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Roots Interns

4.37 (244)VerifiedSince 2016153 Programs

Why choose Roots Interns?

Roots Interns offers academic internships with grassroots projects worldwide to anyone looking for a program that balances meaningful work and valuable learning. With the help of our highly skilled and experienced team, you will be matched with the organization that best fits your internship goals and personal passions. Interning with these innovative organizations allows you to gain invaluable work experience, helping to expand your skills in a real-world setting. At the same time, you get to contribute to the important work happening at a grassroots level; a beautiful offshoot of mutual growth. By working directly with decision-makers and getting to implement projects to see the outcome of your work, you'll leave your internship having practical knowledge you can't get in a typical corporate experience. The bonus is, that you'll be working towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals and making an impact in the everyday lives of local communities. You can choose from a variety of fields such as Animal Welfare, Business Development, Community Development, Creative Writing, Education, Environmental Management, Event Management, Fundraising, Gender Equality, Human Rights, Law, Marine Conservation, Marketing & Communications, Media & Design, Medicine, NGO Management, Photography, Psychology & Social Work, Public Health, or Wildlife Conservation.

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Roots Interns Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.37

Total Reviews

244
Leave a Review

Community Based Internship in Brazil

February 03, 2026by: Annie Baker

Program: Research and Nature Conservation Internship in Brazil

4

During this internship, I sharped my skills teaching English, working with kids of all ages, event set up and take down, supporting teachers as they taught various classes, and learned Portuguese throughout my stay. I learned about mangrove ecosystems and explored the impact of sea level rise on them. Overall, it was an amazing experience!

Remote International Program Launch Internship Review

February 02, 2026by: Julian Coenen

Program: Remote Computer Science Internship: Tech Startup

4

I think Roots emphasizes finding the right match for all applicants, ensuring a valuable experience. Roots allows anyone to make a valuable impact, whether it be with physical presence or remote work.

Manipulative and Highly Misleading Internship

January 21, 2026by: Sam Tappen

Program: Research and Nature Conservation Internship in Brazil

3

Although I met some great people and try to focus on the good that came from my internship, I would be lying if I didn't express how misleading it was, resulting a lot of emotional distress and frustration. My work contract stated I would be primarily conducting environmental research, monitoring forest biodiversity, and data analysis. In reality, for 28-30 hrs/wk I was babysitting, sweeping, and trying to help teachers conduct classes (who didn't even know who I was or how to include me, making matters worse that I couldn't communicate to them, as I didn't speak any Portuguese when I arrived and was told it wasn't needed). When I did do environmental work (1-2 hrs/wk), it was researching on my own or reviewing my work with my supervisor, in which instead of encouraging and teaching me, she spoke very condescendingly and blamed me for things whenever she could, even for information or instruction she never told me. I was minimally trained, and quickly became the trainer of the volunteers after me. I felt strongly that my time and work was undervalued and that my supervisor had some resentment and would often get very frustrated at me for simple things, like not hearing her or not knowing info. that was never disclosed to me (by her). When I brought up my concerns, she would gaslight me, tell me I were wrong and try and blame me for the situation, using manipulation tactics. Crucial information wasn't communicated to me consistently, often making my work feel very purposeless and unsuccessful. There wasn't a role for interns here (or physical space in many instances, as I was told to move out of the way often), I was made to feel in the way, and would not recommend undergoing this internship.

A special time in the community of Masiphumelele

January 16, 2026by: Anoushka

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

Had the most wonderful internship at Projekt Ubuntu Connekt! Worked with an amazing team, consisting of 2 amazing community women leaders, at the community hall. The time I spend with the children was special and I learned so much from them! I felt so at home in the community and was surrounded with great joy everyday!

Bojana

January 16, 2026by: Bojana

Program: Female Empowerment Education Internship in Zambia

5

My internship was a highly valuable and enriching experience that combined practical work with meaningful learning. It allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world context while developing new skills and confidence. The supportive environment and hands-on responsibilities made the experience both personally and professionally rewarding.

From Global Policy to Local Practice: Reflections on an Internship at FHCI

January 16, 2026by: ajarsenith

Program: Remote Computer Science Internship: Tech Startup

5

This placement offered excellent practical experience of theoretical insight into International Relations put into action on grassroots development in an education and gender-oriented NGO. As I supported curriculum, policy-relevant research and operation, I observed how global concepts- like the SDGs were being turned into local programs. Overall, it reinforced my research, analytical and professional skills and confirmed my passion for international development and policy-focused work.

Malawi Sanctuary & Research Placement Review

January 10, 2026by: Ryan Sewell

Program: Wildlife Husbandry Internship in Costa Rica

5

I spent 16 weeks in Malawi, doing both a two-week Sanctuary and 14 week Research Placement with LWT. I had an incredible experience, from the friendly people to the fascinating wildlife, natural beauty, and food, everything was amazing. It was not only a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but as a student currently studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and wanting to pursue a career in wildlife conservation, this placement provided me with an experience that prepared me for a future in this field and equipped me with skills like radio telemetry and data entry. However, I do wish I could've been more involved with some of the data entry, organization, and manipulation (e.g. GIS), but otherwise I highly recommend this program.

Great

January 09, 2026by: Johnette W. Thomas

Program: Remote Computer Science Internship: Tech Startup

4

My internship journey with Root Interns has been truly worthwhile. My team was amazing, and I developed both personally and professionally. Confidence and leadership are just two of the best skills I gained throughout this experience.

Data Science Intern

December 24, 2025by: joeyyun

Program: Remote Computer Science Internship: Tech Startup

4

The internship was a great experience and very accommodating. I felt that I had a lot of freedom in my work and schedule while also being given guidance on certain projects. I ended up learning quite a bit at my own pace and pushing myself to meet expectations. Communication was also good between my supervisor and myself.

Roots Internship Review

December 19, 2025by: Om Patel

Program: Remote Computer Science Internship: Tech Startup

4

This was my second internship placement with Roots. I am a computer science student and the first internship was IT related but this time I was placed into a program where I was able to program and learn with a lot of freedom as I was the solo developer for the duration of my internship and I gained a lot of exposure to many things and a lot of communication from my supervisor. I also met a mentor figure who has been guiding me and helping me along my journey which I am very thankful for as well. The experience with Roots was very pleasant and I got a lot out of this opportunity.

Reflections from REACH Siem Reap

December 17, 2025by: Gavi E-S

Program: Education Internship in Cambodia

4

As I reflect on the people I've met during my time as an intern in Cambodia, the word that first comes to mind is genuine. From my coworkers and the students I worked with to the street food vendors who have kept me well fed, I've felt sincerely welcomed at every turn. This sense of authenticity extended into the workplace as well. The NGO I've been working for has a deeply meaningful impact on the local community, and in my role, I feel that my contributions will be long-lasting and truly student-centered, rather than oriented toward short-term volunteer experiences that primarily benefit the volunteer.

Semillas Life Wildlife Conservation Review

December 04, 2025by: JungleEleri

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

Overall I had a great experience on this internship! I was able to fully immerse myself in the culture, work entirely in Spanish, and see remote parts of the Amazon. At times the difference in work culture was hard to adapt to, and it was hard to work in a second language, but this only made the experience more valuable in the end. Definitely an experience you can’t get anywhere else.

10/10 Experience From Start To Finish

November 27, 2025by: NWooding

Program: Construction Internship in Cambodia

5

My time in Cambodia was the perfect blend of culture, hard work, learning and developing. The people are lovely and couldn’t be more helpful and I felt safe and comfortable throughout my time in Siem Reap. It has truly been amazing and I’m gutted to be leaving already!

A Meaningful and Supportive Global Health Internship Experience

October 24, 2025by: Jacob N.

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

My internship placement with the Wellness Africa Foundation through Roots Interns has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The program provided structured guidance while still allowing me to take ownership of meaningful policy work that aligned with my academic goals. Communication with both Roots and the host organization was supportive and responsive, ensuring that I felt prepared and valued throughout. I would highly recommend Roots Interns to any student seeking an opportunity to apply their studies in a real-world, globally relevant context.

Internship Review

October 08, 2025by: freusch

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

5

I had same excellent experience overall from start to finish. Everyone was incredibly helpful and I learned valuable skills to take with me in my future endeavors. My main tasks were: Organizer student files and profiles, create fundraisers, review social media posts, research.

Poor Quality "Internship": They only care about money!

September 30, 2025by: ALawrence
2

For context, I have traveled abroad to Mexico, Brazil, and the Caribbean. I am a generally agreeable person and am absolutely fine with hands-on, gritty experiences. But this experience was beyond disappointing. The actual value versus the cost is unforgivable. I received absolutely no guidance from my supervisor during my internship (which was an entire month). Never did they review the workplan with me or acknowledge that I was an “intern” rather than a volunteer– it seemed like there was no differentiation. The staff even asked me what my role was because they had no idea and clearly never reviewed my documents. The staff were also quite rude, and often gossiped about volunteers and made snide remarks in front of them. The “internship” was not at all about developing my skills. Instead, I learned from other volunteers whose only experience was starting a few days earlier than me. To say the facilities were “rustic” is generous; bedding was blood-stained and ripped. Despite working with animals, there was no soap in any of the bathrooms, and a volunteer contracted a parasite during my stay because of it. EcuaExplorer ignored my repeated messages for weeks, both before and during my trip. Many of the tasks are physical labor that have nothing to do with the animals, like moving sand. Though the experience itself is an amazing opportunity, and working with the animals is incredible, everything else about it is poorly organized. They are much more interested in making money off of their volunteers over investing in a worthwhile internship experience. I don't appreciate how Roots dismissed my concerns by telling me that EcuaExplorer was a “quality” placement when I reached out to them. Roots seems to have little communication with their internship placements. If you are really set on this place, I would advise you to book directly through their website rather than through a 3rd party. Not worth it.

Successful internship at Drip by Drip

September 30, 2025by: Intern at Drip by Drip

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

I am very satisfied with this internship opportunity. During my time here, I was able to broaden my horizons and gain valuable knowledge about water-related issues and how they are addressed within the textile industry. I felt that my contributions were valued, as my ideas were consistently listened to and taken into consideration. I learned how to work effectively in a remote setting while balancing my studies and personal life, which has made me feel more prepared and confident to enter the workforce after graduation. Getting to collaborate with great colleagues and engage directly with experts in the water field, gave me deeper insights into the challenges and solutions surrounding water stewardship.

