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Welcome to Internships in Malawi

Immerse yourself in the culture and daily life of developing communities in Malawi. Looking for an opportunity to make an impact? Want to get international working experience in the nonprofit sector? 

At Roots Interns, we offer nonprofit and NGO internships in Malawi with the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning. Whether you’re interested in digital marketing, permaculture, fundraising, education, communications, animal welfare, social entrepreneurship, health, finance, journalism, or NGO management & development, we have an internship program in Malawi for you! Malawi is one of the most impoverished countries in the world, yet one of the richest in culture and possibilities for progressive growth. By interning in Malawi, you will see first hand the impact of your work and the difference it will make in the lives of individuals and communities.

Our hub partner in Northern Malawi supports over ten various development projects focusing on the community, education, and the environment. Our nonprofit internships in Malawi are available in different academic areas with flexibility in tasks, so there always is something to suit your skills and academic interest. Our wildlife conservation partner in the capital, Lilongwe, provides an opportunity for hands-on experience at their wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. Each day as a wildlife intern in Malawi comes with new tasks and chances to learn what it takes to be part of and manage wildlife care and conservation. With such a range of options in a country as beautiful and natural as Malawi, who wouldn’t want to do an internship here?!

Read more about Malawi as an internship destination

Malawi Highlights

Lake Malawi

It’s the fifth largest lake in the world while swimming alongside over 700 species of cichlid (=freshwater fishes) enjoy the crystal clear waters.

The Warm Heart of Africa

Known for their hospitality, the people of Malawi welcome visitors with open arms to explore their country and culture.

Grassroots Development

There is opportunity across all industries to make a tangible impact as Malawi develops its economy and global status.

Summer Internship in Malawi

The unique environment and vibrate culture of Malawi make it the perfect combo for learning and adventure.

Browse All Internship Opportunities in Malawi

A mural inside the Women Empowerment Center in Malawi.

Open for applications

Gender Equality Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Karonga, Malawi
  • Gender Advocacy, Women's Leadership, Youth Empowerment
Contribute to grassroots women’s empowerment initiatives through education, leadership training, and small business development in Malawi.
Find out more
Medical interns in Malawi posing for a picture along with David the CEO.

Open for applications

Medical Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Mzuzu, Malawi
  • Community Health, Clinical Support, Health Education
Develop your medical skills through direct involvement in community healthcare projects in Malawi
Find out more
Three law & human rights interns enjoying the beach in Malawi.

Open for applications

Law & Human Rights Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Mzuzu, Malawi
  • Research, Litigation, Advocacy, Campaigns
Assist with litigation, research, and advocacy campaigns to address access to justice in northern Malawi.
Find out more
Participants in Lilongwe on top of a rock in front of a setting sun.

Open for applications

Wildlife Research Program

  • Min. 2 weeks
  • Liwonde National Park, Malawi
  • Monitoring, Tracking, Identification, Data Entry, Camera Trapping
Contribute to conservation through data collection and species monitoring while working alongside expert researchers in a biodiverse ecosystem.
Find out more
A baby monkey being bottle-fed in the Lilongwe Wildlife Sanctuary.

Open for applications

Wildlife Sanctuary Program

  • Min. 2 weeks
  • Lilongwe, Malawi
  • Animal Husbandry, Orphan Care, Observations, Integrations
Work directly with rescued animals, gain conservation skills, and contribute to meaningful rehabilitation efforts.
Find out more
A group of people in Malawi stands under a large tree, attentively participating in an agroforestry demonstration. They wear vibrant clothing and are focused on the activity in their rural setting.

