NGO Management Internship in Portugal

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Put your business skills to work by assisting nonprofits in their growth strategies to further their mission

Embark on a dynamic business management internship that allows students and graduates to gain practical experience while supporting nonprofits in various business functions. This NGO Management Internship in Portugal offers hands-on involvement in areas like strategy, e-commerce, database management, and sales, adapting to the specific needs of nonprofits at the time of your participation. By working closely with these grassroots organizations, you will help drive their mission forward while developing essential business skills.

As an NGO Management intern, you’ll engage in key business tasks, such as identifying new growth opportunities, assisting with strategic projects, and enhancing online visibility through SEO and digital marketing efforts. This experience provides the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to nonprofit organizations while learning how business practices can create a positive social impact. Whether you’re interested in business strategy, project management, or digital marketing, this NGO Management Internship in Portugal will equip you with practical skills in a purpose-driven setting that will boost your resume.

Learning Objectives

  • Develop skills in business strategy, project management, and e-commerce
  • Gain expertise in SEO analysis and digital marketing for nonprofit organizations
  • Enhance market research and business development abilities
  • Build experience in coordinating fundraising events and nonprofit functions
  • Strengthen communication and collaboration skills in a multicultural setting

ORGANIZATION

Founded in 2015, ImpacTrip is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering social and environmental nonprofits across multiple global destinations. Based in Lisbon, Portugal, ImpacTrip’s mission is to foster a positive social and environmental impact on local communities as they aim to transform the way people travel by connecting them with meaningful internship opportunities.

By partnering with nonprofits, ImpacTrip connects students and recent graduates with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges. These internships help organizations increase their impact and provide interns with valuable international experience in their desired field.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Your exact role as an NGO Management intern will be defined based on your interests and learning goals, along with the available projects.

Responsibilities

  • Identify and evaluate new business opportunities for nonprofit growth  
  • Assist with general office duties, business projects, and company management  
  • Support client outreach and presentation of products or services  
  • Conduct market research and contribute to internal and external communications  
  • Manage nonprofit websites, including SEO analysis and optimization  
  • Help plan and coordinate fundraising events and other nonprofit functions  
  • Translate business materials and represent nonprofits at events 

Requirements

  • Currently studying or have completed a degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field  
  • Strong interest in nonprofit management and social impact  
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills  
  • Proficiency in digital marketing, including SEO and website management, is a plus  
  • Ability to work in a collaborative, multicultural team  
  • Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus  
  • Minimum age of 18 years

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Interns are housed in a dormitory-style sustainable hostel in Estoril located 5 minutes away from the train station by foot. Estoril is a beach town, 30 minutes away from Lisbon city center by train, giving you the best of both city and beach life! This sustainable hostel has shared bathrooms and dorm rooms accommodating 6 to 14 people (single gender), along with private rooms available for upgrading upon request. Around the house there is Wifi and there are common areas to relax and mingle with people from around the world. Feel free to enquire about the sustainability measures taken on-site and share any new ideas!

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. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, support staff on the ground, along with an internship supervisor and program coordinator.

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.

Communication

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) or you can opt to grab a free local SIM card at reception (the activation fee starts at 5€). Make sure your mobile phone is unlocked for international carriers before you travel.

Meals

Interns are provided with three meals per day, and also have access to a shared kitchen to prepare anything they’d like. The meals are prepared daily by cooks who use fresh local ingredients to offer interns the best of typical Portuguese dishes and international cuisine. Lunch and dinner include local staples such as fish and chicken, as well as rice, pasta, vegetables and salad. Breakfast is self-served at the accommodation and generally includes tea, coffee, bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt and fruit.

Location Details

Portugal has a unique cultural heritage, where tradition and modernity blend together in perfect harmony, which gives it a special personality. More than the great white sandy paradise-like beaches, superb cuisine or fine wines, it is the hospitality of the Portuguese people that makes it the perfect destination. Estoril is a stylish and sophisticated resort town long recognized on the Portuguese Riviera. With gorgeous beaches, a renowned casino, and fine-dining restaurants – there is plenty to do! Hop on the train and head to Lisbon to explore all that the city has to offer.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

This NGO Management Internship in Portugal has start dates every Sunday throughout the year.

What you’ll pay (2025 rates)

4 WEEKS USD 2,165

6 WEEKS USD 2,950

8 WEEKS USD 3,665

12 WEEKS USD 5,165

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 room (6-14 pax). If you’d like a single room, please contact us for prices and availability.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival
  • Wifi access
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • 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 Lisbon
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Airport transfer upon departure
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Portugal.

What can I expect from an internship 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.

Will I have time to travel and explore during my internship?

Yes! You’ll have guaranteed days off each week to explore and travel as you please, and you can also ask your supervisor for a long weekend to plan a bigger trip around the country.

Can I receive university credit while on an internship in Portugal?

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.

Will I receive compensation of any kind during my internship?

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!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Lisbon, Portugal
PROGRAM FOCUS: Sustainable Development
TASK FOCUS: Business Development, Strategy, Fundraising, Communications
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From EUR 2,165

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hands-on experience supporting nonprofits with business strategy and operations
  • Contribute to projects in areas like SEO, e-commerce, and digital marketing
  • Assist with identifying new business opportunities and driving nonprofit growth
  • Gain practical experience in project management and fundraising event coordination
  • Work in an international, purpose-driven environment in Lisbon, Portugal
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.

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!

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