Internships in Colombo Central, Sri Lanka

I can not fault the Projects Abroad local team in Chitwan, Nepal. They all went out of there way to help and support me during my time in Chitwan. We always had one of the team that we could call 24/7 if needed. They were so friendly and approachable that I felt safe and created a home away from home. They made sure the physio placement offered as many learning opportunities as possible, and helped us to organise the best weekend trips. We managed to go on safari in the National Park, Paraglide in Pokhara, river rafting etc and visited many temples in the area. The team also supported us in immersing ourselves in the culture, from visiting the Human Home, trying new foods, and meeting many Nepali families. I had the best 4 weeks and would highly recommend it to anyone.

In Reflection, I had an excellent experience in Tanzania. I must admit that in four-weeks, I have nothing but praise about my experience with Project Abroad Tanzania Human Rights Internship. From the moment the plane touched down at Kilimanjaro airport, I experienced a warm atmosphere, and this was to be the general way of life in the four weeks stay in Tanzania. After completing the security and visa processes, which were swift and non-stressful, project abroad personnel were waiting for me. This was a relief after a long flight. The introduction was quick and precise to establish who they were and that gave me a sense of satisfaction and security. They shuttled me to the host family after making sure that I was comfortable. The host family was waiting for me, and they made sure that I was comfortable, and they showed me the accommodation facilities and I was impressed. The next day was not hectic but was meant to familiarise and ensuring that I had internet connection and a new sim card. The subsequent day was quite busy but exciting as I met the coordinators tasked with ensuring that my engagements were prompt and precise. They signed me to the Drop Box application to get an overview of the human rights work in Tanzania. The team collaborated with women’s groups and the Juvenile detention centre. I was drafted in the Humana rights and microfinance team. The team made sure that the women’s groups and the Juveniles benefited from the presentations. The coordinators acted in a professional manner, ensuring that the presentations were interpreted into Swahili. This gave everyone involved a sense of achievement and purpose. The coordinators were also instrumental in ensuring that as volunteers we had unlimited access to resources such as court’s research facilities and networking with legal practitioners. However, other planned engagements did not go according to plan, for example attending court sessions. It was evident that the cancellations were beyond the coordinators control. These were minor disappointments but overall, the internship was of high standard and the coordinators executed their duties with high competence and integrity. The other interesting part of the programme is the Swahili lessons and social gatherings. The intention was to ensure that the volunteers and the Projects Abroad team get to know each other. I must admit, the culture did not shock me as I shared a great deal in common by reason of me being from Africa but living in Europe. The main challenge was to converse in Swahili, but I found it interesting as the locals were eager to teach everyone. In addition to the social gathering, opportunities to travel were available to volunteers. For example interns were able to go for safari to the famous Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara national park and other places of interest. I would recommend anyone who is enthusiastic about internship to do it through Projects Abroad in Tanzania. Given the same opportunity in the future, I would ensure to have a basic understanding of Swahili as the public appreciated volunteers who show an interest in their language.