Review of a Social Impact Internship in Zambia
Find out what to expect from a social impact internship in Zambia - the highlights, the challenges, and the learning outcomes!
Logistics Coordinator
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Delve into the logistics of planning transformative volunteer expeditions
Take a crash course in event planning, project management, and volunteer coordination as you guide young people on the trip of a lifetime. This internship has you plan the logistics of international volunteer expeditions and set the scene for transformative growth.
You’ll join an organization that arranges volunteer expeditions aimed at equipping young people with the skills and confidence to become global skills and confidence. These expeditions involve volunteer projects for community development and sustainability causes, as well as adventure leadership experiences. The goal of these expeditions is to inspire and empower young people to make positive change for environmental and humanitarian causes.
As an intern, you’ll be responsible for keeping expeditions running. You’ll ensure volunteers are supplied with the necessary resources to complete each stage of their expeditions as well as the maintenance of equipment. This may involve replacing equipment, providing technical travel support, or coordinating volunteer projects.
Learning Objectives
- Real-world experience in volunteer coordination and project management
- Practical skill building in logistical planning
- Key responsibilities in logistical coordination
- Learn and develop knowledge of international sustainable development
ORGANIZATION
This organization is a global powerhouse in the world of volunteer work. Active since 1978, the mission of this organization has always been to support young people to make change, both on their projects and within themselves. They arrange service-focused expeditions that provide their volunteers with opportunities for transformative personal growth. These expeditions equip volunteers with vital life skills, broaden their perspectives, and give them the confidence to become global citizens and leaders.
A crucial part of these expeditions is ensuring that all volunteer activities are done in an ethical, responsible, and sustainable way. The organization collaborates closely with local sustainable development initiatives to find sustainable solutions to issues of poverty, low education levels, food insecurity, and unemployment that volunteers can contribute towards.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Positioned in the organization’s in-country field base, your days will be spent ensuring the expedition operates smoothly. This will require thoughtful, methodical work as you work through each phase of the trip and the resources needed for its completion.
Responsibilities
- Work with full-time staff to ensure all food, equipment, and materials are coordinated and supplied for volunteer teams at their project sites
- Help ensure all programs are delivered effectively and on time
- Support in the office and on project sites
- Flexibility and the ability to respond to unpredictable and changing circumstances
- Optimize resources, drafting menus and tool lists
- Build sustainable relationships with communities
Requirements
- Well-organized, methodical, and thorough planner
- Excellent time management
- Communicate professionally and build relationships
- You’re happy to work autonomously and take the initiative to get tasks done for the team’s greater good
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to cope working under pressure
- Flexible & adaptable to work in a team
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office
- You will be required to complete first-aid training as part of the application process
- Minimum age: 25 years
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
During this internship, you’ll be joining volunteers on their expeditions. You will choose whether you travel to South Africa or Costa Rica where you’ll spend the majority of your time at the organization’s field base. These field bases are compounds with housing and a workspace for office-based members of the team that also serve as the start and end point of expeditions.
Situated either just outside of Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa or within view of Turrialba Volcano in Costa Rica, you’ll stay in shared rooms or dormitories with shared communal areas. You’re sure to make close friends with the other members of your expedition team!
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
This organization has established support systems for all their expeditions, so interns can feel safe and secure. Interns will also be part of this safety and support system. As part of your internship, you will be first-aid trained and will take responsibility for the health and well-being of your volunteer group.
Communication
Communication
The field base in either country has Wifi available, although their remote locations mean connection can be limited.
Meals
Meals
All meals will be provided for you throughout your internship and cooked by yourself and volunteers on rotation. In Costa Rica, expect to eat many rice and bean dishes, while in South Africa you’ll have plenty of maize meal and chakalaka. You and your team of Venture Managers will also be given a small food budget for extra fruits and snacks.
Location details
Location details
You’ll choose between two of the most exciting internship destinations in the world: Costa Rica or South Africa.
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with untamed natural landscapes featuring rainforests, volcanoes, and stunning coastlines. You’ll be based in Turrialba on a remote farm, surrounded by mountainscapes and deep forests.
South Africa is a land of rich cultural diversity, important history, and all of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Based just out of Great Kruger National Park, you’ll see the best of African Bush and an impressive cast of wildlife.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship programs have fixed start and end dates which can be found below.
26 January - 19 April 2025 --> Application deadline: 9 December 2024
11 June - 3 September 2025 --> Application deadline: 23 April 2025
26 September - 18 December 2025 --> Application deadline: 8 August 2025
What you’ll pay (2024 rates)
12 WEEKS GBP 200
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 dorm/shared room
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- All project transport
- Project training and equipment
- Raleigh t-shirt
- Exclusive travel kit discounts & advice
- Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- On-site supervision and support during your stay
- Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
Exclusions
- Flights to Kota Kinabalu, Borneo / San José, Costa Rica / Hoedspruit, South Africa
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Enhanced DBS check
- Basic first aid qualification
- Outdoor travel kit (details provided upon application)
- 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 South Africa.
What can I expect from a NGO internship in South Africa?
During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.
Will I have time to explore South Africa during my internship?
Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.
Am I able to do an internship while on a study program in Cape Town?
Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.
Will I receive a stipend of any kind during my internship with Roots?
Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Borneo, Costa Rica, OR South Africa
PROGRAM FOCUS: Volunteer Organization
TASK FOCUS: Planning, Program Operations, Coordination
LENGTH: 12 weeks
COST: From GBP 200
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain international experience working for a meaningful cause
- Practical skill-building in project management, logistical planning, and volunteer coordination
- Develop insight into sustainable development and youth empowerment
- Play an important role in a transformative experience for young people
- Join thrilling expeditions across incredible locations
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship or want more information, here’s what to do:
MORE INFO
Visit the Raleigh website for more extensive information about this internship.
APPLY
Complete the online form on the Raleigh website and upload a copy of your CV/resume.
ASSESSMENT
Raleigh will invite you to attend an assessment event if your application has been approved. If successful, you will be offered a place on one of their Expeditions.
CONFIRMATION
If everyone’s happy, Raleigh will provisionally confirm your placement and send you the invoice for the deposit.
PREPARE
Your placement is confirmed when the deposit has been received. You will then receive all the information to help you prepare as well as an invitation to the Raleigh Training event.
RELATED PROGRAMS
Wellbeing Coordinator
- Min. 13 weeks
- Costa Rica or South Africa
- Mentoring, Program Leadership, Counseling
Guide young volunteers on an eye-opening expedition and support their wellbeing, health, and development.
Find out more
Photography Internship
- Min. 13 weeks
- Costa Rica or South Africa
- Photography, Storytelling, Editing Media
Join transformative volunteer expeditions and document powerful stories through photography and film.
Find out more
Deputy Operations Coordinator
- Min. 13 weeks
- Costa Rica or South Africa
- Project Management, Facilitator, Mentoring
Build project management and leadership skills as you act as a role model for young volunteers on a transformative expedition.
Find out more
RELATED BLOGS
What to Expect from a Community Development Internship in Africa
What to Expect from a Community Development Internship in Africa
Interested in doing a community development internship in Africa? Here are some useful insights from an intern in Malawi.
Announcing Meaningful Yoga Internship in South Africa
Announcing Meaningful Yoga Internship in South Africa
Announcing new yoga internship in South Africa: commit to doing meaningful work with our partner, Project Ubuntu, located in Masiphumelele.