Valuable Experience

September 24, 2025by: MC

Program: Community Development Internship Abroad

4

The experience was extremely valuable to understand the healthcare system in Zambia. However, there was much less public health work than expected--only working with patients in the mornings with not enough focus on most severe cases and no public health education. Recommend if interested in healthcare and community building vs public health.

Orphan Care Internship

September 16, 2025by: Bolton

Program: Orphan Care Internship in Costa Rica

4

I would defiantly recommend this internship for people who have a passion for animal care and rewilding. It was an amazing experience that taught me so much. It was rewarding whilst also providing time to explore Costa Rica as a tourist.

An Internship to remember

September 09, 2025by: Gabrielle7127

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

I worked in-person and remotely which has allowed me to experience two work dynamics, both of which have been enjoyable and have developed me as a whole. I found that the transition from in-person work to remote was handled very efficiently and i was able to get stuck back in, with a very clear idea of what i had to do - my supervisor did a wonderful job at coordinating this. This has been such a great experience for me. My main tasks were; Creating and delivering creative writing workshops for local schools with my supervisor, gathering parent testimonials, making an anthology of students stories and poems and planning and creating content for a campaign.

Pura vida

September 03, 2025by: Alex Martinez

Program: Conservation Research Internship in Costa Rica

4

Alturas is great. It got its ups and downs but what place doesn’t I must say that overall I did not learn some new things as I went into other placements but the work environment and the team are great. Nursery is amazing so I really recommend doing the orphan care volunteer

Online Animal Welfare Fundraising Internship with ZAWS

August 30, 2025by: Hadlie

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

My internship with Zambezi Animal Welfare Services (ZAWS) was an incredibly meaningful experience. This opportunity strengthened both my skills and my commitment to animal welfare as a future career. My main tasks and responsibilities included organizing calendars and spreadsheets, writing emails, and researching grant opportunities.

My Internship Experience

August 23, 2025by: Hedil

Program: Wildlife Veterinary Internship in Malawi

4

I really loved my time with Roots Interns and Lilongwe Wildlife Trust. I met so many amazing people and learned a lot throughout the experience. It wasn’t exactly what I had expected going in, but it was still incredibly valuable and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

Didar's Experience Participating in a Veterinary Internship Programme in Portugal

August 17, 2025by: diidars.s

Program: Veterinary Internship in Portugal

4

It was the best experience in my life. I interacted with diverse animals while I enjoyed rural Portugal. The staff was extremely polite.

Law and Economic Development in Ecuador

August 09, 2025by: lmcdermott

Program: Galapagos Development Internship in Ecuador

4

During my internship, I worked on legal and economic development for El Terreno, an NGO in rural Ecuador. This experience gave me hands-on skills in stakeholder analysis, legal writing, and economic development. The environment was wonderfully supportive, fun, and multicultural. Within a couple of hours, you can reach a capital city, beaches, islands, jungles, and more!

So much love for this place

July 31, 2025by: Hally

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

I thoroughly enjoyed my time here at sos animal. This organization is run by people who truly care about each animal on property. I met the most amazing people from all over the world while being in a breathtaking place.

Great Time

July 27, 2025by: Allison

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

My time in Greece was great; I loved my supervisors and colleagues who were all so kind and welcoming. There is so much to do and see in the country, I did some kind of trip pretty much every weekend. The cost of living is pretty inexpensive compared to other European countries, and every one speaks English if Greek is a struggle.

Working at Yanacocha

July 26, 2025by: Della

Program: Conservation Internship in Peru

5

Yanacocha is a truly special place. I had an incredible time interning there for a month. I was able to have hands on interactions with incredible animals, learn about how to care for them, feed them, and I even got to choose one animal to train one on one during my time there. The accommodations are good, Puyo is a nice city, and the people who work and volunteer at Yanacocha are amazing. I definitely recommend this experience for people who truly love animals.

IMR Review

July 04, 2025by: seb.borg

Program: Marine Research Assistant Internship in the Philippines

4

An excellent opportunity for aspiring Marine Biologists. Learn how to do real scientific methodologies in research paradise and comprehensive lectures and analysis.

Medical Internship in Peru

July 01, 2025by: Sauce

Program: Medical Internship in Peru

4

Out of this experience in South America, I wanted to gain new perspective and improve my Spanish. I was able to achieve those things, along with seeing and experiencing much more. I will be back Arequipa!

Learning in Limuru

June 25, 2025by: Preesha

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

Kenya was never on top of my list for tourism. Initially overlooked, but later missed, my time in Kenya was rewarding and necessary. The beautiful people, welcoming environments, unbelievable nature, and support that came with the internship made this program important. Now I’m just waiting to go back.

A Meaningful and Eye-opening Experience

June 25, 2025by: Joe

Program: Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

5

I had a great time during my internship with Roots Interns. The work was meaningful, and I learned a lot about community development and cultural exchange. The team was supportive and inspiring. I would definitely recommend this program to others.

Easy, Guided Path to a Meaningful Internship

June 21, 2025by: Suren

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

Roots made it really easy for me to find an internship that matched my interests and goals. The team was super helpful and supportive throughout the whole process, from applying to actually starting the role. As an intern, I analyzed environmental risks with a focus on water impacts and textile certification systems, conducted research and expert interviews, and helped translate complex findings into clear, engaging content for public and stakeholder use.

Social Internship in Cape Town

June 21, 2025by: Mariana

Program: Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

Overall, this was an amazing experience. Extremely fulfilling, full of learning, but also filled with fun, love, and laughter throughout it all. Cape Town is a beautiful city, and I was lucky enough to discover everything it has to offer through this internship.

Alturas Wildlife

June 10, 2025by: Riss29

Program: Wildlife Husbandry Internship in Costa Rica

4

My time at Alturas Wildlife sanctuary taught me a lot of clinical skills and allowed me to work hands-on with species I had never seen before. The day-to-day task can be somewhat repetitive with lots of feeding and cleaning but there are opportunities to learn.

Awesome experience, a dream come true

June 10, 2025by: Isabella Hampel

Program: Wildlife Husbandry Internship in Costa Rica

4

Hi! My name is Isabella, I'm 19, and from Florida! I am a rising junior majoring in Business Administration with a specialization in Zoology. I am also pursuing a minor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. I did a 4-week Wildlife Husbandry Internship with Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary through Roots Intern. Unfortunately, I wish I had just gone through the internship's website and done the process there because Roots Intern did not add much value to my experience. The support was minimal, and the resources I received were not worth the extra money that I paid. The people who do internships for 1 month pay the same rate as those who do 3 months although it is much more time to receive support. I voiced this concern without much of an answer. Going through Roots was a complete waste of my money. I paid so much for something that was worth 10x less. I do not know how it is with other organizations, but in regards to this internship I do not recommend going through Roots Intern. The internship itself was amazing. Not only did it fulfill some of my career objectives, but it made one of personal dreams come true. For as long as I can remember, I have loved the idea of working hands on with animals and directly helping them. I have been passionate about sustainability and conservation and knew this was a field I wanted to go into. Alturas showed me what a potential career in this field could be like. During my time there, I learned how to prepare specialized diets for the animals, create enrichments for them, and better understand their natural, non-stressed behaviors. I was also able to work on a research project with one of the animals in the sanctuary, studying an olfactory enrichment for Frida, the Panamanian Owl Monkey. My favorite part, though, was definitely working in the nursery, where I learned how to care for and feed the baby animals. There were some aspects of the internship that I didn't quite enjoy as much. A significant portion of my tasks involved cleaning and maintaining the animal's enclosures. This and the other tasks felt a bit repetitive after 2 weeks and I think 4 weeks was more than enough time for me personally, to see if this is what I would want as a career in the future. I was also not really given a lot of guidance or help in regards to my research project, which was really difficult for me as I do not have experience with this stuff since I am a Business major. I wish I had received more structured support, as I believe that would have allowed me to produce more meaningful results. Beyond the animals and this though, what made my experience even more special was the people. The staff and other interns/volunteers were great to work with, kind, and supportive. It was just awesome working alongside people with the same, strong passion to help animals. If we got done with work early, the staff would take us to the beach or waterfall and sometimes did cool activities with us as well. I am so thankful for the experiences I had and the friendships I made. I can confidently say that I would do it all over again. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in a career in animal care, someone who loves animals, or simply anyone who wants to help out and make a difference.

Living in Cape Town

May 08, 2025by: Ava Andrews

Program: NGO Event Coordination Internship in Cape Town

4

I had a wonderful experience interning for Greenpop in Cape Town, South Africa. The people I work with as well as the general community was so welcoming and kind. There were so many things to do and places to explore with the most stunning views.

Wildlife and Conservation internship at Vic Falls

April 29, 2025by: Vivian

Program: Wildlife Research Internship in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

4

Wonderful experience! Great for doing a research internship for bachelor/master program especially concerning wildlife and conservation with lots of freedom to choose what you want to focus on. Friendly environment and lovely coworkers! Overall really nice organisation :) ... And there is lots of nice activities you can do in free time as well, you'll never get bored!

Challenging but still rewarding

April 14, 2025by: Hannah

Program: Women's Support Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

Overall, I would say I had a great time, largely because I met some incredible people and Cape Town is truly a beautiful place to be. That said, the internship itself was not without it's challenges often involving feelings of uncertainty. Still, colleagues and team were friendly, and I can confidently say I’ve taken away many valuable personal lessons from the experience.

Just another Day in Paradise..

April 03, 2025by: travelisa

Program: Galapagos Conservation Internship in Ecuador

5

To be honest, I cannot even put into words what those last 3 months meant to me. They definitively have been the most amazing months of my life and I would give a lot to be able to go back. The island, the people, the NGO, the wildlife.. if there is a paradise, it is on the Galapagos and I am incredibly grateful that I had the chance to be part of such a wonderful organisation and was able to support the conservation of this magical place.

Marine Conservation Internship

March 27, 2025by: lauraw

Program: Marine Conservation Internship in Zanzibar

5

I had a lovely time in Zanzibar with Under the Wave, and I would highly recommend this to any students looking to undertake a meaning and impactful internship in the field of marine conservation. I have learnt a number of valuable skills to transfer to my studies and career which I believe will help me be successful in the future.

