When she is not working, Avril enjoys traveling.
Marion Williams
Cape Town Local Coordinator
Marion Williams - CFHI Cape Town Local Coordinator
The CFHI Local Coordinators manage the logistics of housing, transportation, and cultural immersion throughout the program. They are a valuable resource for any questions related to navigating the program locale, cultural norms, and tips on planning weekend travel. CFHI’s Local Coordinator in Cape Town is Ms. Marion Williams. Ms. Williams has an extensive network of wonderful host families and coordinators that will make participants’ stay in Cape Town unforgettable. As a native Capetonian, she is a great resource for questions related to navigating Cape Town. Marion has been a part of CFHI since 2003 and also worked as an Artist Logistics Assistant for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival from 2002 to 2006. She enjoys working with young people and exploring different places in South Africa. She has extensive experience hosting visitors from other countries for various conferences, tours, and educational programs, so she will ensure you have a smooth cultural adjustment.
Eligibility
This CFHI program is ideal for participants who are 19 years of age or older, who have an interest in fields related to pediatric & child health, hospital & inpatient medicine, primary health care and communicable diseases. You do not need to be a student to be eligible for this program; mid-career professionals, GAP year learners, and others are also welcome. This program will provide an in-depth overview of pediatric & child health, hospital & inpatient medicine, primary health care, and communicable diseases in South Africa through rotations within hospitals in Cape Town. To confirm your eligibility, please read CFHI’s general eligibility requirements.
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global roadmap set forth by the United Nations General Assembly to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure the well-being of all individuals by the year 2030. This program highlights the following SDGs.
What alumni say about this program
How to Apply
Create profile
Submit application
Hear back from CFHI team
Complete pre-departure training and requirements
Let The World Change You
