Programs

Argentina, Cordoba

This program begins with three weeks of rotations followed by two weeks interning with a particular hospital or clinic, shadowing local medical or public health professionals.

Depending on your primary area of interest, your focus in the beautiful university city of Córdoba will be either Hospital Medicine, Primary Care and Social Medicine, or Nursing. Applicants should indicate their interest areas when they apply. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about the Argentinian government's efforts to provide care to a large percentage of the population without health insurance. Join lectures and discussions on case studies with local residents and medical students. Shadow healthcare professionals in various rotations in specialties including infectious disease, HIV/AIDS, surgical care, oncology, dermatology, pediatrics and psychology. Rotate alongside healthcare providers at clinics, hospitals, and community health centers in the second largest city in Argentina. As you shadow professionals, you will learn more about low-income and immigrant patient populations who do not have access to private insurance, and accompany their important work including patient education, disease prevention, and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses.

Córdoba is known for its beauty, tourist sites, and gastronomy. Since the 2001 Argentinian economic collapse the country has been on a path toward greater economic growth and social inclusion. In recent years here has been a concerted effort to provide universal health coverage to the entire population through a decentralized network of primary and secondary clinics and hospitals. A shift in public health policy in Argentina in recent years has meant more funds for the public healthcare system, resulting in the increase of access, services and quality.

Through this program, learn from local experts about hospital medicine, primary care, or nursing through rotations at some of the oldest and most renowned teaching hospitals in Latin America, such as the premier infectious disease hospital and the largest public pediatric hospital in the region. Witness government efforts to provide care to a large percentage of the population without health insurance. Join lectures and discussions on case studies with local residents and medical students. Shadow healthcare professionals in various rotations in specialties including infectious disease, HIV/AIDS, surgical care, oncology, dermatology, pediatrics and psychology.

While you learn about local health realities, become immersed in Argentinian culture and language through conversational and medical Spanish classes while living with local college students or families in Córdoba.

CFHI is considered a global health ethics leader and CFHI programs uphold strict standards and comply with all local laws regarding student involvement in health settings.

Possible Clinical Rotation & Public Health Placements

Pediatric Hospital- Learn from local pediatricians providing free or low cost care to children between 6 months and 14 years of age at this public hospital. General pediatric consult is provided daily, including a 24-hour emergency care. The hospital houses numerous wards including ophthalmology, internal medicine, traumatology, rehabilitation, emergency medicine, speech therapy and surgery, odontology (for adults and children) to name a few. This facility also has a well-known dermatology department. Staff conducts skin cancer prevention and education campaigns in the community. The hospital receives approximately 500,000 patients year.

Research Hospital- This tertiary public hospital has a mission “to provide free care to the poorest of the poor.” This site is recognized as a leading scientific research center and teaching hospital offering lectures for medical students and residents. Through rotations learn from specialists in internal medicine, intensive care, cardiology, neurology, nephrology and plastic surgery departments. The hospital has one of the most respected residency programs in Argentina and is also renowned for thoracic and neck surgeries and other high-risk procedures.

Tertiary Care Hospital- Join the staff of this dynamic and busy hospital and experience the challenges of providing tertiary care in a resource-limited setting. This facility is the largest tertiary public hospital in Cordoba and is the main referral hospital for complicated cases. The hospital is open 24 hours and offers specialties including cardiology, nutrition, diabetes, oncology and ophthalmology. The hospital also houses a burn unit and serves as the main transplant center in the region.

City Emergency Hospital- This 70-bed facility has 4 operating rooms and receives over 90% of all emergency cases in the city. It specializes in providing care for trauma cases and other life-threatening diseases, and treats the majority of cases related to car accidents and work-related or sports injuries. Join dynamic healthcare teams offering outpatient and inpatient emergency care to about 1,200 patients a day.

Primary Care General Hospital- This public hospital has a mission “to provide free care to the poorest of the poor.” As most public hospitals, it offers primary healthcare services as well. Eeveryday staff at this hospital perform around 100 consultations. Here, federal and public health awareness campaigns on sexual and reproductive health, vector-borne disease prevention and maternal and child health are provided, all essential components of primary health. This site is also recognized as a leading scientific research center and teaching hospital offering lectures for medical students and residents. The hospital has one of the most respected residency programs in Argentina.