Organic Farming in the Tropical Cloud Forest of Ecuador

March 13, 2025by: Jos Prim

Program: Cloud Forest Wildlife Research Internship in Ecuador

5

I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in small-scale organic farming. The balance between work and play daily and the balance between work and travel weekly was perfect for me. Being surrounded by tropical cloud forest was a dream come true. I learned so much about organic plant and animal agriculture and gained practical skills I can use moving forward working with localized food systems!

Long-lasting perspective

March 07, 2025by: MadiPike

Program: Psychology and Therapy Internship in Peru

4

Since I’ve been here I’ve got to see many beautiful parts of Peru, make some friends from different countries than my own, and work with kids much less privileged than I see everyday. This experience is only the first step in my travel journey!

Rewarding Experience!

March 05, 2025by: Courtney B.

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

5

At first I did not know how a remote internship would work. However, this has been the most rewarding experience I have had. I felt culturally immersed and created important materials for my organization to use. Loved it!

Great Experience

February 11, 2025by: Cheyenne

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

I’ve learned so much from this opportunity, and I’m grateful for the support, guidance, and inspiration along the way. Working at Roots has been an incredible experience, and I’ll carry these lessons with me. I hope our paths cross again!

Highly Recommend

January 22, 2025by: averylilienthal

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

I really enjoyed my remote internship through Roots. It has taught me a lot about non-profit work and given me a new perspective about sustainability and self-reliance. It was also my first time working remote, so that was a new experience to get used to and required me and my organization to be flexible. Overall, I learned a lot and made new connections

Great Experience

January 22, 2025by: Sharon Gorden

Program: Marketing & Fundraising Internship in Ghana

5

The experience was amazing and life changing. I got to learn so much! My main tasks were Implementation of business strategies and implementation of a mental health program in the village. I learned the importance or adaptability and my favorite part was Working and meeting with my team.

Ruby in Cape Town (I am not sure what I am supposed to put)

January 08, 2025by: Ruby de Bruijn

Program: Fundraising Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

My overall experience in Cape Town was amazing. The city is truly a magical place. I have met some amazing people and was able to do a lot of fun stuff. My internship suited me and was definitely one of the things that made this experience so great. I worked with the New Heritage Foundation in NGO management, focusing on fundraising, social media, creating a business plan, and networking. One thing that I am really taking from this internship is how important it is to have a network with valuable connections. The right person can make a huge difference. On a personal level, I learned that I can get very caught up in wanting more and sometimes forget to realize the beautiful things I already have. I am also proud of being asked to become a board member. I mostly enjoyed the brainstorm sessions with the team. However, there were sometimes long days in the office. As for my career plans, I don’t have any yet. This internship was a way for me to get a taste of the NGO working life and see if it was something for me. I think networking will be important in the future. I also learned that not everyone thinks like I do. My advice: Make sure to communicate properly and don’t hesitate to ask questions when something is unclear. When traveling alone, do some research on people who will be there so you have a community of people to connect with and do things together.

Education intern, Malawi

January 02, 2025by: ShayaniJ

Program: Education Internship in Malawi

4

My experience in Malawi was incredible. From the ease of getting to my accommodation on the first day because it was all sorted for me to making new friends at my accommodation and feeling like an asset at the school, every single moment was amazing. I felt useful and respected daily, and it was beautiful to see the impact I was making! In my role, I provided classroom support, interventions with struggling students, painted walls, created resources, ran the social media accounts, and assisted with running school errands. I learned that in order to effectively teach English as a foreign language, you have to be willing to think outside the box and make learning so fun that students don’t even realize they're learning. This is made so much easier when you have a good relationship with them! I enjoyed how connected I felt to the objectives of the organization as a whole and how I could clearly see the impact I was making. However, I did find that some days were very busy, while other days were quieter. This experience will help me start my TEFL qualification and support my journey of teaching English in other countries. My advice: Be open to trying new things! There are so many great opportunities at Butterfly, and you don’t just have to stay working with Stepping Stones. Also, don’t travel with loads of different clothes – four outfits is plenty! Everyone wears the same things over and over again.

I think it's a good working experience.

January 02, 2025by: icetea

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

5

This is my first internship in this organization. My overall evaluation is that this internship experience has taught me a lot, and I believe it will be helpful to me in the future. The main task and responsibility is to complete the tasks assigned by the supervisor. Key learnings in areas of interest: I learned skills that can be transferred to future positions, and I also learned skills about databases and Android systems on a professional and personal level. The most enjoyable thing is that I can learn a lot of experience. Not really, because every mission is a new experience for me. My advice is to do your job well, discuss more with your team members, and if you don’t understand something, you can ask your supervisor, they are very friendly. Your career plan is to enter a company, and this internship is helping me to develop my career plan. I am satisfied with the support provided by Roots Interns, you are doing a great job as an internship placement agency.

why Roots Interns?

December 24, 2024by: Nobuhle

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

5

Working with Roots Interns was made easy for me, from before the placement and after the placement I received amazing support that rapidly enhanced my experience in the marketing industry. With Roots you get to work closely with senior professionals showing you the ropes, I got to handle different social media campaigns with the help of my supervisor and that helped me with being 100% sure that I want to stay in the digital side of marketing. My work was posting content, writing captions for content, helping with social media campaigns, social media tracking, help with content calendar, engaging with audiences on social media.

2024 Zambia Remote

December 23, 2024by: Jemeka

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

5

My internship placement with Roots Interns has been a transformative experience, allowing me to gain valuable insights into global public health and community-based projects. The opportunity to work remotely while contributing to meaningful initiatives has greatly enhanced my practical skills and understanding of public health strategies in diverse settings. My main task involved the creation of an eight-week lesson curriculum to teach inmates about HIV, its risks, and prevention.

It is a very good internship opportunity

December 21, 2024by: Ice tea

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

5

This is a very good internship opportunity. I learned a lot of knowledge during this internship, and I believe it will be very helpful for my future formal work. As an intern, I feel my main tasks and responsibilities are to communicate with the team and complete the tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Internship

December 10, 2024by: Lukas Daniel

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

What I mainly did in my internship were -- Developing a Plan of intervention, supporting staff in activities, presenting subjects of social to the staff, planning activities for kids and staff, administrative tasks. Some key takeaways were handle difficult relations with supervisors, how to intervene with the residents along a well elaborated plan. Adapt to different cultural working conditions with different styles of communication, organization etc. How to put the well-being of the children or residents above all. The significance of recreative or cultural activities to participate for the kids and the fullfillment of their rights.

Internship at The Safehouse: A Transformative Experience

November 26, 2024by: Zarah Riaz

Program: Gender-Based Violence Research Internship in Cape Town

5

My two months at The Safehouse in Cape Town have been nothing short of transformative. As an aspiring child and adolescent psychologist, this internship offered me an invaluable opportunity to delve into the realities of working with survivors of abuse, particularly women and children, and to make a meaningful impact. From the very beginning, I was struck by the resilience of the individuals who sought refuge at The Safehouse. Their courage to rebuild their lives amidst such adversity was humbling. Being part of a team that worked tirelessly to provide them with the support and tools they needed was both inspiring and rewarding. Throughout my time, I contributed to various aspects of the centre’s operations. I assisted with case management, facilitated therapeutic activities, and supported children in recreational sessions. Each interaction reaffirmed my passion for this field and deepened my understanding of the complexities of trauma and recovery. On a personal level, this experience was both challenging and enriching. I learned to navigate emotionally charged situations with empathy and professionalism. It enhanced my communication skills, adaptability, and ability to maintain boundaries—essential skills for a future psychologist. The Safehouse also highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Working alongside social workers, house mothers, and management broadened my perspective on how interconnected efforts contribute to holistic care. As I reflect on this journey, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a vital cause. The lessons I’ve learned, the people I’ve met, and the stories I’ve heard will stay with me as I continue my path in psychology. This experience has further solidified my commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and advocating for their mental health and well-being. To anyone considering an internship with Roots, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It is a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience that will not only enhance your professional skills but also leave an indelible mark on your personal growth.

An incredible 3 months!

November 12, 2024by: Ella

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

5

We had an amazing and beautiful 3 months at Cirenas. The staff became like family! They were all so kind and supportive. The location is stunning and so much wildlife. We stayed in the bungalows for the last 2 months and it felt like we were in a 5* hotel! The turtle program was amazing. We loved the responsibilities and learning more about how to look after the turtles. I already want to go back!

My dream internship!

November 08, 2024by: Amanda Drobek - United States

Program: Community Development Internship in Malawi

5

My internship in Malawi was truly a life-changing experience (as cheesy as that sounds). I recently graduated with a degree in Marketing/International Business and I wanted to apply my skills in the real-world, while making a difference. This is exactly what I got to do. Using my academic knowledge, I was able to work on a variety of projects, take ownership of my tasks, and get involved wherever I wanted to gain insights in the organization. It was inspiring to see the impact my daily work had on the community and I'm proud of the accomplishments I achieved, including helping launch a disability center in a rural area. From digital marketing, to fundraising, to project management, to hosting events - there was no shortage of tasks and I got to try out different things in order to learn what I want to do in my future career. I'd recommend this internship to anyone that is ready to take lead on a project and build a portfolio (you must be self-driven and take initiative to get things done!). All this, while being based in an absolutely idyllic setting!! Malawi is a gorgeous country with beautiful landscapes and a welcoming culture. I was embraced by the community and living on the shores of Lake Malawi was like a dream. I would recommend any internship in Malawi to anyone looking to immerse themselves in a new culture and get involved with truly grassroots development work.

disability center groupintern with local kidsswimming in Lake Malawi surrounded by fish

Gender based violence> Mosaic

November 08, 2024by: Maud

Program: Gender-Based Violence Research Internship in Cape Town

5

My main things I did were -- Co-facilitate workshops, sit in on SAFE meetings, go in to communities, write some reports, mostly experiencing the difference. Maybe highlight the fact that if you do an internship because it's mandatory for college, that you'll need to figure out with the organisation that you need an assignment and that that's the main key of your internship.

Urban farming cape town

September 10, 2024by: sarahv

Program: Urban Farming Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

3

I worked for two months at urban harvest Cape Town. I’ve learned a lot from this experience, about urban greening, but also the logistics and the whole process of installing food gardens. However, this internship lacked a bit of guidance on the workplace, and I would say it is more of a spring-summer internship (I was there from june-september, which is winter in Cape Town and the rain impacted my tasks). This internship is perfect for people who are enrolled in a food sustainability programm/education. The intern should be independent and be willing do to a lot of problem solving on their own. I’m

An experience you don’t want to miss out on!

