Human Rights Internship in Tanzania with Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad was such a terrific experience. I've never been so far out of the country before (I'm a New Yorker) and I'd been looking to do some work overseas for a while. In the beginning, it was quite disorienting-- naturally, the culture of Tanzania is different from what I was personally used to. However, living on my own and managing day-to-day work life with my fellow volunteers was such a new and exciting experience. We were immersed in the local life, did extremely important work in the community, and dived into the culture! Living without wifi and convenience stores, I think, is something everyone should do at some point. The organization of the program was sometimes a bit discombobulated-- but that's what made the experience so memorable. It was like diving head first into the deep end of a pool. Even if our schedules were constantly changing, my team and I just went wherever we were needed, typing up reports and giving presentations whenever we could. Tacking our papers to trees, scrounging for markers, sending emails wherever we could get service. Extremely eye-opening, and impeccably gratifying. I would recommend this program to anyone who isn't scared of trying new things-- and who is willing to be bold for a chance at gaining something huge.

I was there for a month and a half. I worked standard office hours Monday to Friday and spent weekends travelling and weekday evenings chilling. My work involved running legal workshop, provided tailored legal support to individual cases, visiting clients at their homes and researching Tanzanian laws & regulations. I wish I had more exposure to individual court cases. PA staff gave support in literally everything you need help with, you just need to ask! My host family was amazing, I still keep in touch with them!