Interested in NGO internships abroad? Here’s everything you need to know first! ☆ You have a passion for travel, for seeing the world and how it works. You care about the planet and everything that thrives here – the people, the environment, the wildlife. And most importantly, you want to improve its standards. Sound familiar?
We can tell you’re ready to make a real difference with NGO work abroad.
The NGO sector is exactly the right place for you: working with independent, nonprofit charities and groups with the aim of improving the world and making it a better, safer place for all. Whether you feel driven to community development, women’s rights, education, animal welfare, human rights, or environmental conservation, there are endless opportunities to get involved and make a difference – both in your hometown and all over the world.
The first step to building a career in the non-profit sector is with NGO internships abroad. Not only will international NGO internships give you the experience needed to pursue this path, but they also set you apart from the crowd, showing your drive and dedication to your cause. So where do you start? Here’s what you need to know about NGO work abroad.
8 tips for finding awesome NGO internships abroad
Short-term summer NGO internships abroad and gap years, undergrad and graduate programs, unpaid and paid NGO internships abroad, endless placement options – GoAbroad has the inside scoop. Keep reading for tips on finding awesome NGO abroad internships.
1. The competition is fierce.
The NGO sector continues to grow bigger every year. Organizations are expanding and multiplying, and NGO work abroad is more popular and attractive than ever. Travelers are often drawn to the field, too, as it allows them to make a difference, support those in need, and see firsthand the positive change created all over the world.
Because of the fierce competition, launching a career in NGO can be difficult. You need skills, knowledge, and experience to get your foot in the door, and internships are the best way to start. Take it one step further with international NGO internships, and you’ll be ahead in the game.
2. Narrow your options.
What are you interested in? Or where are you interested in? Every country around the world has various types of NGO work abroad, depending on the conflicts of the region. It’s important to consider what drives you and what change you want to see in order to narrow your options.
For some, it’s easiest to choose a developing country you’ve always wanted to visit, and set out on a cause that aligns with the country’s needs and your abilities. For others, it helps to choose a cause that is close to your heart – animals, children, refugees, war victims – and then select a program for NGO abroad internships to help.
Why not chase your passion through international NGO internships?
3. Show off your skill set.
It’s rare to find young twenty-somethings with specialized skills who want to work abroad in developing countries. If you’re considering NGO internships abroad, it’s important to show off your skillset, especially if you have study or work experience in a specific field.
So what do you have to bring to your NGO internships abroad? Perhaps you’ve studied nutrition, finance, or nursing during your undergrad degree, or you’ve pursued a master’s degree in public health or environmental science. Not only will skills like these fast-track your internship application process, but they will also be helpful to the organizations you join for NGO internships for undergraduates and graduates alike.
4. Internships are your ticket into the sector.
In the NGO world, it is essential to know your way around the industry. If you don’t have a master’s degree, you will definitely need extensive experience in the field in order to pursue a career in NGO work abroad and in your home country. The best way to boost your resume and learn about the field is through volunteering and internships. It’s a necessary stepping stone on the NGO career path, and both unpaid and paid NGO internships abroad allow you to see a different side of the sector through a new cultural lens.
Even with a master’s degree, it’s almost impossible to land a paid job without previous internship experience, so don’t be afraid to jump into NGO work abroad.
5. Embrace unpaid work.
Paid NGO internships abroad are the ideal. After all, you’ll be spending lots of hours getting your hands dirty, and it’s always nice to have some money in your pocket in return for hard work. But the reality is paid NGO internships abroad are rare. They are the unicorn of NGO work abroad.
While it’s possible somewhere down the road to find paid NGO internships abroad (or even negotiate a stipend once you’re accepted to an unpaid NGO internship), it’s necessary to embrace unpaid work at the start of your career path. Look at it as volunteer work: you get to learn about the field, help causes that are close to your heart and in need of aid, and the experiences will boost your resume and make you feel richer in other ways. If you can’t dedicate an extended time to unpaid work, consider summer NGO internships abroad for short-term placements.
Doing unpaid work doesn’t mean it’s a waste of time. Use it to build skills and experience!
6. Make connections.
Most are drawn to NGO work abroad because they want to get out in the field and be active, seeing firsthand how the organizations can make a difference. While it’s always rewarding to get in on the action, it’s worth considering the connections you can make in the head office of an international humanitarian organization.
While administrative NGO work abroad may not be your first thought, it’s actually a great place to start. Through the head office, you’ll be connected to various regions and people around the world, and networking is just as important as getting your hands dirty. Consider NGO internships abroad in administration, and you’ll meet the right people who can connect you to the next job, and the next, and the one after that.