September 10, 2024by: Estelle

Program: Communications Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

I had an amazing time at Projekt Ubuntu! There was a variety of tasks and I have never had such a great work environment. Even though some days have been long and exhausting, every time I still had a smile on my face when I got home because it was just incredible to see what is being achieved at the project and to see the kids smile.

Amazing experience !

August 28, 2024by: RSJ1996

Program: Media & Marketing Internship in Malawi

4

I had such a wonderful time in Nkhata Bay, Malawi. The town, the internship, the people I met were all highlights of my trip. The work environment - feeling the energy of the kids and being with my work colleagues. I would love to go back someday! I mostly worked in Social Media campaigns, (capturing and posting of content), administrative tasks, filming and editing of an image video, certain aspects of social work.

My experience in Cape Town

August 28, 2024by: Julia

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

This summer I participated in a 2-month internship with the organization Gender Rights in Tech (former Kwanele). The experience I had done for one month online and one month in person and overall I had a positive impression. The organization itself is wonderful, everyone is very nice and helpful, all the tasks were explained to me well and I always had someone I could ask the questions to. I definitely recommend this experience as an in-person internship, during my time online I needed more possibility to engage well in the work environment. I was accommodated in Lenox Guest House, which was decent and clean. Everyone from the staff was very nice and welcoming, which made the place feel like home. The only minus was that there was not a person from Roots at the accommodation to welcome you and explain things at the beginning, as well as connect you with other interns. This made the beginning of my stay there a bit confusing.

Biodiversity Internship - Santarém, Portugal

August 17, 2024by: geauxtravel

Program: Reforestation and Biodiversity Internship in Portugal

4

This past summer, I had the amazing opportunity to intern with SOS Animal at a sanctuary in Santarem, Portugal. Overall, everything exceeded my expectations! The sanctuary was beautiful and the community there was very warm and friendly. If interested in any aspect of wildlife or just have a love for animals I would highly recommend indulging in this opportunity. The volunteer schedule was very flexible and left plenty of room t explore various cities.

Female Empowerment Internship at Baobuyu

August 16, 2024by: Brett

Program: Female Empowerment Education Internship in Zambia

4

I was a virtual intern at Baobuyu Learning Center. I was able to help write curricula and design lesson plans for their Girl Power class. The entire experience was greatly rewarding and I hope to continue to pursue this work in the future.

A great summer with REACH Siem Reap

August 14, 2024by: Z Anderson

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

Over my 3 months in Cambodia with REACH, I have had the honour of living within the Siem Reap community, and more importantly, the privilege to work with an organisation dedicated to uplifting it. The work that REACH does extends to all aspects of the students’ lives, and the passion the children put toward learning embodies that. I came to REACH with a specific job to do, to help build a program for students to learn about computers and computer safety, but when I arrived on the first day, it was clear that my job was much more than that. I was granted the opportunity to connect with the local community, within and outside of REACH, and learn from their experiences and culture. During my time here, I have been able to foster relationships with the community, the team at REACH, and the students; I even had the opportunity to join some classes, go on bike rides, and participate in organisation-wide excursions. Although my time with REACH has come to an end, my love for this organisation and the work that I was able to do here will fuel my future endeavours for years to come.

SOS Animal Sanctuary

August 13, 2024by: Sydney

Program: Veterinary Internship in Portugal

5

I loved being at the sanctuary and being able to help with all the animals. I had a lot of fun during my time there and was able to do/see a lot. It was a great opportunity to learn about Portugal and Portuguese culture while also being able to further my experience in the animal/veterinary field!

Internship

August 05, 2024by: Samuel Osse

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

5

Baobuyu Learning Center. I worked on health promotion and communication, creating health flyers. I improved my understanding of Canva and discovered how efficient it can for advertissement and communication especially in the medical field. I enjoyed the meetings with my supervisor. Her feedback were valuable and helped me improved the quality if my work. The most challenging aspect of the internship was summarising my research results into one single page and make the message simple and easy to understand by any type of audience.

Wildlife Internship in Costa Rica

July 25, 2024by: Kylie

Program: Wildlife Husbandry Internship in Costa Rica

4

I had an amazing time over the past three months in Dominical, Costa Rica. It was a different way of living than in the United States— but it was such a good change. It opened my eyes to a new part of the world, allowed me to see parts of Costa Rica I wouldn't have been able to on my own, and experience a new way of life. I met so many people from all over the world and so many lifelong friends were made. I eventually got over my fear of bugs and really enjoyed living the Costa Rica life! I learned so much about animal care, was able to develop my own project on the spider monkeys, and help contribute to Alturas. The sanctuary here cares so much about the animals and everything we do is for them. Everyone here is part of a collaborative effort to save animals hurt in Costa Rica and you can tell how much work is put into the sanctuary. The staff, the interns, and all of the volunteers make it what it is. I loved this experience and would totally do it again if I had the chance.

Life-changing Experience

July 18, 2024by: Zee

Program: Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

Volunteering in the project was beyond amazing. The community is so welcoming and really eager to make change. Working with the youth and watching them grow and achieve their goals was probably the best part. Feeding the community and putting a smile on hundreds of faces makes all the hard work pay off. Will definitely be coming back!

Get out of your comfort zone & do it!

July 17, 2024by: Estelle

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

I can highly recommend doing an internship abroad as you will not only develop yourself professionally but also personally. Working with Sunshine Cinema for three months was a great experience - especially the work environment and my team colleagues were outstanding!

Great experience

July 05, 2024by: Kim

Program: Communication and Marketing Internship in Cambodia

4

This roots internship in Cambodia was very nice. Roots and company helped me a lot to organize everything even including my accommodation before I arrived in Cambodia. As a communications intern, I've done many tasks, but the main focuses were creating content, writing posts, and photography. Since I'm currently studying communication, it was a great experience to apply the knowledge and skills I've learned from university so far to the professional field.

Internship in the Galapagos

June 18, 2024by: Sienna

Program: Galapagos Conservation Internship in Ecuador

4

Doing an internship in the Galapagos meant that I could learn lots of new things whilst being in such an incredible location! Staying with a host family meant that I was immersed into the culture of the island and was able to practice my Spanish everyday.

Costa Rica Study Abroad

June 17, 2024by: Lyra

Program: Wildlife Husbandry Internship in Costa Rica

4

This internship was amazing! I was able to work with so many unique animals, immerse myself in the culture, and meet people from all over the world. I am proud to have traveled to a place where I didn't know anyone and managed to make connections.

working with OKO Forests

June 03, 2024by: Valéria

Program: Remote Communications Internship: Agroforestry in Ghana

4

The experience was quite flexible and rather smooth-sailing, as there was enough time made available between each check-in with the supervisor. Instructions were quite straightforward and simple to make sense of with the amount of background information that was given on the organisation and its goals. A decent amount of agency is offered, as long as there is follow-through.

Robyn and Kwanele

April 07, 2024by: Robyn
3

Living situation severely hindered the enjoyment of my placement. I was harassed in the accommodation I booked via roots under the impression the substantial sum I was paying would mean without a doubt I would be in suitable living arrangements. While Roots listened to my complaints and did somewhat help mediate the situation, I thought the excuse I got from the ground helper was less than adequate - "Sorry this is happening to you, but its not our fault - how are we to know this place is unsuitable if no one tells us", 1) what is your job then? Your job is literally to find these things out and review the situation, do you think telling me that you're only in Monday from 9-5 makes it okay that you have zero idea? Perhaps you should consider coming in more and at different times so that you will know what the Lenox is like; believe it or not, if you stick your head in the ground, it doesn't mean there are no problems above ground.

Legal internship in Cape Town

March 28, 2024by: Jaz

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

Roots connected me with the WLC which is an amazing legal internship that gave me the right balance of workload and freedom to do fun things whilst in Cape Town.

Internship at Kwanele

January 02, 2024by: Trine Skov
4

Loved every moment at Kwanele. Leonora and the rest of the teams is beyond amazing, and I felt very welcome from the first moment I met them. The assignments were very interesting and varied, and I got a lot of responsibility. I've only got positive things to say about my internship at Kwanele, and I wish I could do it all again.

Navigating Remote Business Development at Developing Radio Partners

December 05, 2023by: ZaahidM

Program: Remote Business Development Internship: Media Nonprofit

4

During my remote internship with Developing Radio Partners (DRP), I delved into the world of business development, collaborating closely with Chuck and Rich on grant research and proposal writing. Working alongside these seasoned professionals was a fantastic learning experience, offering insights into the strategic side of NGO funding and the art of crafting impactful proposals. DRP's approach to online business development underscored the importance of utilising all online avenues and resources to secure enough funding. This stint significantly boosted my skills in the business development arena, adding to both my professional and personal growth. Remote work at DRP was seamlessly integrated, emphasizing smooth communication and project management through digital tools. The real game-changer was realizing that our efforts directly impacted local communities in developing countries, amplifying the spread of reliable information for those in need. All in all, my remote internship at DRP was a dynamic and enriching journey, making a meaningful contribution to the organization's mission while fueling my own professional development.

Im really proud that I could be part of a great cause

December 01, 2023by: Andi

Program: Biodiversity Conservation Internship in Brazil

4

I helped with agriforestry and worked on the farms, helped the education program in showing kids iracambi and presenting to them, helped in the nursery and planting seedlings, and then researched for my project. Im really proud that i could be part of a great cause. I always wanted to be part of something like this and i have learned so much about reforestation. I enjoyed being part of the nature and learning about how the forest operates and its relationships but I didn't enjoy all the spiders i found in my room.

Absolutely incredible internship

November 28, 2023by: Bella

Program: Psychology Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

5

I decided to volunteer in Cape Town as part of my university degree. The experience has given me so much knowledge about the grass root of mental health issues and will greatly assist me with my future career. I worked at the GLO House, where I helped to run an after school program, created a sensory garden and assisted in the local creche. The organisation was extremely well run and looked after me well, catering to all of my needs. I build incredible relationships with all of the kids along with all the staff. I have so many happy memories from all aspects of the experience including my accommodation, my work, day trips, social life and so much more. Roots were incredible at organising this whole trip for me and my mentor was very supportive, checking up on me weekly. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone!

Dont think and do it

October 25, 2023by: Consuelo

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

Amazing internship with Roots Intern. I have learned and applied the knowledge which I lernt during my bachelor degree and master. I have learned how to use the google analytic, create content & develop website..

