HELP RAISE VITAL FUNDS FOR VULNERABLE ANIMALS IN PORTUGAL WHILE DEVELOPING A DIVERSE COMMUNICATIONS PORTFOLIO
This is an incredible opportunity for those who want to use their marketing and fundraising skills to make meaningful change within the environmental conservation sector. For this communications internship, you’ll join a passionate team at an animal sanctuary in rural Portugal. As a Marketing and Fundraising intern, you’ll help craft and share compelling messages that raise awareness, engage supporters, and generate vital donor support.
Your work may involve developing and implementing fundraising campaigns, creating content for digital platforms, and contributing to outreach strategies. From writing engaging social media posts to designing donor communications, you’ll play a key role in amplifying the organization’s mission. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit marketing, while contributing to the care and rehabilitation of vulnerable and mistreated animals.
Learning Objectives
SOS Animal is driven to improve animal welfare throughout Portugal and beyond. They have a main office, as well as a veterinary hospital, in Lisbon which are open to the public, and have set up an animal sanctuary in the Santarém region of Portugal, which is home to a rich variety of native animals and plant species.
The organization offers free veterinary care to animals from low-income and vulnerable households and has set up a successful animal sterilization program whereby they have performed over 3000 sterilizations. They have also found new homes for over 600 rescued animals and have given almost 10,000 free veterinary consultations to families in need.
Alongside providing medical treatment and care to animals, the organization aims to share important information relating to animal welfare and environmental issues impacting flora and fauna more widely. They do this through the dissemination of studies, running clarification sessions and hosting lectures and other educational activities. This nonprofit also contributes scientific research and data to help manage communities of stray animals, and promote initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare across the public and private sectors.
In 2013 and 2016, the organization featured on seasons 1 and 2 of the program, ‘SOS Animal’, broadcasted on Portuguese television. And again in 2019, they appeared in the first season of the program, ‘À Descoberta Com’ which had approximately 500,000 viewers per episode.
As a Marketing and Fundraising intern in Portugal, your tasks will be tailored to align with your interests and the current needs of the organization.
You will stay at the organization’s sanctuary outside of Lisbon, where accommodation is provided in a fully furnished house offering both single and shared bedroom options. The house includes bed linen, a shared kitchen for preparing your own meals, communal living spaces, and an outdoor pool (June-Sept) for relaxation. Wifi is available throughout the property, and a cleaning service is included. Groceries can be purchased in the nearby town or ordered online for delivery. Please be aware that this is a remote, rural location, well-suited for those who appreciate a quiet, nature-based lifestyle. It is not located in a bustling city, and amenities or entertainment options are limited—perfect for individuals comfortable with solitude and simplicity. You’ll have opportunities to travel to Lisbon or beyond on the weekends.
Portugal is considered a safe destination for travel. Crime rates are low, but pickpocketing and handbag snatches do occur in tourist destinations, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Stick to populated areas and always know how to safely return to your accommodation.
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy.
Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad.
The accommodation is self-catering and meals are not included. The consumption of meat and fish is not allowed in the sanctuary. You can also opt to order food from an online supermarket which will be delivered to the sanctuary.
Located in rural Portugal outside of Lisbon, you’ll be based at the organization’s sanctuary, situated 5 km from the nearest small town. Santarém, perched on a plateau along the River Tagus, offers a picturesque setting of rolling hills and golden wheat fields. Nestled in the river itself is the fairy-tale Castelo de Almourol, considered one of Europe’s most beautiful castles. While you’ll have the chance to travel to Lisbon on weekends, daily life during your internship will be rooted in the peaceful, quiet rhythms of farm life.
Internships are available from January until November. They have fixed start and end dates (generally twice a months), which will be discussed with you during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 weeks EUR 1,848
8 weeks EUR 2,901
12 weeks EUR 3,954
16 weeks EUR 5,008
20 weeks EUR 6,061
26 weeks EUR 7,641
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Portugal.
You can expect to immerse yourself in the local way of life, potentially working on your Portuguese language skills, while collaborating with a diverse and welcoming community. As you contribute to meaningful projects in your chosen field, you’ll gain valuable insights into Portugal’s business practices and build a network of connections.
You’ll have weekends off to explore other cities in Portugal and beyond! For any longer excursions, it’s recommended to plan a trip before/after your internship (keeping in mind visa limitations). It is also possible to speak with your supervisor to request time off for a long weekend during your internship – be sure to request leave with plenty of time in advance.
Yes, but you must ensure with your home university that all requirements are met. You can also choose to purchase transfer credits which will add onto your experience.
Unfortunately, no it is not possible to receive a stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid, so you can find other ways to fund your internship here. The personal and professional growth opportunities, combined with the wealth of knowledge you’ll learn are invaluable!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
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.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
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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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
CONTACT
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
