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8 Best Summer Internships in 2024

For all the future summer interns of 2024, that perfect time of year may still seem like a long way away. But that’s not true! Start planning today if you want to find the best summer internship possible. So, get the lengthy application process out of the way!

It’s best to start planning early if you can choose from some of the best summer intern programs. To help you get the ball rolling, we’ll introduce you to some of our top summer internships for 2024. We’ll give you an idea of summer internship options, explain why you should do a summer internship in the first place, and offer a final word on how to book a program with us.

Why Do A Summer Internship?

Summer internships aren’t just about career development: the truth is that career development is just the first of a long list of benefits that you might enjoy. There are so many reasons why you should do a summer internship, and even more reasons why you should do a nonprofit internship. Some of the main ones include personal growth, travel opportunities and making an impact.

What Are the Best Summer Internships for 2024?

A big decision you’ll need to make is whether you want to join a summer internship with a nonprofit or not. Going the traditional route, your 2024 summer internship could be a way to explore career paths, boost your university application, or build industry experience. Alternatively, with a nonprofit internship abroad, you could do all of the above while exploring incredible destinations and contributing to an important cause. 

1. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MICRO-INTERNSHIP IN COSTA RICA

This two-week internship in Costa Rica is the perfect chance to immerse yourself in a stunning setting while getting hands-on experience in innovative sustainability models. You’ll learn about sustainable practices in business, nonprofit organizations, and government and gain insights into the successes and challenges of local initiatives. 

Our multidisciplinary program is fully-facilitated, so you’ll have expert guidance throughout your stay. This short-term internship is ideal for anyone studying sustainability, environmental studies, business management, international development, sustainable tourism, or related fields. With a lot of demand for alternative and innovative ways of work, spots are filling fast. We’re receiving applications until May 31st – secure your spot here!

2. MEDICAL INTERNSHIP IN KENYA

There are a lot of great reasons to do a summer internship in Africa, and this program is one of them. This is one of our best summer programs for students and recent graduates of medicine.

You’ll travel to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, and experience life and work as a medical professional in Kenya’s healthcare system. This will include daily tasks like performing intake and triage services, performing basic medical procedures, and observing surgical procedures.

3. COMMUNICATIONS & FUNDRAISING INTERNSHIP IN THE PHILLIPINES

In this meaningful program, you not only get to enhance your skills but also empower communities through education, health, nutrition, and support for children from low-income families. As an intern, you’ll be able to manage the organization’s website and social media, create content such as articles, photography, and videography, and assist in fundraising efforts. 

You will be working with VFV; an organization committed to fostering vibrant partnerships to champion a holistic approach to alleviating poverty in Tacloban, Philippines. With a range of tasks available, this internship will be tailored to your communication skills and interests so that you can reach your specific learning goals. You can also check out our variety of Marketing & Communications roles.

4. REFORESTATION & BIODIVERSITY INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL

Are you someone who loves to work with and in nature? If you have an interest in forestry, biology, nature conservation, or environmental science, then you might be the perfect fit for this Reforestation and Biodiversity Internship available in Portugal!

This is a great opportunity for you to get hands-on experience in reforestation by working to create a thriving ecosystem that will support a variety of indigenous plants and trees. You will take a leading role in maintaining and monitoring the forest, strategizing ways to improve the land, and carrying out wildlife and plant surveys to build knowledge of local biodiversity.

5. MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN MOZAMBIQUE

Whether you are an aspiring marine or environmental scientist, or simply passionate about marine conservation, we invite you to apply for our Marine Research Internship in Mozambique. 

This internship will take you to a stunning island that serves as an ideal base for studying marine life and contributing to marine conservation efforts, and as part of a devoted team of scientists and environmentalists, you will be involved in innovative research programs aimed at better understanding the environment and preserving marine ecosystems in this part of the Indian Ocean. 

You will also have the chance to live in this idyllic setting, dive amongst the colorful fish, explore one of the most diverse coral reefs in the world, and stroll along white sandy beaches; the island dream!

6. REMOTE COMPUTER SCIENCE INTERNSHIP

This remote role is a unique chance to gain practical experience in developing an innovative multi-app search engine. You will work with a small and savvy team to help them tackle real-world problems, while also gaining practical understanding of software and app development in a SaaS context.

This is an opportunity to develop your existing coding skills as you work directly with the founder and CEO of the organization and appreciate the work environment of a tech startup as you improve code quality and develop updates for the app. You can also explore the other remote internships we offer.

7. NGO MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP IN PERU

Are you passionate about protecting the Amazon Rainforest? Then, here’s a golden (and green!) opportunity to join a nonprofit organization in Peru dedicated to the cause. 

This organization has a unique approach to rainforest conservation. Not only do they strive to reduce harmful activities, but they also aim to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development in the region.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in education, finances, and social media, and also get a chance to work with the projects on-the-ground. This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the environment while gaining the skills and experience that will prove invaluable in your future career.

8. EDUCATION PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT IN CAMBODIA

On this internship in Cambodia, you’ll be part of a team that’s committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and reducing the socio-economic gap in Siem Reap. 

As an intern for this social impact organization, you’ll have the opportunity to assist the local team in maintaining and developing educational programs that equip children and their families with the life-skills they need to have a prosperous future. You’ll be working behind the scenes, helping with curriculum development, producing training materials, and finding other NGOs to partner with. 

This internship offers a comprehensive overview of the unique challenges of running nonprofit educational programs, and gives insight into what it takes to create long-lasting social change. Join them in creating a better world and experience the fulfillment of making a difference in someone’s life. This internship is also available remotely if you are TEFL/TESOL certified and have experience – reach out for more details!

How to Become a Summer Intern for 2024?

Now that you’ve seen some of the best summer internships available this year, you can see that there are so many opportunities out there! You know what to do for a summer internship, and you have a strong idea of why to consider summer internship options with nonprofits. You’ve even seen some of our best summer intern programs. Now, it’s time to get serious and start planning your 2024 summer internship.

If you’d like some help finding the best summer internship for your personal goals, then get in touch with Roots. With us, you’ll receive one-to-one consultation as we define your goals, then we’ll help you pick the best summer internships with nonprofits and guide you through every step of the experience.

Browse all summer internships available with Roots