Working as an event management intern for a small NGO

September 21, 2023by: Diego Ubuntu

Program: Event Coordination Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

My experience working for Projekt Ubuntu has been truly transformative and fulfilling. Being offered a space where I could put into practice my skills and having the freedom to share ideas and develop them into specific concepts and events has allowed me to grow professionally and personally. Having to face the difficulties and rejection that come with working for an NGo when it comes to finding resources from donors and partnerships was challenging. Nevertheless, it made me stronger and look at the industry with even more respect and admiration. Another powerful insight I got from this internship is that by giving and positively contributing to others, we do so to ourselves.

My 12 weeks in Cape Town

September 05, 2023by: Matt Pruden

Program: Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

I was unsure of what to expect when I touched down in South Africa. I had high expectations but was a little unsure of myself in the new country. After about a week or two I felt much more comfortable with my work and began to feel very fulfilled with what I was doing. The children of the Ubuntu Centre are incredible. They are so inspiring and helping them with their homework, cooking them food as well as playing games and setting up activities for them was something I was more than happy to do. They inspired me so much that I can only hope I left as much of an impact on them as they did me. Another aspect of my work was working with new volunteers coming in on their own programs. Spending time with these volunteers from all over the world was a joy. Gaining perspective from all over the world, Spain, Brazil, Germany and of course South Africa did wonders for me and I cannot put into words how much I feel I grew due to this aspect of my work. My time at Yogashala and the Ubuntu Centre was unforgettable, I could not recommend the internship enough, especially for recent college graduates.

Welcoming and supportive

August 29, 2023by: Gabriel
4

Everyone at Roots was very welcoming and supportive in anything I needed. I feel satisfied with the work that was assigned to me. I wrote blogs, internship listings, partner pages, etc. I also conducted keyword research and did some blog audits. Overall, it helped me be more aware of the SEO aspect when it comes to writing blogs

Such a unique and eye opening experience

August 26, 2023by: Lauryn

Program: NGO Management Internship in Malawi

5

This was the best experience of my life so far. I did some really meaningful work which has continued after my internship, and was privileged to get to know the local people and really immerse myself in the community. Initially I did not feel I had enough tasks, until I went out and found a totally new project which I started working on.

A tapestry of unforgettable memories!

August 23, 2023by: Heidi

Program: Humanitarian Photography Program in South Africa

5

The warmth and generosity of the Zambian people has left an indelible mark on my heart. I am forever grateful for the opportunity this program has given me. It perfectly blended my desire to learn more about photography with a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Welcomed with open arms by local communities each day to document their daily lives for different ngos was a true privilege. A massive thank you to Anna, you’re amazing <3. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a fun and fulfilling adventure! I went into the first week only really knowing that the big silver button was what took a picture when pressed! I’ve definitely come along way not only as a photographer ( if I can call my self that after three weeks ?!) but as a whole, the experience really enriched me on a personal level. The opportunity to photograph things that most ‘normal’ people would never get the privilege of… walking into rural communities and truly feeling welcomed and wanted there, engaging with the local people was something that maybe initially felt a little bit daunting but turned into the best part! Faces and hugs I’ll never forget

Rewarding but challenging experience in Livingstone, Zambia.

August 13, 2023by: IndiaR

Program: NGO Development Internship in Zambia

4

While the overall experience was incredible and a once in a lifetime experience, working alone in Livingstone was extremely isolating and challenging. Would recommend to those that have experienced a lot of solo travel. This type of experience is definitely what you make of it, and can be an absolutely amazing opportunity. The support before I left for Zambia was fantastic. This internship has helped prepare me for some of my course material in the next year, as well as helped me work on my professional skills. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Livingstone by myself. My trips to a crocodile park, Victoria Falls, and an art gallery were some of my favourites. A lot of the tasks, while useful to the organisation, were quite basic and there wasn't much learning about how an NGO is run. At times I felt like I was paying to be an assistant or office worker for a month. The only positive thing about doing said tasks were that they were helpful to the organisation.

An enriching experience: My 4-week internship in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

August 09, 2023by: Elli

Program: Wildlife Research Internship in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

4

My 4-week wildlife research internship in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, was an enriching experience that left a lasting impression. The opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals in the field of wildlife conservation provided invaluable insights. Engaging in game drives and witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat was a highlight, significantly enhancing my understanding of conservation efforts. The people I met were welcoming and knowledgeable, making the learning process enjoyable. Overall, I highly recommend this internship to anyone interested in gaining practical knowledge about wildlife and conservation.

An inspirational internship for a greener future

August 07, 2023by: Marta

Program: NGO Event Coordination Internship in Cape Town

5

Working with Greenpop over the past 3 months has been a truly enriching experience, made even more special by incredible colleagues and the beauty and liveliness of the Mother City! The internship provided me with an exceptional platform to enhance and complement my academic journey, enabling me to delve deeper into the intricate relationship between environmental conservation and sustainable development within urban contexts. With ongoing guidance, support, and feedback from a dedicated supervisor, I worked both independently and in teams on a diverse range of exciting tasks that facilitated my disciplinary, professional, and personal development. The time at Greenpop equipped me with invaluable skills in the environmental field and encouraged my personal growth by increasing my environmental awareness, giving me a sense of purpose and impact, fostering my empathy and cultural sensitivity, and boosting my confidence in my professional abilities. Surely, this comprehensive development during the internship lays a solid foundation for my future endeavours in the environmental field. Finally, the flexibility in managing one's working hours allowed me to really explore the hidden gems of Cape Town, a city that will always have a special place in my heart!

Already thinking of when I can come back

August 03, 2023by: Nyasha Jongwe
4

I enjoyed my internship with Kwanele South Africa. The internship was very flexible and allowed me to simultaneously do my work and explore the city. Doing all the touristy things was a priority for me and I am glad my workload allowed me to do so. I enjoyed working with my supervisor and made great friends with the people who stayed at the guest house with me. I had such a great time and I see myself coming back again.

BCSS is worth it!

July 31, 2023by: Tiare

Program: Marine Research Internship in Mozambique

4

Amazing facilities and great staff. Excellent dive training, challenging but fun diving, broad learning about marine species in the Bazaruto Archipielago. Hospitality of BCSS and incredible dive sites. Would have appreciated having a researcher on the station while my stay to have a broader comprehension of the day to day of a marine researcher.

A rewarding experience

July 27, 2023by: Kya Gordon

Program: Community Development Internship in Malawi

5

Volunteering at Butterfly Space allowed me to not only work on their current projects, but also venture off on my own to make new connections within the community. I was able to meet so many different community leaders, teachers, mentors, and coaches within Nkhata Bay, and surrounding villages. I feel like I was able to not only bring new knowledge and ideas to the people of Nkhata Bay, but also learn so much from them and develop in my own way. It was truly a beautiful experience that I will always be grateful for, and has encouraged a future of volunteering and traveling.

Wildlife internship at ALERT

July 24, 2023by: Ramsai

Program: Wildlife Research Internship in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

4

My internship at ALERT was like witnessing a rare and magical event, like a blue moon. It was a beautiful journey from start to finish, and I don't regret a single moment of it. I want to thank Hanna, Tanaka, and Tay for being there to help and guide me throughout the internship. They made my experience truly remarkable. During my time at ALERT, I learned a lot about birds, elephants, lions, hyenas, and other wildlife. I discovered the challenges these animals face, which is very different from what we see on TV or the internet. The reality in Africa is eye-opening. I highly recommend the Wildlife internship in Zimbabwe to everyone. It's an opportunity to learn about wildlife and understand the real facts about their conservation and the issues they are dealing with. Overall, my internship journey at ALERT was an amazing and unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever.

Quality internship, poor management

June 26, 2023by: Karlijn
2

I would say the idea of Roots is great and I enjoyed the internship itself. The internship placements and arranging the logistics for you is a good idea, however the execution was not. I never met someone from Roots in-person throughout my entire internship, offering no guidance, feedback, or anything but google forms and an e-mail offering support if they got word of something being wrong. The 'Roots exclusive' activities did not exist - there were African Impact (another organization under the same ITG umbrella) activities only when there were volunteers of theirs, which we sometimes got invited to - but when there were no volunteers there were no activities, and we also never got to pick them, we only got to join when the AI volunteers decided to do something. The accommodation is okay, but not for the price you pay - the room is tiny, the building seems to be very old and falling apart (everyone I met was shocked upon seeing the state of the building) - the wind and noise comes straight through the walls. My laundry was stolen during my stay (which was apparently at my own risk) - though they did add more barbed wire after that. I spent two months with a roommate who had been trying switch accommodations since she arrived, and she was not allowed to. I think the most confusing thing about the experience was having to figure out who was supposed to be our support system. I never met anyone from Roots, however it seemed like occasionally people from African Impact were arranging things, but they would also directly tell us that we (Roots interns) are not their job. Then sometimes it was people from the accommodation itself, but they would get upset about being asked things outside their working hours, referring to the African Impact employees, but then those people would say Roots is not their job... It just seemed like everyone was pushing Roots interns onto someone else as their responsibility, which left us in a middle ground without anyone directly there for us... so what are we paying all this money for? There were also staff complaining that the Roots interns weren't following the correct procedures, but we were never welcomed or even informed of any procedures so how should we have known them? I appreciated the support we did get from AI, but then being told it wasn't their job also doesn't make you feel like you can ever ask for anything. I loved the internship itself though, so I would say the best possible set-up would be keeping the internship placements but either stepping up on the other arrangements or just stepping back after setting up the internship and allowing us arrange the rest ourselves - could save us a lot of money.

Potentially life changing

June 26, 2023by: JohnF

Program: Humanitarian Photography Program in South Africa

4

It would be very easy to say the whole experience was life changing but that might appear to be a cliche. As is always the case, whenever I go to Africa as a volunteer, I come away firmly believing that the country and its people have given me far more than I was able to give back. The Humanitarian Photography Programme was superb, the arrangements, the placements and the opportunities to take photographs in difficult situations was amazing. Anna is a fantastic teacher, she offers constructive criticism in a positive but gentle way and is equally enthusiastic when you produce images that meet her rather demanding standards. I can't wait until the next opportunity.

