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…
LAW & HUMAN RIGHTS INTERNSHIP IN MALAWI
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Gain hands-on experience in human rights law while supporting vulnerable communities in Malawi
This Law and Human Rights Internship in Malawi offers the chance to gain meaningful, real-world legal experience while supporting underserved communities. Based in Mzuzu, the largest city in northern Malawi, you’ll join a local nonprofit working alongside a respected law firm to offer legal aid, raise rights awareness, and address access to justice. Legal interns support vulnerable clients on issues such as gender-based violence, land disputes, family law, and civil rights.
This Human Rights Internship is ideal for law students or recent graduates seeking practical legal exposure in a social justice context. You’ll be supervised by experienced attorneys and take part in case research, court observation, and legal education initiatives. With flexible start dates, strong mentorship, and a community-based focus, this Legal Internship provides a powerful foundation for anyone interested in law, advocacy, and international development.
Learning Objectives
- Build practical legal skills through research, drafting, and client engagement
- Understand the role of human rights law in a developing country context
- Gain cultural awareness and communication skills through community-based work
- Learn directly from licensed legal professionals within Malawi’s justice system
ORGANIZATION
Founded on the idea of helping communities from within, this nonprofit connects passionate interns with projects that strengthen legal access, healthcare, and education in Malawi. Based in northern Malawi, the organization supports community-driven programs in areas such as gender equality, youth empowerment, safe motherhood, and human rights advocacy. Their approach is deeply collaborative, working alongside village leaders, healthcare workers, and legal professionals to ensure each initiative is relevant, sustainable, and locally led. Through this model, they foster long-term impact by equipping communities with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to create meaningful change.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This Law and Human Rights Internship will be tailored to your academic background and interests. Interns should be proactive, flexible, and ready to contribute to a variety of legal support and advocacy tasks.
Note: the duration of your internship will impact the level of case work you are able to get involved in. It is recommended to commit to a minimum of 8 weeks, ideally 12+weeks.
Responsibilities
- Assist lawyers with legal research and case preparation
- Draft legal documents, reports, or summaries
- Conduct and support client interviews under supervision
- Observe legal proceedings in local courts
- Join outreach campaigns to raise awareness about legal rights
- Facilitate workshops in schools and community settings
- Support cases related to land disputes, domestic violence, or family inheritance
- Collaborate with legal teams focused on gender-based justice and access to legal aid
Requirements
- Academic background in law, human rights, or a related field
- Clear written and spoken English
- Respect for confidentiality and legal professionalism
- Interest in social justice, advocacy, or development work
- Cultural sensitivity and strong interpersonal communication
- Ability to adapt to a grassroots, resource-limited setting
- Eager to be immersed in a typical Malawian city – must be open-minded to varying standards of living
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll stay in a welcoming local family home in Mzuzu, hosted by the nonprofit’s founder. The house includes shared dorm rooms up to 4 people, single bedrooms, Internet access, a peaceful garden, and secure surroundings. It is located near the city center and your internship placement site. This accommodation offers a safe, social, and supportive environment that encourages cultural exchange while offering a practical place to stay near the project.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. Malawi is considered to be safe for tourists, however, being a developing country with poverty, there is petty crime. Keep your belongings securely stored and close to you, don’t walk alone in the dark, always be aware of your surroundings, and follow local advice.
Communication
Communication
Wifi is available at your accommodation. We recommend bringing an unlocked smartphone so you can purchase a local SIM upon arrival or an e-SIM which can also be set up prior to your travels. Local data plans are affordable and reliable, so this is generally the recommended option. Avoid using roaming on your existing plan, as it is often very expensive.
Meals
Meals
At your homestay accommodation, you will be provided with 2 meals daily – breakfast and dinner. These will mainly consist of local Malawian staples – porridge, fruit, nsima, rice, beans, meat. You are welcome to suggest meal ideas given the available ingredients in Malawi and get involved in the kitchen if you’d like. For lunch and any additional snacks, these can be easily be purchased in the local market or nearby supermarket and you can try out any restaurants in the area. Bottled water is not included and is available for interns to purchase in the supermarket.
Location Details
Location details
Mzuzu is the commercial and cultural hub of northern Malawi. Surrounded by green hills and tea plantations, the city offers a bustling lifestyle and friendly community vibe. On weekends, you can visit nearby Nkhata Bay on Lake Malawi, where you can enjoy kayaking, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 weeks USD 1,415
8 weeks USD 2,009
10 weeks USD 2,306
12 weeks USD 2,604
16 weeks USD 3,198
20 weeks USD 3,793
26 weeks USD 4,684
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in a shared room (up to 4 pax). If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability.
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Wifi access
- Housekeeping service
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Lilongwe International Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Airport transfers – we will arrange this for you in advance; payment is in cash on arrival. You will receive more details about this during the placement process.
- Transport to the office
- Lunch daily
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Malawi.
What can I expect from an internship in Malawi?
You can expect to foster a unique connection with the local community, as well as having many opportunities to explore various projects during your internship. If you wish to know more about what to expect, make sure to read our blog from a previous intern who traveled to Malawi!
How long can I do an internship in Malawi?
The minimum length of our internships in Malawi is two months, but the ideal length is closer to four months, if possible. This ensures you have an adequate amount of time to make a tangible impact. Luckily, the length of our programs is customizable so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!
Can I get university credit for an internship in Malawi?
Yes, but you must ensure with your supervisor that your university approves this. You can also purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
How can I prepare for an internship in Malawi?
Personally, you can prepare by learning about the history and culture of Malawi and reflecting on your internship goals, and we’ll be here to help you with the rest! Ask us any questions you may have about placement logistics, matchmaking, check-ins, advice on visa/insurance, or anything else you may think of. If you wish to know more about preparing for your internship, you can check out our ultimate guide to NGO internships in Africa!
Will I receive a stipend during my Roots internship?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid so we’ve put together a few tips on how to fund your internship. There will be opportunities for professional and personal growth and you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Mzuzu, Malawi
PROGRAM FOCUS: Legal Support
TASK FOCUS: Research, Litigation, Advocacy, Campaigns
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 1,415
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Work directly with practicing lawyers in Malawi
- Support legal aid and justice efforts for vulnerable communities
- Develop legal and advocacy skills in a real-world setting
- Gain university credit or meet externship requirements
- Experience daily life in Malawi through a family homestay
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
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!
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