Develop practical skills in project coordination, digital communication, and community engagement through hands-on NGO work
Gain hands-on experience with a grassroots nonprofit that empowers communities through digital literacy and misinformation resilience on this NGO Development Internship. Based in Montijo, a lively town known for its riverside charm and vibrant local culture, you’ll support initiatives that make a tangible impact while experiencing the warmth and traditions of Portuguese life.
As an intern, you will assist with EU-funded project coordination, workshop facilitation, digital content creation, and community engagement. You’ll work closely with a small, dynamic team and international partners, strengthening your project management, communication, and intercultural skills. This NGO Management internship provides a unique opportunity to understand nonprofit operations from the inside while contributing to meaningful social change.
Learning Objectives
This nonprofit youth association in Portugal is dedicated to empowering young people through active citizenship, intercultural dialogue, and community development. Founded in 2010 by a group of passionate young individuals from Montijo, the organization operates a diverse portfolio of national and international projects. These initiatives encompass areas such as digital literacy, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and youth participation. Through programs like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, the organization fosters global partnerships and promotes youth mobility. Interns have the opportunity to engage in various aspects of the organization’s work, contributing to meaningful projects that address pressing social issues while gaining valuable experience in the nonprofit sector.
Your exact role as an NGO Development intern will vary depending on your interests and skills, along with the organization’s focus during the time of your internship. It’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to take on a variety of tasks to gain a well-rounded understanding of NGO operations.
Interns will stay in a comfortable local hostel designed for young people and international program participants, just a 10 minute walk from the office. Accommodation includes double rooms and shared dormitories with up to four beds. Shared facilities include a kitchen, lounge, and terrace, with free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and vending machines. This housing offers a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and make friends to explore Lisbon with!
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.
Portugal is considered a safe destination for travelers. Crime rates are low, but pickpocketing and handbag snatches do occur in tourist destinations. Always be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings close, and be extra vigilant at night.
Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad. To stay connected wherever you are in Portugal, you can opt to use your existing data roaming mobile phone plan (although be aware of high charges). Another option is to make sure your mobile phone is unlocked for international carriers before you travel and purchase a local SIM card upon arrival or set up an e-SIM at any point.
Montijo is a vibrant riverside town with a rich cultural heritage and a lively local atmosphere. Its charming streets, traditional markets, and proximity to Lisbon make it an ideal base for exploring both Portuguese culture and city life. Interns can enjoy a welcoming community, beautiful natural surroundings, and easy access to international travel opportunities.
Montijo is a vibrant riverside town with a rich cultural heritage and a lively local atmosphere. Its charming streets, traditional markets, and proximity to Lisbon make it an ideal base for exploring both Portuguese culture and city life. Interns can enjoy a welcoming community, beautiful natural surroundings, and easy access to international travel opportunities.
Start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
8 weeks EUR 3,273
10 weeks EUR 3,825
12 weeks EUR 4,377
16 weeks EUR 5,481
20 weeks EUR 6,584
Stays in Portugal are limited to 12 weeks - unless you are an EU citizen. This organization is open to hybrid placements if you’d like to be in the country for 8-12 weeks and then continue interning remotely. Get in touch for details & customized pricing.
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Portugal.
You can expect to immerse yourself in the local way of life, potentially working on your Portuguese language skills, while collaborating with a diverse and welcoming community. As you contribute to meaningful projects in your chosen field, you’ll gain valuable insights into Portugal’s business practices and build a network of connections.
You’ll have weekends off to explore other cities in Portugal and beyond! For any longer excursions, it’s recommended to plan a trip before/after your internship (keeping in mind visa limitations). It is also possible to speak with your supervisor to request time off for a long weekend during your internship – be sure to request leave with plenty of time in advance.
Yes, but you must ensure with your home university that all requirements are met. You can also choose to purchase transfer credits which will add onto your experience.
Unfortunately, no it is not possible to receive a stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid, so you can find other ways to fund your internship here. The personal and professional growth opportunities, combined with the wealth of knowledge you’ll learn are invaluable!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
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.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
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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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
SOCIAL
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