7. Speak a second language.
With an emphasis on international connections in NGO work abroad, it can be a huge advantage to speak a second language. You’ll be able to communicate with various groups of clients, government officials, and media groups in countries around the world. If you’re considering international NGO internships in large developed organizations, a second language will be greatly valued.
While certain roles may not require a second language, for others it is mandatory in order to land a paid job. So whip out your Duolingo app and start preparing, whether you plan to embark on a gap year or summer NGO internships abroad.
8. Overseas is where it’s at!
Most NGOs have an international focus, and careers in this sector will undoubtedly cross international boundaries no matter where you participate in NGO internships: UK to USA, Australia to Africa, and everywhere in between. Even if you have a master’s degree in an NGO-related field and a specialized skill set, it’s usually necessary to spend time in a developing country abroad in order to land a paid job with an NGO, and for good reason.
You’ll learn how to deal with people from different backgrounds and cultures while gaining a broader perspective, and you’ll prove to future employers that you can be internationally savvy, which is key in this sector. So even though it’s possible to find opportunities close to home, it’s always best to gain experience though NGO internships abroad.
Get out there during NGO internships abroad, see the world, and capitalize on your new experiences.
Popular NGO internships abroad
Ready to dive into international NGO internships already?! Nice! Here are some of GoAbroad’s recommended programs for NGO internships abroad:
1. Connect-123
Connect-123 is an excellent program that places interns in NGO internships abroad over four continents. With a focus on human rights, you’ll be able to find various types of NGO work abroad, including developing educational workshops for immigrants, conducting peer education training, reporting on child labor and human trafficking, and researching topics like gender rights and political rights. Connect-123 offers NGO internships for undergraduates, graduates, and professionals alike, so it’s your go-to program no matter your experience.
- Locations: Spain, Argentina, South Africa, Ireland, Australia
- More info: Read reviews of Connect-123
2. Global Experiences
Global Experiences gets to know each intern personally, including your background and goals, to pair you with the perfect NGO abroad internships. With a variety of placements in everything from bioethics to digital publishing with nonprofits, Global Experiences has it all. They guarantee an internship placement through one-on-one coaching, house you in your new city, and offer 24/7 support while you’re in-country. And the best locations for NGO internships? UK and Australia are where it’s at!
- Locations: Spain, Ireland, England, Italy, Australia
- More info: Read reviews of Global Experiences
3. ELI Abroad
ELI Abroad have a firm belief that NGO work abroad is rewarding, both personally and professionally. International NGO internships teach you how to work and communicate with other cultures, and this program’s mission is to open the doors to the world for you. With internships in over 20 countries, you can find NGO abroad internships in every corner of the earth in conservation, human rights, social work, sustainability, and more.
- Locations: Australia, Ecuador, Bali, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Costa Rica, Argentina, South Africa, and more.
- More info: Read reviews of ELI Abroad
Next steps to NGO work abroad
Don't pack your bags just yet! There are a few items on your NGO internship to-do list that you should check off first.
- Decide when to go. Give your calendar a good, hard look and figure out what time of year—and for how long—you want intern abroad.
- Choose from the best intern abroad programs. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/company reputation, location, and your ease of getting settled. Some providers may even provide contact info for past interns if you want the REAL dirt. Here's more advice on how to find the perfect program provider for you. Pro tip: You can use MyGoAbroad to compare programs side-by-side.
- Plan your finances. Sort out your on-going funding before you go to afford daily essentials and travel splurges (in addition to program costs and airfare). Do your research to have an idea of how much your day-to-day life during NGO internships abroad will cost, and get to work on learning how to pay for your international internship.
- Get prepared. Preparing to intern abroad is as fun as it sounds. With the days ‘til departure dwindling and your excitement boiling, it can be easy to overlook the details. Lean on us to help guide you through your pre-departure process—that's what we're here for.
You’re ready for NGO abroad internships!
Peace and love, baby, peace and love. Go create it with international NGO internships!
Are you ready to make a difference while launching your career in NGO work abroad? Heck yes! International NGO internships are competitive, but well worth the time and effort if you plan to pursue this field in the future. Not only will they be an excellent experience, but they are essential for showing employers you mean serious business.
Whether you are seeking NGO internships for undergraduates, graduates, summer, or long-term placements, these tips will help you land the perfect NGO abroad internships to jumpstart your career. What are you waiting for?
Get Matched with 5 NGO Abroad Internships for FREE!
Look for the Perfect Internship Program Now
Start Your Search