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…
MEDICAL INTERNSHIP IN MALAWI
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Develop your medical skills through direct involvement in community healthcare projects in Malawi
This Medical Internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a range of healthcare settings while contributing to community health initiatives. Based in Mzuzu, northern Malawi’s largest city, you’ll assist in public hospitals or clinics under the supervision of local healthcare professionals. Medical interns have the chance to rotate through departments like pediatrics, general medicine, maternity, and mental health, gaining exposure to medical practices in a resource-limited context.
Designed for medical students or recent graduates, this healthcare internship allows you to enhance your clinical knowledge, develop intercultural communication skills, and engage with community health projects. You’ll receive support from experienced staff, contribute to the daily operations of healthcare facilities, and experience life in Malawi through a cultural homestay. With a focus on meaningful engagement and professional growth, this is a valuable opportunity for anyone pursuing a career in healthcare.
Learning Objectives
- Develop clinical skills through direct involvement in patient care and hospital procedures
- Understand healthcare delivery in a low-resource, cross-cultural environment
- Build communication and teamwork skills within diverse healthcare teams
- Gain insight into community health challenges and public health strategies in Malawi
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 Medical Internship will be adapted to your studies, experience level, and department preferences. Healthcare interns are expected to show flexibility, initiative, and professionalism in both clinical tasks and community health support.
Responsibilities
- Assist medical staff with patient care and daily hospital tasks
- Observe clinical procedures and surgeries under supervision
- Participate in ward rounds with doctors and nurses
- Support healthcare teams in departments like pediatrics, maternity, and emergency care
- Help with patient assessments, taking vitals, and basic medical procedures
- Engage in health data collection and administrative support
- Contribute to community health education or awareness campaigns
- Shadow healthcare professionals in clinics or outpatient departments
Requirements
- Background in medicine, nursing, public health, or a related field
- Strong communication skills in English
- Willingness to work in a resource-limited setting
- Cultural sensitivity and respect for local healthcare practices
- Ability to work collaboratively within medical teams
- Flexibility and proactive attitude toward learning and contributing
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 (2026 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: Sustainable Tourism
TASK FOCUS: Community Health, Clinical Support, Health Education
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 1,415
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain hands-on medical experience in real healthcare settings
- Learn from qualified healthcare professionals in Malawi
- Engage with community health initiatives and local outreach
- Experience daily life in Malawi through a cultural homestay
- Build skills relevant to a future career in healthcare
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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