Roots photography internship

June 08, 2023by: Kat

Program: Humanitarian Photography Program in South Africa

5

The program was incredible. The first week was getting to know some of the organizations we would be photographing by meeting staff and learning of their history and mission. Week two and three we dove into the work and we’re busy everyday but had our weekends off to rest and recuperate. I learned a multitude of photography skills while photographing these environments.

Part of the TREEvolution

June 02, 2023by: Ole

Program: NGO Event Coordination Internship in Cape Town

5

In the pre-phase of my internship with Greenpop, I really did not know what to expect but as I was looking for an opportunity to return to South Africa, for a more or less meaningful reason, an internship with Greenpop was the chance that I gladly took. Without great experience in NPO work, I just dived into the process of preparing for the most beautiful festival experience that I ever had, working at the Reforest Fest hosted by Greenpop. I grew quickly into the team and enjoyed my time to the fullest. The way I was treated, compared to other jobs I have had before, was just mind-changing and I absolutely love the "there is always a solution"- mentality. Even though I have been working long hours sometimes, the insides I gained, the experience that I gained, and the personal growth due to working with inspiering personalities can only be recommended to everybody who is eager to learn. I came with no expectations but was left overwhelmed by uncountable great memories and a bunch of new friends. The support I got from Roots has been disappointing. Even though I did not ask for any services provided, like housing, transport, and so on, I had to pay a 600$ placement fee which is a lot for an average student, from an average family background. Thanks to a long and complex application process I missed the application deadline for a scholarship which I would have needed in order to not be broke to the core, like I am now. These circumstances leave me with the feeling of being taken advantage of, which is unfortunate due to the fact that I had such a wonderful time with Greenpop.

Interning as a copywriter for Roots Interns

May 18, 2023by: Kotomi

Program: Remote Communications & Writing Internship: Media Nonprofit

5

Enjoyable experience! I got real insight into how copywriting and brand writing works, from SEO research to maintaining a consistent company tone. It’s helped me figure out what is and what isn’t for me! I mainly did writing blogs, learning to use SEO, and writing social media content (mostly Instagram captions). I was most inspired when I first saw my blog published. It made me feel like I contributed to something bigger than myself, so seeing my work on a professional platform was my first big “woah” moment.

My stay in Cape Town: A live-changing experience

May 09, 2023by: Amber Branders

Program: Media and Communications Internship in Malawi

4

During my master's program, I opted for an internship abroad and spent three months in the stunning "Mother City" of Cape Town. I have no regrets whatsoever. Living alone in a foreign country for the first time taught me more than any university experience could. I am extremely grateful for this amazing opportunity and the incredible service provided by Roots Interns. They were highly responsive and provided on-site assistance whenever needed. I highly recommend Lenox guesthouse, where I stayed, as it was a wonderful experience. Making new friends from all over the world was an overall amazing experience. My internship at Sunshine Cinema, where I worked on communication and fundraising, was a great learning experience. I gained practical skills in content creation, social media usage, and brand awareness. The organization is amazing, and the staff is lovely, making you feel at home. If you want to have a life-changing experience, I highly recommend pursuing an internship in Cape Town. You'll meet interesting people, enjoy the stunning natural beauty, and overall have the time of your life!

A very easy process to get to a rewarding internship

May 01, 2023by: IngajoAnnes

Program: Remote Grant Writing Internship: Media Nonprofit

5

It was incredibly easy to research an internship that offered a position I was interested in, and I was then supported the entire way to being asked to join an organization by the Roots team. The experience was incredibly rewarding and taught me so much about the field I want to have a career in!

The best creative writing internship in SEO!!!

March 15, 2023by: Tom
5

This internship has been my first venture into the world of digital marketing and it exceeded my expectations. It gave me the chance to learn by doing, producing reams of content whilst getting to grips with the fundamentals of SEO. I also met incredible people, wrote on interesting topics, and got to travel as I did so. Highly recommend!

A children's Social worker's dream

February 01, 2023by: Kelly

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

I loved every minute at the Kisumu children's remand home which was a partner organisation of Better Me. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect volunteering placement. In my interview with Tom he said that Better me partnered with a children’s remand home and as I’ve worked with youth offenders in the UK this is the reason why I chose Better Me out of all the other organisations I was researching. It was a perfect fit. I’ve been extremely lucky with the experience I’ve had and the children I’ve worked with. I was given a free reign in what tasks I wanted to carry out at the remand home. I’ve worked in children’s services as a social worker for six and a half years, frontline working. So I brought a few tools/ worksheets with me. I also loved following the case I was given. It felt like real social work and I was making a difference. I became quite close with the child and now that there is a positive outcome I’m ecstatic. I loved doing the dreams boards with the kids. It gives them inspiration and the possibility of thinking about their future in a positive light. They loved choosing their photo’s but not only that, many loved to glue and cut out because crafts are always slightly therapeutic. In the second sessions it was a lot easier to strike up conversation or ask them more about their troubles as they were more comfortable with me and there was not the pressure of thinking they were in a counselling session. However, most of they lied in their first session- it takes a while for them to be open and trust you. I also loved watching the younger interns blossom over time. I don’t mean to sound patronising but to see them discovering their own abilities and finding out about their strengths and weaknesses has really been amazing to watch. I also really enjoyed ‘boy’s night’ on a Friday night. The nights out clubbing. Being an older intern had it's challenges but I was accepted by the younger interns. Communal living was also constant but I got my space when I went to the remand home.

Six months in Africa

January 20, 2023by: Olivia Wyman

Program: Gender-Based Violence Research Internship in Cape Town

5

Moving to Africa was very scary for me but luckily through the internships Roots placed me with the transition was very easy. I worked in South Africa for three months in the GBV space and realized aiding survivors of GBV is something I am incredibly passionate about. After my time in South Africa I moved to Zambia to work in a school / community center. This internship in Zambia taught me a lot about all of the different aspects of running a non-profit as well as showing me different sectors I could potentially work in. Both of these internships have changed my life for the better and have helped me to figure out what I want my future career to look like.

NGO managment internship

January 14, 2023by: Elena

Program: NGO Development Internship in Zambia

4

I chose to do 50% out on project and 50% of office work, which I think was the best decision to immerse myself in the Zambian culture while also gaining some essential work experience in the management of a nonprofit.

Amazing opportunity to work with people and make a difference

December 23, 2022by: MPS
5

My time at Greenpop was everything I imagined and more. The work Greenpop does is extremely rewarding and fun as well. You will get to work with incredible people that genuinely care and are there for you every step of the way. If you are into any sort of environmental work, I would highly consider Greenpop for an internship. Not to mention, South Africa is amazing on its own.

4 month internship at butterfly in malawi

December 14, 2022by: Kaja

Program: Sustainable Tourism Marketing Internship in Malawi

4

I did a four-month internship at Butterfly in Nkhata Bay, North Malawi. During my stay I slept in a dorm (I chose this option because it's the cheaper option, but you can also book a private room), so I got to know an incredible number of exciting and really lovely people from all corners of the world :) Butterfly is a unique and exceptional place where volunteers, tourists and locals meet, creating a magical atmosphere and experiences. The non-profit eco-lodge offers a variety of areas to get actively involved. During my time I made so many wonderful memories by going on boat trips, climbing mountains, visiting nearby cities, and participating in local events on weekends. Furthermore, I made friendships for life with locals, volunteers and tourists. I can only recommend it to everyone who wants to do an internship or volunteer at Butterly in Malawi! You will truly meet "The Warm Heart of Africa" <3

My time in Cape town South Africa

November 01, 2022by: Olivia.Wyman
5

Overall my time working with Kwanele was one of the best experiences of my life. Leo did an amazing job of ensuring that I was able to see all sides of the NGO and really made an effort to make me feel like I was part of the team. The work Kwanele is doing is so important and I really enjoyed learning about all of the different ways an organization can provide aid for survivors of GBV.

A mind & heart opening experience that will grow with me forever

October 20, 2022by: Seth Allen - United States

Program: Humanitarian Photography Program in South Africa

5

This was my first trip abroad and my second trip I have done on my own. A big leap from a few hour flight from Colorado to Washington, DC to a total 30 hour trip with a 17hr flight in the mix from Colorado to the tip of South Africa; Cape Town. Roots Interns made the process before, during, and after the trip a smooth, comfortable, and a secure experience of traveling. With great preparation information beforehand, transportation once landed, amazing accommodation with beautiful people, and a brilliant teacher for our photography project gave me confidence and an immediate sense of safety, composure, and clarity. Once settled after a couple days, my team and I met Anna Lusty, who is the brilliant teacher I mentioned in the sentence above. She's an amazing humanitarian photographer who founded her business "Made In My Camera" and has worked with Roots Interns for quite some time. She got to know the team, took us out for some lunch, and worked with us closely for the first week of our stay. I learned so much about humanitarian photography and documentary styles of taking photos from her and once left to go out on our own for the remaining weeks, I felt comfortable with what I was doing. We got to work closely with amazing foundations and citizens of multiple town ships all over Cape Town. We met great people who had immense drive and will to help their communities and grow as people. We heard heart aching yet beautiful stories of overcoming struggle and hardship on the journey to helping their families and the people of their communities. What I heard, what I saw, what I experienced, and the work I did felt fulfilling. When we got home from our work days and on our days off, we had a comfortable place to work and reflect. Experiences like this open your mind and open your heart. It is inevitable and it will continue when you depart. The days off also provide a great time to explore on your own or with the friends you make during your stay. I got to see and learn so much. From bus tours, to hiking one of the seven wonders of the world, and to exploring the great city Cape Town. I even had time to join an amazing climbing gym (Bloc 11) on their monthly Rocklands Retreat to climb on some the best rocks in the world! Roots also made it easy for me to change my dates and time of getting picked up for the airport because I extended my trip. So, even after I was done with my volunteer work and no longer working with the program, I was still able to use their transportation services at the end of my stay. The duality of changing soil. I find this an important note to consider. I wanted to travel and do something out of my comfort zone. I wanted to grow. I wanted to see more of the world. I, in my personal world, wanted to do something that would help me change a little. Before hand I knew that changing soil doesn't make stubborn leaves grow. This trip and volunteer experience did help me grow and it did open up my mind and my heart. But when I extend my trip, I decided to go into town and get a hotel for my self. I was still able to meet ups with friends, go out on my own, go on a trip to Cederberg, and visit Robbin Island. But being on my own also brought me back into habits of laziness, of overthinking, and of wasting some time. And now, having been home for a month and a half, I have sunk even more into my personal struggles with drive and growth. So, don't go into this thinking it will and has to be "live changing" (It very well could be!) Just don't let it be too much of a downer if that's an expectation you hold and it doesn't seem to help as much as you wanted and/or as soon as you wanted. I still believe that it was and will be "life changing" for me to some degree, for this experience will stay and grow with me as I grow. It will always be a point of reflection integrated into my mind, heart, and soul. Roots Interns offers a professional, safe, and powerful learning experiences for their volunteers and interns. I strongly recommend it for anyone and everyone looking to grow their skills, their minds, and their hearts. It will stick with you and it will grow with you for years to come. Go meet great people, make new friends, do what you love, learn and grow.

