Impact Made From a Nonprofit Education Internship in Malawi
“Professionally, it has helped me find my career path and I am forever grateful for that. I know that I will be returning to Malawi soon!” - Shayani Jones Read…
NONPROFIT EDUCATION INTERNSHIP IN MALAWI
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
HELP TRAIN LOCAL TEACHERS, AND DEVELOP AND RUN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
If you’re training to be a teacher, studying education or pedagogy, or if you’re a teaching professional looking for a way to use your skills in a purposeful way, this teaching internship in Malawi might be an excellent opportunity for you. Based in a welcoming community on the banks of Lake Malawi, you’ll join a primary school that was founded to address the lack of quality education in the area. You’ll be an essential part of a small but dedicated team of educators, passionate about providing an excellent learning environment for over 200 children.
Depending on your skills and experience, you’ll teach classes, help offer training for local teachers, and develop and run afterschool programs. You also have the opportunity to help raise awareness for the school through newsletter, social media, and fundraising campaigns. It’s a great opportunity to get some teaching experience, develop your skills in the education field, and to help provide quality education to children who otherwise would not have access to it.
Learning Outcomes:
- Practical teaching experience in a primary school
- An understanding of the education needs in a rural African setting
- Experience in developing extracurricular activities and youth clubs
- If desired, experience in digital communications and fundraising
- International work experience
ORGANIZATION
You’ll be part of a primary school that was set up to address the lack of quality education in this rural part of Malawi. The school teaches over 220 children from broad socio-economic backgrounds; for every paid space at the school, a sponsored space is offered to a child from a family that struggles financially. Classes are kept small for Malawian standards; around 30 children are in a class, as opposed to double – or even triple, which is common. Kids are also offered a free nutritious meal on a daily basis.
Through a combination of British and Malawian curricula, the school aims to produce students who are independent thinkers and fluent English speakers. This will enhance their chance of getting a good job later in life, which will hopefully help lift their families out of poverty.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
As a teaching intern on this program, you’ll be part of a team of eleven teachers, and you’ll be able to gain practical experience in standing in front of a class. Your exact work will be tailored depending on your knowledge and experience, so that you’ll gain the type of experience that you’re looking for, and you’ll be able to use your skills effectively. You’ll be supervised by the co-founder of the school, who has over a decade of teaching experience.
Responsibilities
Depending on your skills, your tasks will include:
- Teaching lessons in different subjects
- Developing and hosting after school activities and clubs
- Helping provide teacher training to local teachers
- Helping develop the curriculum
- Working alongside four local nurseries that the school supports, and assisting them with their early childhood development programs
- Assisting with online communications and fundraising activities for the school
Requirements
- Be a student in the educational field or an education professional
- Ideally have some practical teaching experience
- Have a passion for providing high-quality education
- Have flexible attitude and an openness to working in a culturally diverse setting
- Be strong communicator
- Come ready with ideas and be capable of working independently
You’ll stay at a popular backpackers in the northern town of Nkhata Bay. Located on Lake Malawi, with views of palm trees and green-blue water, this lodge has an idyllic location and a relaxed vibe. You’ll enjoy a private beach, beautiful gardens, a lakeside bar, and communal spaces. The rooms are comfortable 6 bed dormitories, although there are options of upgrading to single chalets (at an extra fee). The lodge is a hub for people who are volunteering their time at different communities and environmental projects in the area, so you can expect to share this space with like-minded people.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Malawi is considered to be safe for tourists, however, being a developing country with poverty, there is petty crime. Keep your belongings securely stored and close to you, don’t walk alone in the dark, and report any suspicious behavior that you may see to the accommodation/host organization.
Communication
Communication
You’ll be able to use your phone in Malawi with roaming data turned on or a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked. Visit Airtel or TNM stands for a SIM and purchase 1000MK ‘Airtime’ (for calls), and a data bundle. Wi-Fi is not an amenity offered in Malawi, so you will need to buy data bundles from a provider for work and personal use.
