Support vulnerable populations, empower individuals, and foster community growth through hands-on involvement in social welfare initiatives in the Philippines.
Embark on a fulfilling social welfare internship, contributing to a wide range of projects supporting vulnerable populations, including childcare, street children, boys’ rehabilitation, and women’s shelters. These programs address their diverse needs, encompassing education, personal development, and business skills training.
As an intern, you’ll provide essential counseling and support to children grappling with behavioral and mental health issues, as well as challenges related to school attendance. You’ll empower young women affected by abuse through counseling, therapy activities, and personalized growth initiatives. Engage in community development by helping to lead lectures and workshops on critical topics such as teenage pregnancy, health, and nutrition, leveraging your research skills to create impactful educational materials.
With opportunities to lead sports, media, or arts activities, you’ll foster community engagement and facilitate growth. This internship is ideal for students studying criminology, law, social work, psychology, or education, offering hands-on experience and meaningful interaction with community members. Additionally, you may collaborate with coordinators to support sponsored children, further enriching your learning journey and contributing to positive change in the Philippines.
VFV is a dedicated organization offering a wide range of placements across diverse fields and environments. Through the cultivation of vibrant partnerships with local entities and governmental agencies, they not only embrace but champion a holistic approach to alleviating poverty in Tacloban, Philippines. Their mission goes beyond mere service provision; encompassing a commitment to delivering a comprehensive array of services. From vital hunger relief initiatives to the promotion of children’s healthcare and the facilitation of education opportunities, this organization strives to address the multifaceted challenges faced by communities.
Whether it’s providing educational resources to underserved schools or spearheading initiatives to enhance healthcare accessibility in remote regions, VFV remains steadfast in its goal: to uplift and empower members of various communities facing adversity. By nurturing a culture of collaboration and empathy, they foster meaningful connections between volunteers and the communities they serve, creating pathways for positive change that extend far beyond.
In this position, you’ll be responsible for offering guidance and assistance to individuals facing challenges and leading educational sessions on important subjects. Interns should demonstrate flexibility, cultural awareness, and initiative, actively contributing to efforts that promote empowerment and positive community impact.
You will reside with an experienced host family who has graciously opened their home to international volunteers for many years. These families embrace volunteers as cherished members, eager to share Filipino culture and include them in daily routines and special festivities. Shared meals provide an opportunity to enjoy authentic local cuisine while respecting dietary preferences. The accommodation provides access to electricity and running water with private bedrooms or shared quarters, each furnished with a mosquito net for comfort. While air conditioning is not available, fans are provided to cope with the tropical weather. Bathroom facilities are shared among family members, offering basic amenities and cold-water bucket baths. Although these adjustments may initially challenge your comfort zone, you can expect a safe, clean, and comfortable environment throughout your stay.
Prior to starting your internship, it’s essential to schedule a check-up with both your doctor and dentist. During these appointments, ensure you receive all recommended vaccines and medications to maintain your health throughout your stay. During your internship, you’ll receive a warm welcome into the neighborhood of Bliss, the heart of the community. With its lively atmosphere and low-income status, Bliss boasts a commendable low crime rate and a vibrant sense of communal spirit. The homes and surroundings are meticulously maintained, reflecting the neighborhood’s pride and cohesion. The Bliss community center and staff, along with your host family will provide any support necessary to make you feel comfortable and at home.
The VFV main center has Wifi for interns to use, however most homestays do not have Wifi available. It is recommended that you purchase a SMART SIM card upon arrival in the Philippines to be able to access the Internet and mobile network during your internship and stay connected with family and friends while abroad. Before traveling, ensure your phone has been unlocked for international SIM cards.
Your host accommodation will offer two daily meals (breakfast & dinner), consisting of traditional Filipino cuisine. We are happy to accommodate individuals with special dietary restrictions; however, we kindly request prior notification to ensure we can meet your needs accordingly.
Nestled in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, Tacloban is a vibrant hub of resilience and vitality. Renowned as the commercial epicenter of the area, Tacloban boasts rich history and culture. Spare time in this city offers a wealth of attractions and activities to explore, from the Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum for history buffs to Leyte Landing Memorial Park and the serene vistas of San Juanico Bridge for nature lovers. Dive into local life at the bustling markets, catch stunning sunsets at Cancabato Baywalk, or venture to Kalanggaman Island or hike Tacloban’s lush hillsides. There’s also plenty of opportunities to spend your weekends visiting nearby islands.
Start and end dates for the internship with this organization are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2024 rates)
4 WEEKS USD 1,871
8 WEEKS USD 2,372
12 WEEKS USD 2,874
16 WEEKS USD 3,375
20 WEEKS USD 3,877
26 WEEKS USD 4,629
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Philippines.
During your internship, you can expect to get a glimpse into what it’s like to live and work in the Philippines. You’ll step out of your comfort zone, gain practical work experience, explore a new culture and environment, contribute to the UN SDGs, and learn valuable skills to apply in your personal life and professional career. All this, while getting to explore some of the 7,000+ islands found in the Philippines. Take walks on sandy white beaches, wander through rice terraces, dip into crystal clear waters, try tasty new foods, immerse yourself in history and culture, and enjoy every second of it! For more reasons to intern in the Philippines, check out this blog post.
We believe an internship is more than just about your office work – it’s also about discovering and experiencing a new culture. So you’ll absolutely be able to travel during your internship in the Philippines! Each island in the archipelago is unique, so hop on a boat or quick flight to get exploring. Be sure to ask your host organization for recommendations and must-sees.
It sure does! However, you’ll want to double check with your supervisor that your university approves the program. We can also assist you in purchasing transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
Unfortunately, no. When interning for a nonprofit organization, the placement will be unpaid, but there are different ways to fund your internship. Don’t forget, the wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both your professional and personal growth will be 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!
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
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
