My name is Rosemary Dwoben, a medical student at the University of Cape Coast - Ghana. I joined the CFHI Durban program in April 2026, and it quickly became one of the most transformative parts of my medical training. As a 5th‑year medical student, I was eager to see how global health looks in practice, and CFHI’s philosophy of “letting the world change you” truly came alive during my time there.

One of the highlights was living with the Siwela family. Their warmth, indigenous meals, and openness to cultural exchange made me feel at home while also teaching me about Zulu traditions. I vividly remember evenings spent discussing health and family, which gave me a deeper appreciation of how culture shapes care. In the clinics, I was struck by the emphasis on doctors getting to know patients personally. They consistently showed empathy and a non‑discriminatory approach, which created a welcoming environment and reminded me that medicine is as much about relationships as it is about treatment.

Of course, the journey wasn’t without challenges. My university exam schedule shifted multiple times, forcing me to arrive late and miss nearly a week of the program. While disappointing, the CFHI team was understanding and supportive, which helped me settle in quickly.

Overall, CFHI Durban offered me both clinical exposure and cultural immersion. It wasn’t just about learning medicine—it was about seeing health through the lens of justice, equity, and community. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to students seeking a meaningful global health experience.

I really enjoyed the month that I spent in Durban, South Africa with CFHI. As a fourth-year medical student, I felt able to contribute to the team by taking patient histories, performing physical exams for new patients, and joining the team on rounds. I saw unique cases including cryptococcal meningitis and HIV-associated wasting, a condition that is now relatively rare with the invention and increased access to antiretroviral therapy. I also strengthened my clinical skills by learning more in-depth physical exam maneuvers, which were especially important in a system where rapid access to X-ray, CT, or ultrasound imaging is not always available to confirm a diagnosis. I also spent a week in various clinics and hospice sites where I saw firsthand the challenges of an overburdened healthcare system, as well as the ways nonprofit organizations have developed innovative approaches to support hospice patients.

I also can’t forget to mention the beauty of the KwaZulu Natal Province and the opportunity to learn more about Zulu culture during my time there. I would highly recommend this experience for anyone who is passionate about global health, particularly HIV/AIDS and chronic disease management, as well as those interested in working in Sub-Saharan Africa.

My experience in Durban, South Africa with CFHI’s Global Health Program was truly transformative. I gained hands-on exposure to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and non-communicable diseases, working alongside dedicated local physicians in resource-limited settings. The local team’s passion and willingness to teach made this experience both educational and deeply impactful.

Beyond clinical work, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in South African culture and explore its incredible history. From hiking Table Mountain in Cape Town, visiting Nelson Mandela’s historic sites, and spotting rockhopper penguins, to trying Durban’s famous Bunny Chow, every moment was unforgettable.

This experience strengthened my passion for global health, patient advocacy, and health equity. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to broaden their medical and cultural understanding while making a meaningful impact.

CFHI’s global health program in Durban was an incredible opportunity to observe healthcare in a new setting. I rotated through surgery, pediatrics, community clinics, and an HIV/AIDS center, gaining a broader perspective on patient care and healthcare challenges. The physicians and medical staff were welcoming and eager to teach, making the experience both engaging and educational.

Beyond clinical exposure, I had the chance to explore Durban and Cape Town, immersing myself in the local culture and gaining a deeper appreciation for global health. This program was eye-opening and gave me invaluable insight into medicine in a resource-limited setting.

The internship provided me with a very enriching opportunity to explore the complexity of HIV management in the South African context. With a variety of healthcare environments such as hospices, hospitals and clinics, I got to experience first hand the operation of the three-tier healthcare system of South Africa in a ver populous and predominantly Zulu province. The culture of the Kwa-Zulu Natal was fascinating from their marital parches to their language via their colourful fashion, I absolutely loved being immersed in this dynamic environment. I even learnt some Zulu! The South African country is also incredibly beautiful and I was lucky enough to explore some highlights like Cape Town or Kruger National Park. Overall, the internship was the most defining experience in my public health career thus far.

The Healthcare Challenges program in Cape Town and HIV/AIDS & Healthcare Challenges program in Durban were amazing experiences that taught me much about the field of medicine. We were able to shadow in a variety of healthcare settings, including large hospitals, small community clinics, and hospices, and in many different medical specialties, including general surgery, pediatrics, primary care, and obstetrics. We had fantastic support in South Africa and were given the opportunity to travel throughout the country, from the Garden Route of the Western Cape, to safaris of KwaZulu-Natal, and the mountains of Lesotho. South Africa is a beautiful country with a vibrant culture and rich history. I cannot wait until I get a chance to visit South Africa again!

The best part of this experience was the ability to communicate with people since English is a required language for people who attended school there . The country and its people welcomed us with open hearts and open arms and it changed me so much as a person. I am even considering grad school in South Africa. It's interesting that the people I met in Cape Town were more welcoming, accepting, and treated me so much more kindly than the people that were in the program. Still, I would not take back any of it because I made life-long friendships and connections that I will always cherish.

Enjoyed my time in Cape Town. The program was well organized with plenty of opportunities to explore my medical interests. The program coordinators were always accessible and eager to get you acclimated. The housing was colder than I'm accustomed to but there's a lack of indoor heating and it was winter at the time. It felt like fall so still not much of a complaint. I worked at Red Cross war memorial children's hospital and found the experience amazing. Great doctors, access to seminars, tutorials, and plenty of patients. The only true negative is the safety in Cape Town. Although I never encountered a problem, I have heard stories of people being robbed so I kept my guard up. Other than that, a great all around program that also teaches you a great deal about South African history and culture.