7 Reasons to Do an Internship in Malawi
Why travel to the warm heart of Africa? There’s more to internships in Malawi than just doing vital work. There are a hundred reasons why Malawi is an ideal internship…
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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?!
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
Wildlife Veterinary Internship
- 2-12 weeks
- Lilongwe, Malawi
- Veterinary work, Animal care, Integrations, Observations
A hands-on wildlife veterinary internship at a rescue and rehabilitation center
Social Entrepreneurship Internship
- 3-6 months
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
- Marketing, Fundraising, Business Development, Research, Operations
Help with the development and management of an inspiring social business.
Finance Internship
- 2-6 months
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
- Accounting, Reporting, Fundraising
Gain finance management and income generation experience through the lens of a social enterprise.
Media & Marketing Internship
- 2-6 months
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
- Communications, Digital Marketing, PR, Writing
Help an inspiring social enterprise reach a wider audience.
Community Development Internship
- 8-26 weeks
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi
- Education, Community Development, Networking
Be part of a hub for social impact initiatives in a rural community in Malawi
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
Digital Marketing Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi
- Digital Marketing, Fundraising, Social Media
Raise awareness and funding to help provide high quality education.
HIV Health Support Internship
- Min. 3 months
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi
- Counseling, Education, HIV, Program Management
Gain experience in health education and HIV support in the context of a developing country.
Sustainable Tourism Marketing Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
- Marketing strategy, Digital marketing, Content creation
Gain a wealth of experience in strategic marketing while helping develop a Malawi-based eco-lodge
Humanitarian Photography Program
- 2-4 weeks
- Malawi, South Africa, & Zambia
- Humanitarian Photography
Use your photography skills to make an impact during this unique volunteer program.
Media & Communications Internship
- 8-26 weeks
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
- Fundraising, Marketing, Social media, Writing
Help manage the communication channels of a small but fast-growing permaculture charity.
NGO Management Internship
- 2-6 months
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
- NGO Management, Fundraising, Marketing, Communications
Assist with the management of an NGO that supports permaculture clubs for school children,
Permaculture Internship
- 8-26 weeks
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi
- Permaculture, Organic Farming
Based in rural Malawi, help develop and run workshops for permaculture clubs in schools.
Why Choose Roots Internships in Malawi
Find out from our previous interns how internship positions in Malawi can boost your professional career and grow your interpersonal skills.
Thanks to Roots Interns for giving me the opportunity to have a meaningful and inspiring experience in Malawi. They helped find the right internship fit for me 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 Interns to anyone looking into a NGO internship abroad.
Lea, France Social Entrepreneurship internship, Nkhata Bay
As Nkhata Bay has such a diverse range of projects, I assist in a variety of tasks. I have taken on email campaigns, newsletters, social media posting, fundraising, grant research and writing, comprising an overall communications map and strategy, writing website copy, and doing project visits and assessments. I’ve also set up Google Analytics, I’ve done bartending training, and I have assisted on the ground work with certain projects. There is definitely always something to do whether it be for the lodge directly or a specific program.
Amanda, United States, Community Development Internship
Despite working from home due the Covid-19 pandemic, I learnt many new things and was especially pleased about the practical application of many aspects I had been taught about at university. While I would have preferred to travel to Malawi, I did manage to gain in-depth insight into the way an NGO works and what the particular challenges in this particular case are.
Christian, Germany (Remote) NGO Management Internship, Malawi
Important information about Malawi
Internship locations in Malawi
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.
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 Insurance – World 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.
Blogs about Malawi
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!