Amoyo Performing Arts Foundation Jackie From Redhill feeding dogsCandi & Sidney

Graduation internship

September 30, 2022by: Maren
4

During my graduation internship with Penda Photo Tours, I conducted research in the field of marketing. My supervisor was always available to offer support but at the same time allowed me to work independently on my tasks. I frequently received valuable feedback that continuously helped me to grow my skills. On top, working with an organisation that strives to connect photography with creating a positive impact gave greater meaning to my graduation thesis. Overall, I am truly thankful for the experience and could not have asked for a better remote internship.

Excellent Writing & Communication internship opportunity

September 10, 2022by: Renai
5

This remote internship provided ample space for flexible working schedules. The assignments were on point and really pushed for creativity and skill improvement. Supervisors, Marleen and Talitha were always available and supported me throughout the entire internship! I would strongly recommend anyone who's interested to apply!

Social work internship

September 05, 2022by: Mattdevens - United States

Program: Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

5

The internship has been absolutely amazing and life changing. I not only worked with lovely people, but I made some life long friends along the way as well. It was great to have been exposed to the wonderful culture of South Africa and it is something I will never forget. Working here in Cape Town has impacted me so much that I definitely plan to come back and visit in the near future to see all the great faces I have met here.

Being part of Developing Radio Partners

August 26, 2022by: Fernanda Retamal
5

Since the begging Roots gave me guidance on what internship and organization should I join. I wasn’t very clear and they helped me find Developing Radio Partners. I genuinely think it was a great match and I enjoyed working with DRP for several reasons. Starting with the team, it was a great experience sharing with such hardworking and interesting people, where I felt very comfortable since the beginning. I also worked on different tasks which made it dynamic and I learned unexpected things being part of the World Bank Project.

Internship with free haven

August 23, 2022by: Caroant

Program: NGO Management Internship in Zambia

5

I do not have a single bad thing to say about my 9 week internship with Free Haven. Anyone who is interested in NGO management or the general behind the scenes of running an NGO would benefit greatly from working with Free Haven. From admin tasks, to social media, and teaching I got to try and experience everything. The Team was incredible and I am sure I will be back in the near future.

Kenya, Africa

August 22, 2022by: lroth

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

3

Overall this internship was full of growth and learning. I was originally prepared to complete the education pedagogy internship where I would train and teach the teachers at Korando. Upon arrival, I was asked to redesign the education internships as the original was outdated and ineffective. I created five new internships for the school that will directly benefit and assist both the teachers and students. The teachers at Korando were some of the most amazing and welcoming teachers I have ever had the privilege to work with. They were willing to teach me as well as learn from me and took the time to understand my ideas and vision for the internships. The children at Korando stole my heart from the moment I stepped on to the grounds. Their smiles and enthusiasm for life was infections along with their laughs and giggles. You can learn so much from these children about life and things you really need to be happy. Never once did I step out of my door and not have multiple children calling my name to come and play or to given them a hug. Truly amazing and they have changed my life in such a positive way. This was my first experience overseas, and I encountered all of the normal adjustments that come with living in a foreign country for two months. From lost luggage to jetlag, getting sick from the food adjustment and a little bit of culture shock, it was a whirlwind experience. But the personal growth was unbelievable. I would highly recommend an internship like this to anyone who wants to challenge themselves, to step beyond their comfort zone and that a risk to change the lives of those in need. It will be the most rewarding and precious experience, and one you certainly will not regret.

Intern carrying a child

Roots remote internships

August 22, 2022by: Gabriella
5

The team at Roots made it so easy to connect with different organizations, allowing me many options to choose from when searching for a remote internship. The ease of placement and working with my first choice was incredible, that I hope I get to work with them in person in the future!

My time in Zambia

August 21, 2022by: Oozy

Program: NGO Management Internship in Zambia

5

This has been one of the best experiences of my life. I will remember and cherish every single moment spent in Zambia. It has been a humbling experience to see how the people of Zambia are alwasy happy, welcoming and warm even after all the hardships and struggles. Also the staff at African Impact is amazing. They made me feel right at home. :)

Very special and meaningful internship with Roots

August 19, 2022by: Sophie

Program: Communications Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

5

The projects Roots cooperate with are very special. I felt very well advised choosing an organisation and my supervisor gave me a realistic picture of the work at different organizations. The internship itself was amazing! The sense of community was wonderful and I loved the work I was doing. I would go abroad with roots again any time!

Amazing experience

August 16, 2022by: Nmolea

Program: Bird Research and Conservation Internship in South Africa

5

Everyone at the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project is so dedicated to the conservation of the incredible and unique Southern Ground Hornbill, on top of being friendly and welcoming. I had a great time interning at the project and learned a lot. I'm looking forward to visiting again.

Great learning opportunity

July 05, 2022by: Charlotte - Netherlands

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

The experience led to self-development and being critical as I aimed to give proper advice to the company. I enjoyed helping the company, African impact, with their awareness campaign. I have learned how to look at things from a communication specialist point of view and now I will look at certain things from a communication specialists point of view.

Kisumu, Kenya

June 10, 2022by: KenyanChronicles

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

During my internship, I was able to discover Kisumu and Eastern Africa with ease and helpful assistance from the nonprofit. Outside of work, there were countless opportunities to explore, meet locals, and socialize with other partners. While I enjoyed the projects that I completed, I would like to think that the nonprofit learned many valuable lessons during my stay. Throughout the many (inevitable) obstacles, we learned how to grow as an organization, which I appreciated. Overall, I had a wonderful time full of life-long lessons and priceless memories. I would most definitely suggest traveling to Kisumu, Kenya, and ask locals for suggestions, they are incredibly knowledgable and willing to help!

Wildlife internship in Vic Falls

June 03, 2022by: Simon Schoger

Program: Wildlife Research Internship in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

5

Working as a widlife research intern at Wildlife Encounter in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) has been an invredible opportunity. I was responsible for the baited camera traps, but i also got to help out wherever i could, including lion feeding and animal welfare tasks. The work was a lot of fun and i was able to interact with many different species. The work environment, the location, the people and all the activites were amazing and i enjoyed my time to the fullest!

Simon Schoger carrying an animal

Environmental activism in a beautiful country

May 24, 2022by: Aileen
4

I had a wonderful time at Greenpop and especially in Cape Town, South Africa! In Germany, I am currently doing my master's degree in sustainability management. In preparatory discussions with Roots, we searched for a suitable internship and they recommended me to join the Greenpop team. Greenpop is a non-profit organisation on a mission to restore ecosystems across Sub- Saharan Africa. The choice was the right one. Since I already have a bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus on event management, I was assigned to the communications department. In the last few weeks, I have learned a lot about building communication campaigns, worked with new tools and helped with the follow-up of a big event. Among other things, I was allowed to participate in "planting days." Here you get to get your hands dirty for the environment, plant trees, and work with kids/young adults. I really enjoyed it! The team was great, I felt very comfortable from the beginning. They gave me a warm welcome and were always there when I had questions or needed help. Unfortunately, Corona has also left its mark here, which is why many team members only come to the office twice a week. Because I have grown so fond of the team, I would have been happy to see it more often. The place of the internship, Cape Town, is a real dream. I lived in the City Centre during my internship, which gave me the opportunity to see and experience a lot. The people here are also very kind and lovely. I really enjoyed my time!

Beach in Cape Town, South Africa

My experience

May 19, 2022by: Manon
4

The company provides challenging tasks and the work that needs to be done is crucial for the organization development and to help children access education and better mental health. Still, one major disappointment is that the team is composed 100% of local men, known for their no respect of physical barriers with women, with intern being 90% of women. Women need to be more included as part of the staff there, and these women need to be egalitarian with the men. I have been victim of sexual harassment within the company office by one of the employee. Two other interns have also been harassed by another employee, which is unacceptable. I have mentioned this incident to my supervisor, Thomas Ogalo, and hope that some actions will be taken in place. If no actions are taken, I would be more than happy to mention you the name of the person, as it would be sad that roots do not collaborate with better me because of 2 employees who are not able to follow the advices they themselves give to the young generation in Kenya. Appart from that side, I realised that the dome at Better Me, even though not perfect, is a very good house for Eastern people to live in. It is comfortable and clean.Moreover, having the possibility to constantly be with the children is also amazing.

Kwanele internship

May 18, 2022by: Brin
5

My internship at Kwanele gave me an amazing opportunity to combine my interests and passions with my degree subject. Leo the founder is awesome, and everyone I worked with was super friendly and passionate about anti GBV work. During my internship Leo gave me the opportunity to work independently and let me have a huge insight into how Kwanele runs and attend a lot of important meetings which allowed me to learn a lot and also have the opportunity to contribute to Kwanele as much as possible. The working hours were super flexible and Leo made sure I wasn't working more than I was able. I worked directly with many other anti GBV organisations in Cape Town and directly with our beneficiaries. Overall it was an amazing experience!

Unforgettable experience

April 26, 2022by: Matt

Program: Wildlife Research Internship in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

4

I completed ten weeks of an amazing internship in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have been very well helped in conducting research and collecting data for my bachelor thesis I have to write. I had the great opportunity to do a game drive every week in the National park with the organization where I have seen the most amazing animals. The organization was located close to the city of Victoria falls. Everyone is incredibly warm and welcoming, this makes the transition abroad so much easier. This was an experience I will cherish for the rest for my life.

Incredible learning experience

April 26, 2022by: University Student

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

Interning at BetterMe was one of the best, most life-changing experiences I've ever had. To have the opportunity to not only live in Kenya but to be immersed fully into the culture and lifestyle was something I will always be grateful for! I will be able to use the skills that I gained in this internship to further my work with children, adolescents & families, especially in developing nations.