Open for applications

Agroecology Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • Environmental Sustainability, Capacity Building, Organizational Development
Take an active role in empowering rural communities through workshops focused on food and water security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
Find out more
Wildlife Veterinary Internship

Open for applications

Wildlife Veterinary Internship

  • 2-12 weeks
  • Lilongwe, Malawi
  • Animal Care, Integrations, Observations, Daily Veterinary Medicine
A hands-on wildlife veterinary internship at a rescue and rehabilitation center
Find out more
Supreme Malawi internship

Open for applications

Social Entrepreneurship Internship

  • Min. 12 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • Marketing, Fundraising, Program Development, Research, Operations
Assist with the development and management of an inspiring social business
Find out more
Supreme Malawi finance internship

Open for applications

Program Management and Finance Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • Accounting, Reporting, Fundraising, Social Business Development
Gain finance management and income generation experience
Find out more
Supreme Malawi

Open for applications

Media and Marketing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • Communications, PR, Digital Marketing, Writing
Help an inspiring social enterprise reach a wider audience
Find out more
Community Development Internship

Open for applications

Community Development Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • Education, Community Development, Networking
Be part of a hub for social impact initiatives in a rural community in Malawi
Find out more
feature kids Malawi

Open for applications

Nonprofit Education Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • Education, Teaching, Curriculum development
Teach classes, help train local teachers, and develop and run afterschool programs
Find out more
kids feature

Open for applications

Digital Marketing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • Digital Marketing, Fundraising, Social Media
Raise awareness and funding to help provide high quality education.
Find out more
sustainable tourism eco-lodge internship in Malawi

Open for applications

Sustainable Tourism Marketing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • Digital Marketing, Eco-Tourism, Sustainable Development
Enhance your strategic development skills within sustainable tourism, making a positive impact on the environment and community with a Malawian eco-lodge.
Find out more
NGO Management Internship

Open for applications

Fundraising Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • Research, Fundraising, Writing, Donor Mgt, Communications
Gain practical work experience in fundraising and communications for a Malawian charity.
Find out more
Media and Communications Internship

Open for applications

Media and Communications Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • Fundraising, Marketing, Social Media, Writing
Help manage the communication channels of a small but fast-growing permaculture charity.
Find out more
NGO Management Internship in Malawi

Open for applications

NGO Management Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • NGO Management, Fundraising, Marketing, Communications
Assist with the management of an NGO that supports permaculture clubs for school children,
Find out more
Permaculture Internship

Open for applications

Permaculture Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • Permaculture, Organic Farming
Help to develop and run workshops for permaculture clubs in rural schools, spreading knowledge of self-sufficiency and sustainability while getting your hands dirty.
Find out more

Why Choose Roots Internships in Malawi

We can give you several reasons why you should join Roots for an internship, but also find out from our previous interns how internship positions in Cambodia can boost your professional career and grow your interpersonal skills.

My internship provided insight to how useful management tools like Kobo and Kumu Maps are essential in the flow and efficiency of work within an organization. I also gained insight into simplifying communication across different sections and departments of the organization. This helped in understanding the progress of the work I was doing and how it contribute to the mission of the nonprofit. I received sufficient support from the team at Roots and there was constant feedback and advice provided from start to finish.

Modo Winne, Sudanese – University of Passau

Community Development Internship, Malawi

My experience in Malawi was incredible. From the ease of getting to my accommodation on the first day because it was all sorted for me, to making new friends at my accommodation and feeling like an asset at the school, every single moment was amazing. I felt useful and respected daily and it was beautiful to see the impact I was making! My main tasks included classroom support, interventions with struggling students, painting educational murals and creating educational resources, running the social media accounts, and assisting with running school errands. This internship helped me start my TEFL qualification and supported... See More

Shayani, British – John Hanson Community School

Education Internship, Malawi

Thanks to Roots Interns for allowing me to have a meaningful and inspiring experience in Malawi. They helped me find the right internship fit in terms of location, working environment, my existing skills, and those that I wanted to develop. The team was truly invested in my well-being and followed up along my journey. I would recommend Roots to anyone looking into an NGO internship abroad.

Léa, French – Skema Business School

Social Entrepreneurship Internship, Malawi

Important information about Malawi

Internship locations in Malawi

Sustainable tourism marketing internship

Nkhata Bay

Nkhata Bay is a busy, little port town in the North of Malawi located on the shore of Lake Malawi. It offers small town vibes mixed with the hustle of markets, crafts, and tourists all while surrounded by the best that nature has to offer.