Pediatric Primary Care- Learn from local pediatricians providing free or low cost care to children between 6 months and 14 years of age at this public hospital. General pediatric consult is provided daily. Besides numerous specialty wards including ophthalmology, internal medicine, traumatology, and emergency medicine, pediatric primary health care encompasses health supervision and anticipatory guidance, which includes monitoring physical and psychosocial growth and development and provision of first contact care and coordinated management of health problems requiring multiple professional services. The hospital receives approximately 500,000 patients a year.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

Through ethical engagement with patients and populations, articulate the relationship between health and the social determinants of health.
Demonstrate an understanding of cultural and ethical issues in working with and learning within the context of underserved populations.
Outline assets, health needs, health challenges and inequities among different communities.
Recognize the barriers to health and healthcare delivery in low-resource settings.
Demonstrate a commitment to professional behavior while working collaboratively with health care team members and being respectful of differences in knowledge, practices, and culture.
Identify the major causes of morbidity and mortality affecting the populations across the world.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

2.5 cumulative GPA
Completion of 4th semester Spanish
Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Language Prerequisite(s):
4th Semester Spanish
Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
Good academic and disciplinary standing
At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Global Health

Classroom Language

Spanish

Housing

Local Hosts

Program Duration

Five weeks with start date of either early June, early July, or early February.

Application Deadline(s)

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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The study abroad program is approved as a field experience for the Global Health Certificate.

Students are enrolled in International Studies 523: Culture & the Global Workplace, a 3-credit online course that includes internship reflection and academic consideration of culture and cross-cultural relations in the global workforce. You will interact with a UW-Madison instructor and other UW-Madison students doing internships in various fields around the world. The International Internship Program (IIP) coordinates the course and more information is here.

Students have the option to add 1-3 credits of directed/independent study with a UW-Madison faculty member. Students identify and set this up on their own and it must follow campus policy for directed study.

When adding a directed study or other coursework it is important to consider the many responsibilities you will have while abroad: a full-time internship, IS-523 online course, independent travel, etc. You are strongly discouraged from enrolling in more than six credits.

Program Web Pages

Child Family Health International (CFHI) Argentina Program

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Location

Cordoba is the second largest city in Argentina, a country located at the southern tip of South America, renowned for its educational and cultural accomplishments. Cordoba is located about 800 miles from the capital of Buenos Aires. Cordoba, boasting a population of over 1 million, is located in the foothills of the Sierras de Cordoba, or Cordoba Hills. The weather is mild, ranging in the 70-80's in the summer and 50-60's the rest of the year.

Cordoba has more universities than any other city in Argentina, with over 20% of the population attending nine local universities. Its architecture, food and inhabitants reflect a strong European influence. Pizza, gelato and all types of pasta, with a South American twist, are common. Cordobeses, inhabitants from Cordoba, are known throughout Argentina for their hospitality, warmth and sense of humor.

Housing

Stay in homestays chosen and screened by our Local Coordinators in Cordoba. All homestays are located in the downtown area, in middle class neighborhoods, with convenient public transportation and close to a variety of shopping and entertainment districts. Most homestays are in high-rise apartments, a common feature of urban living in Argentina. They are located in close proximity to one another. In some cases CFHI participants may be housed with others in the same homestay, but will always have their own bed.

CFHI participants may live with Argentinian university students, couples with young children, working professionals or retirees. Homestays provide a unique opportunity to learn about local culture and practice Spanish skills on a daily basis in an informal setting. Accommodations include 2 meals per day. At the welcome orientation, participants will be instructed on recommended transportation from homestays to clinical rotations and other activities, as well as getting around the city.

Program Considerations

In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.

For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.

How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.

We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.

Excursions and Activities

Cordoba is teeming with cultural and recreational activities, such as live theater, musicals, concerts and museums, like The Medical and Anatomical Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum, and a museum dedicated to the victims of Argentina’s infamous military dictatorship. Outside of the city, Cordoba offers many options for nature lovers, such as hiking the various mountain ranges, as well as enjoying lakes, waterfalls and small farming villages that dot the countryside.

CFHI may be limiting personal travel outside of Córdoba during program dates due to current global health realities. Please plan travel outside the city to take place outside of of official program dates.

On-Site Support

Carlos Giavay Waiss, JD- CFHI Cordoba Program Director:

Carlos oversees the logistical as well as clinical and public health aspects of the program. Carlos and his team arrange clinical rotations, supervise the participant experience at these sites and provide instruction on public health topics during weekly meetings. Carlos cooperates with local physicians and healthcare personnel at each rotation site to oversee each participant’s experience.

