There’s never been a better time to go abroad for a human rights internship than now. With the unfortunate reality of human rights violations happening all across the world, the time to act for those in peril has never been more crucial.
You’re already an activist, so why not pursue human rights internships abroad and affect structural change?
While human rights are inherent to each and every human being, how human rights are precisely viewed and defined varies greatly between cultures and nations. That, my friend, is an excellent reason to gain real-world experience with an international human rights internship program.
Understanding how human rights are viewed from a different perspective can help you gain a more holistic vision of where you might belong in the field of human rights. Gaining a global perspective never hurt anyone, and in fact, odds are international human rights internships will help you more than you might ever comprehend.
There are more than a handful of stellar human rights internships to choose from. If you know what area of human rights you’re interested in or in which country you’d be interested in being a human rights intern, you’re already ahead of the game!
Check out some of these comprehensive, reputable programs to get you started, you soon-to-be human rights interns!
- Professional Internship Program with VACorps
- International Internships in New York with The Intern Group
- Human Rights Internships with Connect-123
- Affordable Human Rights Internships with IAHQ
- Intern in South Africa with CIS Abroad
- Internship in Thailand with Asia Internship Program
- Experiences to Change Your Life with ELI Abroad
- Internships in Barcelona with Adelante Abroad
- Short Term Community Development Internship In Cambodia with GVI
9 of the best human rights internships
Editor’s note: This information on international human rights internships was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.
1. Professional Internship Program with VACorps — 9.61/10
VACorps provides one of the highest-rated human rights internships abroad and that’s not by coincidence. The VACorps team fully tailors their internship experiences to each and every participant in this program based in Cape Town. Human rights interns will be placed with a host organization which will allow participants to get up close and personal with some of the nation’s human rights professionals.
These programs include non-stop in-country staff support from pre-arrival until the end of their stays, along with a weekly chance to get in on organized social excursions. Check out “the world’s most beautiful city” with one of our highest-rated international human rights internship programs.
- Where? Cape Town, South Africa
- When? Year-round
- Read VACorps reviews
2. International Internships in New York with The Intern Group — 9.33/10
The Intern Group has 14 human rights internships abroad to choose from. Hong Kong? New York? Madrid? Wherever in the world you’re dreaming of interning, they’ve (probably) got you covered!
In any case, the Intern Group has a truly global-level of internship expertise to help make your time abroad an unforgettable one. They have the hook-up to help you get to where you envision yourself going. What’s great is that there isn’t an age requirement and no previous human rights experience is necessary.
- Where? Worldwide
- When? Year-round
- Read The Intern Group reviews
3. Human Rights Internships with Connect-123 — 9.67/10
Find yourself working alongside locals with Connect-123’s expansive network of local organizations working at the intersection of human rights. From political rights to gender rights, there is a wide range of opportunities for the motivated human rights intern.
Programs are open to all applicants and the duration of the program can be as long or as short as you want. Here most international human rights internships run from two to three months at a time. This organization will help you score university credit for your time as an intern, too!
- Where? Spain, Argentina, Ireland, Australia, South Africa
- When? Year-round
- Read Connect-123 reviews
4. Affordable Human Rights Internships with IAHQ — 8.91/10
This organization is the sister company of one of the world's most trusted and affordable volunteer abroad organizations. Wowza, that says something! With a wide range of internships across the board, you can certainly find human rights internships abroad that will fill your bill.
What’s even better? Each participant will be paired with an internship manager to work through the little and big details from start to finish. It’s like having a tutor without having to study ahead of time!
IAHQ offers competitive placements all over the world in exciting destinations. So whether you’re interested in immigrant rights in Italy or minority issues in Greece, you’re bound to find your cup of tea.
- Where? Worldwide
- When? Year-round
- Read IAHQ reviews
5. Intern in South Africa with CIS Abroad — 8.67/10
Our friends at CIS Abroad offer human rights internships in South Africa, London, and Hawaii. Enjoy a uniquely personal, cultural, and (equally as important) professional experience while interning in the city or on an island in the middle of the Pacific.
CIS Abroad has been helping students like yourself find their way around the world for a while now, whether that’s to study or intern abroad. Their combined years of experience and expertise have made them a cornerstone in the realm of international education.
- Where? South Africa, London, Hawaii
- When? Year-round
- Read CIS Abroad reviews
6. Internship in Thailand with Asia Internship Program — 9.55/10
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 29 and interested in a human rights internship in Thailand, then this program could be exactly what you are looking for. From Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya to Phuket, one of these exotic locales could be your next international destination.
Asia Internship Program offers personalized internship placements anywhere from two to six months. Arrive in the stunning country of Thailand with airport pick-up, fully-furnished accommodation, an international SIM card, and 24/7 in-country assistance. A bonus? You’ll have the opportunity to take language courses when you’re not interning.
- Where? Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket
- When? Year-round
- Read Asia Internship Program reviews
7. Experiences to Change Your Life with ELI Abroad — 10/10
ELI Abroad’s invigorating international human rights internship programs take place in one of 10 different exciting global destinations. This non-profit organization sends hundreds, if not thousands, of eager international travelers to 26 different countries.
Looking to improve your français as a human rights intern in Paris? Your español in Valencia? ELI has got you covered. Gain credible experience while enhancing your professional and personal network as in intern with local human rights organizations. Odds are that this extensive international network will have a program for you. See human rights from a different point of view with one of ELI’s top-rated programs.
- Where? Worldwide
- When? Year-round
- Read ELI Abroad reviews
8. Internships in Barcelona with Adelante Abroad — 8.29/10
Gain real-world human rights experience in the Latin world with one of Adelante’s top-notch programs. Looking for a cultural and professional experience? You might have just found one! In tandem with your human rights learning experience, take part in the intensive Spanish courses offered to Adelante’s program participants.
Intern for four hours a day, five days a week and then kick your feet back, or get them moving with some well-organized program-exclusive excursions. Participants are lodged in private apartments during the duration of their program and will be met upon arrival at the airport to start off on the right foot.
- Where? Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Ecuador
- When? Year-round
- Read Adelante Abroad reviews
9. Short Term Community Development Internship In Cambodia with GVI — 9.5/10
Become part of one (of two) of GVI’s human rights internship programs in the Southeast Asian nation of Cambodia. These authentic opportunities will get you involved in local, on-the-ground projects that include a host of professional activities in the realm of human rights.
Do UN Sustainable Development Goals ring a bell? Joining local forces will give you an excellent opportunity to contribute to some of the UN’s defined development plans. These programs will give you an in-office experience while allowing you to interact with the local community.
Participants from around the world are encouraged to submit an online application to start their international experience with GVI. The good news? Prior experience is not mandatory.
- Where? Cambodia
- When? Year-round
- Read GVI reviews
Compare these programs side-by-side with MyGoAbroad!
Where will YOU make a difference during human rights internships abroad?
International human rights internships will improve your perspective on the world we all live in.
Great question! There are exciting opportunities all around the globe. Until your decision has been made, these top-rated and well-established international human rights internships should be your first consideration. Find your place while playing your part in helping that stream of justice flow like a mighty one. Chances are, you’ll be one happy camper.
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