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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

Supreme Malawi internship

Open for applications

Social Entrepreneurship Internship

  • Min. 3 months
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • MARKETING, FUNDRAISING, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, RESEARCH, OPERATIONS
Ignite change by aligning your skills with impactful initiatives, fostering community development, and managing an inspiring social business.
Find out more
Supreme Malawi finance internship

Open for applications

Finance Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • ACCOUNTING, REPORTING, FUNDRAISING, SOCIAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Gain financial management and income generation expertise in a social enterprise, offering a unique outlook on sustainability and social impact.
Find out more
Supreme Malawi

Open for applications

Media & Marketing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • COMMUNICATIONS, PR, DIGITAL MARKETING, WRITING
Assist a social enterprise in expanding its reach with innovative media and marketing strategies to enhance its message and broaden its impact.
Find out more
Community Development Internship

Open for applications

Community Development Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • EDUCATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, NETWORKING
Engage in community development initiatives, fostering positive change and empowerment within a rural community through sustainable projects.
Find out more
feature kids Malawi

Open for applications

Nonprofit Education Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • EDUCATION, TEACHING, CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
Take the lead in classes, support teacher training, and drive after-school initiatives for a hands-on education experience in a local community.
Find out more
kids feature

NEW!

Digital Marketing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • DIGITAL MARKETING, FUNDRAISING, SOCIAL MEDIA
Collaborate with an organization dedicated to driving community development in Malawi through a range of initiatives.
Find out more
Sustainable tourism marketing internship

Open for applications

Sustainable Tourism Marketing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • Marketing Strategy, Digital Marketing, Content creation
Enhance your marketing skills in 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 fundraising experience, contributing to impactful initiatives that uplift local communities and foster sustainable development.
Find out more
Media and Communications Internship

Open for applications

Media & Communications Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • FUNDRAISING, MARKETING, SOCIAL MEDIA, WRITING
Explore the vibrant world of media and communications, where your skills align with purposeful storytelling and community connection.
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
Support and assist an NGO fostering permaculture clubs for school children, contributing to sustainable education and environmental awareness.
Find out more
Permaculture Internship

Open for applications

Permaculture Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • PERMACULTURE, ORGANIC FARMING
Contribute to developing and managing workshops for permaculture clubs in schools, fostering sustainable practices and environmental awareness
Find out more

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

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.

Blogs about Malawi

two Zebra walking in a grass in MalawiMalawi
December 20, 2023

6 Best Internships in Malawi

Are you intrigued by the idea of aligning your passions with a cause? If the answer is yes, then join us as we unveil the best internships in Malawi, presenting…
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June 12, 2023

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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January 19, 2023

What To Expect From a Social Entrepreneurship Internship

Considering a career in social business? Here's how doing a social entrepreneurship overseas might help you.

Other Destinations

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!