Carlos has worked for CFHI since 2012 and is the founder and president of a local non-profit organization working with foreign exchange students. He graduated with a law degree from Cordoba University and has taken graduate courses in business management and economics in Italy and the U.S. He was Dean of Student Affairs at a national law school and municipal attorney for the city of Cordoba. As a teenager, Carlos lived in Alaska for a year as a foreign exchange student. This experience sparked his passion for intercultural exchange and international travel. He enjoys working with CFHI students who have an interest in the social and cultural aspects of health. In his free time, Carlos enjoys working on his garden, going on hikes and local gastronomy.

Andres ‘Charly’ Alegre and Antje Koenig- Local Coordinators:

Both Andres and Antje assist Carlos with organizing housing, airport pick up, orientation, weekly meetings and other logistics for all participants.

Charly was born in northern Argentina and moved to Cordoba to attend University. He participated in a cultural exchange program in Montreal in 2012, sparking his love for travel and culture. He loves working with CFHI students, sharing his country and culture with students from abroad. During his free time, he enjoys watching movies in English, trekking and learning other languages.

Antje is a native of Germany and moved to Bolivia in the late 80's. She met her husband and had her 4 children in Bolivia, later moving to Argentina where she finished her degree in Psychology and Foreign languages. She also has taught courses at local University in Psychopedagogy and German. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, taking long walks in the hilly countryside around Cordoba and spending time with her family.

Orientation

We expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience.

Participants are required to attend the International Internship Program's pre-departure orientation as well as any pre-departure sessions offered by CFHI.

Guidance from CFHI staff before departure

• 1-2 pre-departure webinars with live Q&A

• Program-specific materials with information on making travel arrangements, visa requirements, recommended immunizations, etc.

• Virtual Pre-Departure Training (PDT)

After arrival, you will receive an on-site orientation from the local CFHI team covering safety, transportation, and other logistics.

Visa

Visas and reciprocity fees are not currently required for U.S. citizens staying less than 3 months in Argentina. More information on travel and logistics will be provided by CFHI after acceptance into the program.

Getting to Your Program

You are responsible for arranging round-trip transportation to the program site. Participants should arrive to the city of Cordoba on the program start date and will be picked up from the airport by a CFHI representative and taken to their homestay. A welcome orientation will take place the Sunday or Monday after arrival.

Please note that you are required to schedule your flight to arrive at Cordoba's International Airport between 9am-9pm on the program start date. This is required and not simply recommended to reduce burden placed on the coordinators and home stays in Cordoba having to welcome students outside of these hours and to eliminate challenges that arise in arranging transportation. There are many options for flights arriving to Cordoba, so you should not have a problem scheduling a flight within this time frame. CFHI may be flexible where needed (i.e. arriving a day early or late), however this recommended arrival window is essential.

Insurance

If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.

All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.

Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.

Financial Aid

UW–Madison students can typically use their financial aid on UW–Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.

Beginning in 2026-27, the Office of Student Financial Aid will require all incoming undergraduate students to submit a CSS profile.

Review our financial aid and funding your experiences pages for more information.

Scholarships

Check out our scholarships page to find:

A scholarship chart listing internal and external opportunities, with descriptions, deadlines, and amounts.
Timelines of when UW-Madison study abroad scholarship applications open and close.
Tips for writing scholarship essays.

Find scholarships

How to Apply

First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.

There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.

Next login to the IAP Online Application.

Wondering when applications will open for this program?

View our application schedule.

After the Deadline

IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.

Session

Application Status

Disclosure

Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.

International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.

Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.

This program is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. We have a team that works with each program. Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.

Enrollment Manager

For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.

Rebecca Johnson (Make an appointment with Rebecca Johnson, or email rebecca.h.johnson@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

For questions on program experience, academics, housing, visa, health safety, student identity, funding and scholarships, returned student resources.

Rebecca Johnson (Make an appointment with Rebecca Johnson, or email rebecca.h.johnson@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

For questions on billing, funding and scholarships, financial policies.

Judy Humphrey (judy.humphrey@wisc.edu)

RETURN TO TOP

CFHI Global Health Internships in Argentina

Argentina, Cordoba

Learning Objectives

Diversity & Inclusion

Sustainability

Request Information

Eligibility

Advising Location

Program Structure

Subjects

Classroom Language

Housing

Program Duration

Application Deadline(s)

Program Web Pages

Course Equivalents

Location

Housing

Program Considerations

Excursions and Activities

On-Site Support

Orientation

Visa

Getting to Your Program

Insurance

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Returned Student Network

Student Quotes

Photos

How to Apply

Wondering when applications will open for this program?

After the Deadline

Disclosure

Enrollment Manager

Study Abroad Advisor

Financial Specialist

Alumni And Friends

Internships