As you might expect, most opportunities for human rights internships abroad are located in developing countries. We’ve picked just a few countries in Asia, South America, and Africa that provide good opportunities to build your experience while making a difference.

Cambodia is one of the world’s poorest countries, and human rights internships in Cambodia will give you insight into the challenges facing a developing country with a difficult past. With one-third of the people in Cambodia making less than one dollar a day, your internship work will contribute to improving the standard of living and empowering communities to make change. There has been some economic growth in Cambodia recently, but human rights is still an area that needs focus, mostly because of political and social issues.

Ecuador is one of the least economically developed countries in South America, and many communities are located in remote areas. Through an internship in human rights you will most likely be working with an NGO to provide services to different groups as well as support self-empowerment. Ecuador has a diverse population with many indigenous peoples, and this is an excellent location to strengthen your cross-cultural skills.

Ghana is an outstanding location for internships abroad in human rights because it is one of Africa’s most economically advanced countries, but still has people facing poverty and other barriers. Many rural villages and poor areas within cities are in need of community support and programs for self-empowerment. Ghana is a democracy and the most stable country in its immediate region, so it is a solid introduction for those wanting to learn more about West Africa as a whole.

Nepal is a friendly and peaceful nation with many opportunities to make a difference in international human rights. As the base for treks to the famous Mt. Everest, Nepal sees a good amount of tourists each year, however the economic benefits from these visitors is not seen in the poorest parts of the country. Many people in Nepal live well below the poverty line in remote villages, making it difficult to drive true change. Your internship in Nepal may be based around community development and support, skills-building, and gender justice.

South Africa has a complicated human rights history, from one of the world’s most repressive regimes before 1994 to today’s reputation as a location for open and respectful dialogue. Similar to Ghana, South Africa is the perfect country for learning more about the human rights situation in Africa while also being based in nation that is politically stable. Many human rights organizations in South Africa focus on women’s empowerment through education, skills training, and micro-lending.