How to Choose a Non-Profit Internship Abroad

So, you’re interested in non-profit internships abroad? The first thing you’ll discover as you start to investigate is that there are a lot of options out there. An overwhelming amount of options, in fact.

With so many incredible opportunities out there, how can you possibly choose?

There are a host of different causes you can contribute to, each as meaningful as the next. Then, there’s a plethora of organizations you could join, in a choice of incredible destinations, and they can train you for an array of different positions. With so many options, it's difficult even knowing where to start choosing a non-profit internship abroad.

Worry not, we’re here to help. In this blog we’ll provide you with a few tips on how to find the best non-profit internship abroad for you. You’ll find some helpful suggestions on what to look out for, the essentials to consider, and actionable tips on how to start looking.

Do non-profit internships abroad exist?

Yes, they do, and in abundance.

Non-profit internships abroad are a fantastic way to develop professional skills, gain practical experience, and explore career paths. You’ll work alongside experts in their field who are passionate about the work they do.

The best thing about them is that they don’t benefit only you. While your professional development is the priority, your internship will help a remarkable organization continue to do its important work. Furthermore, the work you do will also benefit the community or cause to which the host organization is dedicated.

You’ll develop and grow professionally whilst serving as an agent of positive change in the world. Let’s not forget, you’ll get to explore an exciting foreign country too, so you’ll have a lot of fun! That’s why choosing a non-profit internship abroad is a fantastic choice regardless of which internship you pick.

How to choose a non-profit internship abroad

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, these tips can guide your search!

Without further adieu, here’s our list of top tips for choosing a non-profit internship abroad. Bear in mind that this list is by no means comprehensive, but it’s a great starting point if you’re feeling lost in your search for a non-profit internship abroad.

1. Identify your goals

If you don’t know what you’re looking for, how can you expect to find it?

It’s essential you know what you want when choosing a non-profit internship abroad. Some interns wish to acquire specific skills or experience, others are led by a passion for a certain cause, for some, it’s all about the destination. What’s important to you?

Before searching for internships, define your personal and professional goals. Primarily, this will lead your search and help you narrow down your options. Moreover, an intern who knows exactly what they want to achieve with their internship is a much more appealing prospect for a host organization. So, it will help with the application process too.

2. Research non-profit organizations

Once you’ve identified a few non-profit internships abroad that stand out, dig a little deeper and research the organization.

Getting to know your potential host organization will help you find non-profit internships abroad that align with your interests and values. For instance, Roots Interns collaborates with a diverse range of NGOs, so exploring their portfolio will help you find opportunities that genuinely align with your passions and they can help you find the right placement.

Check out organizations’ websites, social media profiles, and find out all you can about their missions, projects, and impact. Also, don’t be afraid to get in touch and ask them questions directly! As you do all this, put some thought into where you’ll fit within the organization and what you can bring to the table.

Again, this tip will help you find the right internship and secure the position too. Knowing a bit about the organization will help to communicate your drive and commitment to an interviewer.

3. Start your search early

Don’t wait until the last minute—or you might miss out on experiences like this.

Here’s a quick tip that often gets overlooked when choosing a non-profit internship abroad. Start searching well in advance of when you’d like your internship to begin.

Many internships have lengthy application processes and strict application deadlines. What’s more, there’s typically a long list of preparations you’ll need to make before starting your internship. You’ll need to sort visas, flights, vaccinations, and more—and that’s before you even start thinking about preparing for the internship itself.

Some organizations, like Roots Interns, are able to organize placements last minute, but your options may well be limited, so it’s always advisable to start your search well ahead of time.

4. Check eligibility requirements

It’s best to do this early on in the process if you can. There’s nothing worse than getting excited about an internship only to find you don’t meet the requirements.

Review the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet the necessary qualifications, including language proficiency and educational background. You’ll be able to find internships appropriate for all levels of experience, for any stage of your career, so you’ll find something that works for you.

At the same time, don’t be disheartened if you don’t meet the requirements straight away. Sometimes, interns take on prior work or even seek qualifications to prepare for an internship and bolster the chances of their application, depending on the field.

5. Budget and funding

Alas, there are very few paid non-profit internships abroad. This is mostly due to the nature in which non-profit organizations operate. Funding for non-profits comes from grants and donors, a notoriously unreliable source of income. This means they have to keep costs as low as possible in order to stay afloat and keep doing meaningful work.

What does all that mean? It means making sure you can fund your internship experience is a crucial part of your research and application process, because non-profits have a difficult time allocating funds for temporary employees.

The good news is that in exchange for funding your trip, you’ll get valuable experience in a field that’s difficult to break into, as well as training, career development, and networking. Not to mention all the perks that come with traveling abroad, like self-discovery and making new friends.

As part of your selection process, determine your budget for the internship, including travel, accommodation, visas, and program fees. We also advise you research available scholarships and grants, or consider fundraising for your trip. You can also ask the organizations you’re interested in if they offer scholarship opportunities for applicants.

READ MORE: How to Intern Abroad on a Budget

6. Seek reviews and testimonials

Program alumni can offer authentic, helpful information (and some cool stories too)!

Knowing the organization you’ll intern with is one thing, but knowing the experience of the internship is another thing altogether. The best way to learn more about the internship you’re applying for is to learn from those who have gone before you.

Look for reviews and testimonials from previous interns who participated in the programs you’re interested in. This can provide valuable insights into the organization's credibility and what you can expect when you get there.

7. Utilize pre-departure support

You might be getting the picture by now that there’s a lot to take into account when choosing a non-profit internship abroad. So, it makes sense to ask for help if you need it—and to take it when it’s offered!

Ideally, you’ll feel the support of a committed, experienced, and helpful team when applying for internships abroad. Most organizations typically offer years of experience, extensive insider knowledge, and a deep rolodex of contacts.

Reach out to organizations directly to ask questions and clarify any doubts. They’ll also provide information on program details, support services, and the application process.

8. Evaluate your commitment

We won’t mince our words, non-profit internships abroad can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Do all you can to prepare yourself and make sure you’re up to the task. If you want to be the best intern possible, you don’t want to get in too deep over your head.

First, ensure you can commit to the entire duration and fulfill the responsibilities associated with the role. Then, consider the work you’ll be doing. You may face challenges in non-profit work that you wouldn’t find in the private sector. You’ll work with limited resources, often in sub-optimum conditions, and, in some cases, face incredibly high stakes. With community development internships for instance, your work could directly impact lives.

Bear in mind that this isn’t meant to scare you off! The fact that you’ll be engaged with meaningful work is really one of the biggest draws. However, it’s always best to be fully aware of what you’re signing up for.

Find and compare internships abroad with MyGoAbroad—it’s free!

Your non-profit internship abroad could launch your career!

So…where are you off to next?

Remember that choosing a non-profit internship abroad is a significant decision, and careful consideration will help you have a meaningful and enriching experience through Roots Interns or any similar organization. Follow these tips to ensure you select the right internship for your goals and make the most of the opportunity.

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This article was written with help from Roots Interns, who also provided all photos seen above. Roots Interns is an organization that offers impactful internship experiences across the Global South. Programs begin on a rolling basis year round.