For our newest Student Spotlight we introduce CFHI Alumni Ariel from California. In June this year Ariel chose our program Healthcare Challenges with focus on Hospital & Inpatient Medicine, HIV/AIDS and Global Health Nursing. She went to Cape Town in South Africa for 5 Weeks. A few months after her return, we asked for a short reflection on her adventure:

CFHI Alumni Ariel in South Africa

A little about Ariel:

I am a third year biological sciences major at UC Davis. After graduating from Davis I want to pursue a career in health by becoming a nurse practitioner or PA. Studying abroad was one of the experiences I was most excited for when I came to college. When I heard about an internship abroad opportunity through CFHI it seemed like the perfect fit.

Why she chose CFHI:

I chose CFHI for a number of important reasons to me. First, I wanted to experience living in a new country to really understand the culture and daily lives of another part of the world. I chose Cape Town because the city seemed like such a lively place with so much to do and so much history to learn about regarding Apartheid. The best way to truly get a feeling for another way of life is to immerse yourself in the country’s culture. I had never been to Africa so I was super excited to learn about a new continent and compare the healthcare challenges with the ones we face in the States. Also, volunteering at Community Day Centers and observing procedures at a pediatric hospital in Cape Town were unlike any other opportunities I had had in the past. Through CFHI, I was able to witness healthcare first hand and be a part of a typical day for physicians right in the middle of the action.

What is next for Ariel:

Taking part in a CFHI program opened my eyes to the different fields of medicine and global healthcare. Before I went to Cape Town, I thought I was set on going into nursing. After going through rounds with med students, watching surgeries, and attending lectures and tutorials, the experience influenced me to consider a PA program. Also, it confirmed my inclination that I want to work in pediatrics. I plan on becoming involved with one of the student run clinics at UC Davis to get more experience with patients. If I was given the opportunity after I become licensed, I would definitely work in a hospital in another country for a longer period of time.