Internships in Windhoek, Namibia

Because Namibia is a developing country, social and economic development fields are the most popular for internships in Windhoek. The variety to choose from within those sectors is impressive.

Popular fields of work. Namibia is one of the world’s leaders in environmental sustainability; environmental conservation is in their constitution! This is a huge industry because of the vastly diverse ecosystems within Namibia. Because of this, they also thrive off of tourism, offering a lot of safaris and outdoor adventures. Many world-leading NGOs are based in Windhoek and focus on human rights, as well as sustainable development of biological diversity.

Short term internships/summer internships vs. long-term internships. Namibia’s leading international internships in Windhoek generally last 3-6 months for students and young professionals, making them ideal for a semester abroad, or a post-grad resume-building stint.

Paid vs. unpaid internships in Windhoek. While it’s true that most Windhoek internships are unpaid, many offer living accommodations and the average cost of living is low. There are organizations that offer volunteer opportunities that can be tailored to fit your specific needs. The United Nations also offers internships in Windhoek, and there are grants and scholarships you are eligible to apply for if you are accepted.

Namibia is coined as “Africa for beginners”, as it’s easy to transition to. Windhoek is one of the safest cities in the region, and the political stability is strong. It boasts a proud, rich, and diverse history and culture represented within places to explore in the capital. Many young professionals who intern abroad in Windhoek boast on the environmentally-friendly living, being close to its beautiful nature, and the perk of English being the most commonly spoken language.

Namibia has been in the news recently for rising real estate costs; however, renting is still affordable in the capital. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $250, and living outside of that is quite affordable. Overall, Windhoek internships might not be a top African experience, but they definitely offer a powerful chance to see more of the world, gain meaningful professional growth, and create a positive impact on the community and the world.

Interning abroad is an incredible experience that cannot be matched. Many employers in today’s global world are including cultural awareness and intercultural communication on their preferred qualities list, and often search for candidates that have soft skills learned while working abroad. You will stand out from a large pool of candidates, and you will grow exponentially—both personally and professionally. 

Transportation is often the most important thing to learn when you move to a new city for a job, but it can be the most daunting. Windhoek does have reliable, safe taxi transportation. A registered taxi will have huge numbers on the side, so be sure to always note which car you get into. It is important to know to not pay over 30 Namibian dollars for any ride, because the average price is 10. A new transportation app just launched for rides specifically in Windhoek called LEFA Transportation Services. Be sure to ask any driver for local tips, like where the best restaurant is, or how to find a good hiking trail. Most drivers are friendly and love sharing advice! –To dive deeper, read our comprehensive guide on interning abroad in Namibia. Stay curious!