Bolivia has the highest percentage of indigenous peoples in Latin America, the Quechua and Aymara ethnic groups alone making up approximately half of the population of this diverse country. This program is based in the capital of La Paz, a cosmopolitan city confronting inequities between social classes and ethic groups. Nationwide indigenous groups have less access to public health insurance and only 30% of indigenous women give birth in hospitals. In fact, in Latin America, unequal access to healthcare is still the number one killer of moms and kids (World Bank). In the last 10 years, however, political changes have meant improved access to health and educational services for the poorest of the poor including a focus on social services provided by the government for children and adolescents.

Become immersed in Bolivian culture and language through conversational and medical Spanish classes while living with a local family in La Paz. 

This program is based in La Paz, Bolivia’s third most populous city and a center for commerce, finance and industry. Located at an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet the ‘city that touches the sky’ lies between the Altiplano high mountain ranges of the west and Las Yungas, an area of tropical mid-elevation valleys. Temperatures average in the 60s year round, but can dip below freezing at night.

Take part in rotations at pediatric clinics and hospitals in and around La Paz, including the largest children’s hospital in the country, recognized as a major research hospital conducting work to influence national health policy. Rotate alongside local physicians, residents, and medical students in wards such as obstetrics, oncology, inpatient, infectious disease and nephrology. Gain experience in working with largely indigenous populations in resource poor settings and come to understand the socioeconomic and cultural barriers they face in accessing services for their children. In addition to clinical rotations, participants can choose to volunteer with local non-governmental organizations that cater to the needs of underprivileged children and families.

Participants stay with homestay families, chosen and screened by the CFHI Local Coordinator. Homestay families are generally middle class and live in downtown La Paz, often in high-rise apartment buildings. Homestay families are located in close proximity to one another and the language school, allowing participants to walk to language classes and meetings with ease.

Approximate Program Dates:
This program offers a start date once per month. Students may choose program dates that best suite their program.

Requirements:
This CFHI program is open to fourth-year medical students.  The program offers a perspective on pediatric health in Bolivia largely through visits and experiences within hospitals and clinics, as well as Spanish classes with medical Spanish instruction. To confirm you may apply, please read CFHI's general eligibility requirements.  

Minimum Language Required: Beginner 1 Spanish or Above*
 

CMU Office of Study Abroad Scholarship:

Scholarships in the amount of $500 are available for faculty-led programs and students studying abroad for eight weeks or longer in the summer are eligible for up to $750. Scholarships for semester participants range from $500 - $2,500. For more information, please contact the Office of Study Abroad.

Additional Scholarships:

For information about scholarships for which you may apply on campus and nationally, please visit the Scholarship page.