Where to Intern with NGOs in 2024
The last year has been a busy one for Roots. We’ve been working to expand the number of nonprofit internship programs we offer and have made partnerships all around the world. Unfortunately, for you, this means answering the question, ‘Where to intern with NGOs in 2024?’ just got a little harder.
What was already an endless list of possibilities has now gotten even longer. You could gain veterinary experience in Portugal, learn sustainable farming methods on the Galapagos Islands, or help families break the cycle of poverty through education in Cambodia. It’s difficult to know where to start.
Further ahead, we’re going to run through all our best places for NGO internships to help give you an idea of which NGO internship destination might appeal to you.
Germany
Germany is home to some of the top NGOs in the world and is a fantastic choice for 2024 internships. With world-famous art and culture, innovative nonprofit opportunities, and global networking opportunities, Germany has a lot to offer as an NGO internship destination.
This central European hive of social work serves as a hub for cutting-edge research and groundbreaking projects in fields like mental health and poverty alleviation. It’s an exciting place with valuable experience, skills, and knowledge, and you can springboard yourself into a new career path.
Check Out Our Impact and Water Waste Research Internship in Germany
Cambodia
Cambodia stands out as an ideal NGO internship destination for a few reasons. First of all, the country offers diverse opportunities for NGO internships.
You could get involved with vital work in education, community development, and disability care programs and directly impact critical issues like poverty, education, healthcare, and conservation. Moreover, not only is Cambodia affordable, but the country also has a unique blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and an overall warm culture of friendliness.
Check Out our Mental and Physical Health Development Internship in Cambodia
Costa Rica
Experience Costa Rica’s laid-back ‘Pura Vida’ way of life while contributing to pioneering conservation work and learn why Costa Rica is one of the best places for NGO internships. Known for its commitment to sustainability and social welfare, Costa Rica provides an ideal setting for NGO internships.
With a thriving NGO sector focused on social causes, environmental conservation, and sustainable community development causes, interns in Costa Rica have the chance to create a lasting positive impact on both the lives of Costa Ricans and the environment.
Check Out Our Wildlife Husbandry Internship in Costa Rica
Brazil
Samba rhythms, the Amazon Rainforest, and the flamboyant culture that birthed Carnival. If you’re wondering where to intern with NGOs, consider Brazil.
We have nonprofit internship programs in Brazil that let you take part in globally significant conservation research work as well as truly vital sustainable development projects. With its stunning natural beauty and iconic sites like the Christ the Redeemer statue and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil provides a breathtaking backdrop for making an impact on communities and the environment.
Check Out Our Rainforest Conservation Research Internship in Brazil
Ecuador
Ecuador is quite simply one of the best places for NGO internships in conservation work and wildlife research. With the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Andes, this country contains a myriad of stunning natural settings, each with unique, endemic wildlife and ecosystems. This means Ecuador is a hive of vital wildlife and conservation research work.
There are also exciting nonprofit internship programs that let you help rural communities in remote parts of the country with education, public health, and sustainable development. The vibrant and culturally diverse country offers a multitude of upsides, from its friendly people to its rich culture and beautiful geography.
Check Out Our Urban Agriculture and Sustainable Farming Internship in Ecuador
South Africa
Home to some of the top NGOs in the world, South Africa should be at the top of every list of where to intern with NGOs. South Africa is the home of Roots Interns, so we’ve always known the best places for internships here. However, we’re proud to say we’ve expanded our network further here and are offering more 2024 internships than any year prior.
From female empowerment to marine science research and from refugee research to forest management, South Africa has it all as an NGO internship destination. It also has a stunning patchwork of natural scenery, a complex cultural tapestry of many diverse threads, and an important history. What more could you ask for from NGO internships?
Check Out Our Marine Science Field Research Internship
Malawi
The ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ beckons as one of the standout best places for NGO internships. With famously welcoming people, abundant natural beauty, and a host of important causes to contribute to, Malawi is a fantastic NGO internship destination.