Education internhip malawi

Lilongwe

Located in the center of the country and being the capital city, there is never a dull moment here. With plenty of restaurants, shops, markets, and hikes, opportunities to meet new people and try something new are never far.

More Malawi Information

Weather and Climate

There are two main seasons in Malawi; the dry/hot season from May-October with highs around 35°C and the wet/cooler season from November-April with lows of around 15°C. Temperatures average between mid 20s°C to 30s°C year round.

Safety and Support

Malawi is considered to be a safe country where tourists are not at risk beyond petty theft. It is always advisable to keep your belongings close & secure and never to walk alone at night. During an internship in Malawi you can rest assured our experienced partners will take good care of you and assist in the case of any event.

Malawi Travel Requirements

  • Visa – check with your home country’s embassy to confirm the requirements; there is no volunteer visa for Malawi so you can enter on a 3 month tourist visa and apply for an extension
  • Travel InsuranceWorld Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using the link. We do not represent World Nomads, so remember that this is information only and not an advertisement to purchase travel insurance through them.
  • Police Clearance / Background Check – as a standard policy, this is mandatory for all interns at all locations
  • Vaccinations – generally recommended: routine vaccinations, typhoid, hepatitis A & B, MMR, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis

MALAWI FAQS

Where will I stay during my internship in Malawi?

If you are a vet student heading to Lilongwe for our Veterinary Wildlife Internship, you’ll stay on-site at the wildlife center in their volunteer housing facility that provides vegan/vegetarian meals, shared and private rooms, and communal working and relaxing spaces all surrounded by nature in the big city. 

For all other NGO internship options, you’ll stay at a nonprofit ecolodge on the banks of Lake Malawi in the northern town of Nkhata Bay. 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 beach bar, and several communal spaces. The rooms are comfortable dormitories, although there are options of upgrading to single chalets, too. The lodge is a hub for people who are volunteering their time at different community and environmental projects in the area, so you can expect to share this gorgeous space with like-minded people.

Is it safe to do a student internship in Malawi?

Yes! As long as you’re aware of your surroundings, educate yourself on recommended precautions, and use good common sense. Don’t forget, you’ll be living in volunteer hubs that are experienced in hosting overseas travelers of all ages and experiences, so you’ll be in good hands.

What are the living costs in Malawi?

It depends, of course, on how many extra activities you do and souvenirs you buy, but you can get an estimate of the total cost of the internship based on the “fees” that are noted in the listing. Local meals cost around $2 and day trips range between $10-50 depending on the activity. Keep in mind, accommodations costs and a one month food package are included in the fees, so you don’t have to budget for that!

When should I start planning my internship in Malawi?

The sooner the better! It’s good to give yourself enough time to plan your travels, apply for your visa if you need one, receive any required vaccinations, and get fully organized. We recommend starting the process at least 6 months ahead of time, however, we’re always happy to find you something last minute, if needed!

How do I apply for an internship in Malawi?

First, take a look at our above list of internship positions in Malawi. Once you pick one that suits your interests, you can apply by filling out the application form online. We’ll then get back to you within a couple of days to schedule an online interview. This will give us a chance to find out more about your goals, and will allow you to ask any questions you may have. If it’s a good match, we’ll put your application forward to the host organization.

If you aren’t sure which internship opportunity you like best, send us a message and we’ll be happy to talk through the options with you! We want you to be placed in an internship that will give you the most beneficial work experience possible.

Recent Blogs About Malawi Internships

Shayani enjoying time with the kids during her education internship in Malawi. Butterfly SpaceEducationIntern experiencesMalawiImpact Made From a Nonprofit Education Internship in Malawi
April 10, 2025

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…
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If you’re looking for an internship where your work makes a difference, you collaborate with passionate experts in their field, and you enjoy some travel delights along the way, then…
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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.

GET STARTED

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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