Meals
Meals
A meal package is included for the first month that suffices for two meals per day (breakfast and lunch/dinner). For the next months you can either book a meal package or eat locally. There is also a small kitchen available for basic cooking. Meals are prepared through Mkana Cafe, the restaurant on-site. The menu includes many international dishes and is also vegetarian-friendly. Make sure to notify us in advance of any allergies/dietary needs.
Location details
Location details
Nkhata Bay is a lively ferry port on the shores of Lake Malawi with a bustling market which is one of the biggest cultural influences on the area. It offers many activities, such as snorkeling, boat/kayak trips, energetic football matches, and beach ventures. Explore Malawi via coach buses and boats, especially the iconic Ilala Ferry, which has been active since 1951.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Start and end dates of the internship are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,149
12 weeks USD 2,500
16 weeks USD 2,851
20 weeks USD 3,202
26 weeks USD 3,729
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits
- Accommodation in a dorm room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices
- Breakfast and dinner daily for the first month
- Laundry service
- Housekeeping service
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Lilongwe
- Transport from Lilongwe to Nkhata Bay (approximately 400 km) – we can help you arrange this in advance
- Transport to the project/office
- Data package for internet connection (for work and personal use)
- Meals after your first month; 2 meals (breakfast & dinner) are included for the initial month. For the remaining duration, you can prepare your own meals or opt to extend the meal package.
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Lunch, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing).
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Malawi.
What can I expect from an internship in Malawi?
You can expect to foster a unique connection with the local community, as well as having many opportunities to explore various projects during your internship. If you wish to know more about what to expect, make sure to read our blog from a previous intern who traveled to Malawi!
How long can I do an internship in Malawi?
The minimum length of our internships in Malawi is two months, but the ideal length is closer to four months, if possible. This ensures you have an adequate amount of time to make a tangible impact. Luckily, the length of our programs is customizable so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!
Can I get university credit for an internship in Malawi?
Yes, but you must ensure with your supervisor that your university approves this. You can also purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
How can I prepare for an internship in Malawi?
Personally, you can prepare by learning about the history and culture of Malawi and reflecting on your internship goals, and we’ll be here to help you with the rest! Ask us any questions you may have about placement logistics, matchmaking, check-ins, advice on visa/insurance, or anything else you may think of. If you wish to know more about preparing for your internship, you can check out our ultimate guide to NGO internships in Africa!
Will I receive a stipend during my Roots internship?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid so we’ve put together a few tips on how to fund your internship. There will be opportunities for professional and personal growth and you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable!
REVIEWS
Roots Interns connected me with the perfect organization to grow my personal and professional skills. With their help I was able to travel to Malawi and be a part of projects that make a tangible impact in the community. I was able to see first-hand how nonprofits function in a developing country and the work I did made changes that I could see reflected in my time on the ground. This internship changed my career goals by exposing me to a whole new way of working and I couldn’t be more thankful to Roots Interns for the role they played in giving me this experience.
Amanda, American – Indiana Universtiy
Community Development Internship, Malawi
Malawi will forever hold a deeply special place in my heart! The team at my host organization and in the community were so welcoming that I grew to feel fully part of life in Malawi. I got the chance to explore all around the country while being immersed in the culture and making incredible new friends. Being based on the shores of Lake Malawi was truly like waking up in paradise each morning and there were plenty of activities and adventures to be had. Each day brought something new and my internship abroad has truly shaped my future.
Amanda, American – Indiana University
Community Development Internship, Malawi
Interning in Malawi allowed me to not only work on their current projects, but also venture off on my own to make new connections within the community. I was able to meet so many different community leaders, teachers, mentors, and coaches within Nkhata Bay and surrounding villages. I feel like I was able to not only bring new knowledge and ideas to the people of Nkhata Bay, but also learn so much from them and develop in my own way. It was truly a beautiful experience that I will always be grateful for, and has encouraged a future of volunteering and traveling.
Kya, American – Harris-Stowe State University
Community Development Internship, Malawi
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Nkhata Bay, Malawi
PROJECT FOCUS : Education
TASK FOCUS: Education, Teaching, Curriculum Development
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 2,149
FEATURED REVIEW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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