Whether your passion lies in permaculture, education, animal welfare, social entrepreneurship, health, journalism, or NGO management, Malawi has nonprofit internship programs for you. You’ll learn valuable career skills and gain incredible life experience in a country where your work can make a real difference.
Check Out Our Social Entrepreneurship Internship in Malawi
Netherlands
The Netherlands offers interns a unique blend of picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a progressive culture that places a lot of value in social work. Amsterdam, in particular, is a hive of philanthropic voluntary work. What’s more, with its iconic canals, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife, the city creates an ideal backdrop for professional growth and cultural enrichment.
The country’s robust nonprofit sector provides exciting opportunities for internships addressing diverse causes, and the global population of the country makes it accessible for international students and a great place for networking.
Check Out Our Event Management Internship in The Netherlands
Peru
Peru emerges as one of the best places for NGO internships in South America, offering a perfect blend of outstanding biodiversity, rich culture, and a thriving nonprofit sector. Interns in Peru have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to grassroots projects with NGO internships addressing critical issues such as community healthcare, biology research, education, and more.
Peruvians’ warm and hospitable nature facilitates easy connections with locals, allowing interns to immerse themselves in the fantastic culture of Peru. The rich cultural heritage of Peru also emphasizes community and collaboration, making it more receptive to NGO efforts too.
Check Out Our Psychology Internship in Peru
Portugal
Portugal is an appealing NGO internship destination due to its rich cultural heritage, rising nonprofit sector, welcoming atmosphere, and luxuriant Mediterranean climate. You can find a broad range of 2024 internships. Interns can engage in impactful initiatives while experiencing the country’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. As a bonus, Portugal’s relatively low cost of living makes it a great choice for where to intern with NGOs in western Europe on a budget.
Check Out Our Media Internship in Portugal
Zambia
Nestled in central southern Africa, Zambia is somewhere to experience real African ways of life, spot the Big Five, and more. It is also one of the best places for NGO internships. Zambia is a hotbed of nonprofit development work.
Here, you can find NGO internship training for positions such as NGO management, marketing and fundraising, communications, and education. What’s more, your work with these nonprofit internship programs will contribute to important causes like female empowerment, education, conservation, and sustainable development.
Check Out Our Curriculum Development and Teaching Internship in Zambia
Philippines
The Philippines is an ideal destination for NGO internships due to its exciting travel opportunities, vibrant cultural diversity, and the prevalence of impactful initiatives addressing important issues.
First and foremost, though, the Philippines is one of the best places for NGO internships focused on marine science and conservation. This country’s coastlines have some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet, containing several sites of global significance for ocean conservation. Intern here to experience warm hospitality, world-class diving, and to help better protect our oceans.
Check Out Our Research Assistant and Divemaster Internship in The Philippines
Choose the Best NGO internship Destination for you!
Now that you have an idea of the best places for NGO internships, it’s time you put some thought into which destination might suit you. It can take some time to figure out where to intern with NGOs. There are a lot of factors to consider, and you want to find nonprofit internship programs that align with your career goals and your values.
Here are the main points you want to consider when deciding where to intern. If you’d like some more guidance, check out our blog, ‘How to Choose a Nonprofit Internship Destination’ :
- Identify Your Passion: Choose a destination aligned with your passion, whether it’s environmental conservation, healthcare, education, or social justice.
- Research NGO Opportunities: Investigate NGOs in potential destinations to ensure a variety of impactful opportunities matching your interests and skills.
- Consider Cultural Fit: Assess the cultural context and societal values of a destination to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience.
- Language Proficiency: Evaluate language requirements, considering destinations where you can leverage your existing language skills or have the opportunity to learn a new language.
- Climate and Lifestyle: Factor in climate, lifestyle, and personal preferences to ensure a well-rounded and enjoyable internship experience.
Alternatively, get in touch with us, and our advisors can help you find the best NGO internship destination for you!
With Roots, you’ll receive expert advice from nonprofit internship specialists and our full support every step of the way. We won’t just help you find the best 2024 internships; we’ll help you apply for them, secure your placement, and make the most of the experience too.