Education internship

March 21, 2022by: Julia Hand

Program: Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

Throughout this internship I had an incredible experience at the community center, at my accommodation Yoga Shala, and exploring Cape Town. At Projekt Ubuntu I met so many inspirational kids who taught me so much about resiliency in different circumstances than I was used to. Although I have a degree in Elementary Education it was extremely beneficial to teach in such a different environment than I was used to. I worked with children ages 2-15. With this wide variety of ages I was able to expand on my capabilities as an educator. At my accommodation, Yoga Shala, the sense of community was unmatched. I enjoyed every moment there and met so many people I will call friends for the rest of my life. During my stay in Cape Town I learned to surf in Muizenberg, I went cage diving with sharks, I saw penguins on the beach in Simon's Town, and I went on a wine tour in Stellenbosch. Every single one of these experiences will stay with me forever.

Julia Hand near a giant door

Penda program

March 07, 2022by: loumevisser

Program: Humanitarian Photography Program in South Africa

4

Working with Roots and Penda Program was a core memory of my life. From the moment I arrived there was nothing but pure joy around me. Not only photographing but getting to enjoy time with the kids and animals everyday was a blessing. I have learned things I didn't know I could learn as well as make memories with new people. This program has made a mark on me and for that I will forever be grateful. P.S Yoga Shala is the best

Absolutely incredible

February 28, 2022by: Masato Kubota

Program: Humanitarian Photography Program in South Africa

4

To say that my time in Cape Town was nothing short of amazing would be an understatement. There is so much to see and explore and you truly end up becoming immersed with the local culture in one way or the other. The people are friendly and warm and that was reflected most for me by my lovely and gracious host family during my internship placement. With regards to the nonprofit sector, the Cape Town area provides many opportunities and is a fantastic place for interns with an interest in humanitarian, environmental or animal welfare based work.

Positive experience

February 25, 2022by: Valentina
5

In general my experience with Better Me was very positive. Because of it's structure, I had the chance to diversify my tasks quite often. I could work on the structure of the organisation, with different partners and with the kids in the school. Every day was a new challenge that kept me engaged throughout the whole internship. I strongly suggest this internship to all the people who want to have direct contact with the local community and are curious to try different tasks.

The neighborhood farm remote expirenece

January 25, 2022by: chollis001
4

This internship was a lesson on how even in the least ideal situations there are still room for surprises. even though my experience consisted almost entirely of remote research and report writing I was surprised how much I grew professionally despite the given circumstances. So, Even though I can't give the most complete review having not been on location I can definitely say that neighborhood farm is a more then worthwhile experience. This Especially applies for someone who wants to work with community solutions and who want to work on the front lines of local environmental issues.

Internship in Malawi

January 24, 2022by: Sophie

Program: Community Development Internship in Malawi

5

I really enjoyed my internship in Malawi, at Butterfly Space. It was a great opportunity to put in practice everything that I learned at school. I feel like I contributed positively to the lodge and vice-versa. My tasks were various and suited me perfectly. They have many projects and I could chose on which one I wanted to focus. My goals were to learn more about developing countries and how they function, as well as to have a clearer idea about my future career path, which I'm happy to say that I achieved.

Greatest place on Earth Baobuyu

January 07, 2022by: kointern

Program: NGO Management Internship in Zambia

5

Going into this internship I had no idea what to expect and what the outcome might be. I hoped it would help me find and solidify what I want to do as a career but also expose me to many different opportunities and open new doors for places to explore around the world. Interning at Baobuyu did it all and more! I was able to work in collaboration with other interns and our supervisor on daily tasks and activities with our community programs but I was also given a tremendous support to start my own initiatives and projects. While I was there I started my own club and facilitated a fundraising campaign all on my own. Now that I am reflecting on my time with Baobuyu I am cherishing everything we were able to accomplish, create, learn, and grow together during this time. I know I will take everything I have learned into the future with me as I move forward and will always remember how I was able to find my passion and a new home across the world. I am forever grateful.

Fall 2021 internship Underdog Project

December 24, 2021by: Mei

Program: Remote Business Development Internship: Media Nonprofit

4

ROOTS provided me with an amazing team and support from the first day I considered participating in an internship through the organization. I was able to access many resources before, during, and even after the start of my internship. In the beginning, I was interested in many of ROOTS partner organizations due to the work they were doing. I felt personally inspired by many different organizations, and my contact at ROOTs helped me to find an internship that would best align with my interests and academic and professional goals. Throughout the application process, having a ROOTS liaison supporting me assuaged any anxiety. After personally introducing me to my direct manager, I felt completely at ease to begin my work experience. During my six month internship, I was able to rely on the team at ROOTS throughout any and all difficulties I faced. The team is present and always ready to help cultivate a good internship experience.

Cape Town living and NGO work

December 24, 2021by: Natalia Gołąb - Poland
5

I’ve spent 4 months in Cape Town doing internship in an NGO. Couldn’t change a thing! Best experience I’ve ever had both based on work experience and living experience. Cape Town is a special place and will always be special for me. Once you go there you won’t want to leave. Thanks to my internship I gained more confidence and thanks to social life in Cape Town I gained some friendships that will never be forgotten.

Women empowerment internship in Cape Town

Truly valuable and confidence boosting experience

November 25, 2021by: Emilia Simpson
5

Having worked with Roots has been a gift. Not only has it given me a unique experience for my resume, but also multiple skills for my personal and professional life. Being able to join the team during weekly meetings and even getting to know a little bit more about those who founded the initiative has been inspiring. The Roots team has been absolutely amazing in regards to making me feel welcome, secure and fully supported when I had doubts about my assignments. For anyone who seeks a meaningful learning and growing experience, I 100% recommend checking out the various internship opportunities Roots has to offer!

I gained the confidence I needed to start my own organization

November 15, 2021by: Sarajerabek - United States
5

I gained the confidence I needed to start my own organization. I wanted to learn how non profits are run especially in the GBV space and I was given many opportunities to learn and participate in the operations of Kwanele. It has provided me with a great foundation for starting a non profit.

The best internship

September 30, 2021by: Shelby Lynn

Program: Female Empowerment Education Internship in Zambia

4

I had a wonderful time working with roots and my placement organization. I was walked through the interview process and enjoyed how well heard I was. My interests, schedule, and goals were taken into account at every turn. I felt supported during my stay and the accommodations were very nice. My whole experience was so pleasant that I decided to come back after my internship and I'll be staying here for the rest of the year! My life has been changed for the better because of this experience.

Intern with local children

Life changing experience

September 21, 2021by: Quinn94
5

Amazing remote internship experience. I learned so much about Impact Youth Ghana. Isaac was very hands-on from day one and because of my gained experience with Impact Youth I am more comfortable in my writing abilities and social media content creating and managing skills. I wish I could’ve done the internship in person but Isaac made me feel right at home. Our youth are our present and future.

Internship with Roots interns

September 14, 2021by: Nadia Lea Bucher
4

Roots Intern provides many different internship opportunities and puts effort in finding a fitting internship consistent with the applicants interests. They are welcoming any concerns or questions and provide as much information as you need. I really enjoyed being able to do an internship with a non-profit organization as I have learnt very much how such an organization works; it's meaningful intention to do good in this world and at the same time the difficulties which arise to keep the organization's head over water. I was able to learn how to re-structure or re-model an organization, find solutions to upcoming problems and support them in the search for new funders. I am looking forward to using my experience gathered during this internship in my future academic and professional path.

A rewarding summer experience

September 09, 2021by: lmeyer10
4

My summer grant writing internship exposed me to an entirely new industry and allowed me to support the fundraising efforts of some incredible NGOs in Southern Africa. I hope this experience will help me to build a meaningful career in international development.

One of the best experiences of my life

September 02, 2021by: Dani

Program: Psychology Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

I went there without any expectations and I ended up being in a beautiful place, with very friendly people, surrounded by nature and the ocean, amazing food, beautiful night skies and sunsets, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. I highly recommend this marine science internship.

Kwanele South Africa internship

September 01, 2021by: Chelsey Johnson
5

I've thoroughly enjoyed my internship with Kwanele and I am extremely grateful for the opportunities it has given me and the range of skills that I have learnt. As the marketing intern, each day is exciting and different and it has been highly rewarding to see the impact of my work as we continue to grow on social media. Though my internship has drawn to a close, I will be continuing to work for Kwanele part-time during my final year of university. Thank you to Roots, specifically Talitha, helping me find the internship that best suited my goals and skillset, and Leonora, my supervisor and founder of Kwanele, who has been incredibly supportive and amazing to work with!

Street Tails remote internship

August 31, 2021by: ChristianSul
4

A great introductory internship to gain knowledge in the non-profit sector and get a feel of working in a professional setting. Loved the organization I was working for and I felt like a huge part of the organization - was given a lot of responsibility with social media, and Marleen, my advisor, was very open to feedback and new ideas! It is remote which makes it difficult to communicate effectively, so a lot of the internship is what you put into it. It is also a great boost for your resume!

Amazing experience!

August 31, 2021by: SophiaTC

Program: Marine Research Internship in Mozambique

5

BCSS went overboard with making sure their interns were comfortable and getting the experience they needed. Both the staff and the interns were incredibly helpful and friendly. I wish I could have stayed the whole summer.

A gritty, insightful experience in clinical research: you get what you put in

August 30, 2021by: Dani

Program: Community Development Internship in Malawi

4

This internship was insightful, gritty, and meaningful for my research and on a personal level. I would hesitate to label my review as only a review of my "internship" but rather a review of my entire experience of working at a research clinic in Cape Town during a pandemic. The internship is set in an extremely rich context for public health, social science, and anthropology majors to engage with an impoverished community via clinical research and do administrative tasks that aid the clinic and inform your understanding of research on a local level. You have plenty of opportunity to observe participants and ask questions to the busy, but fun staff. I was challenged to put myself out there everyday and stay productive in loud, hectic environments both in the clinic and in the community. Some downsides to the internship is that there isn't direct mentorship, a consistent work schedule, or much initiation on the staff side to engage your interests and provide you with daily support and structure. I would recommend undergraduate students to evaluate whether they feel ready to initiate and put themselves out there daily throughout the internship period while dealing with the emotional and mental transitions of moving to a foreign country. Aside from the downsides which I am grateful to have overcome, I was able to fulfill my research fellowship and internship on a high note with much engagement and satisfaction from the staff and community and a greater understanding of my career and field of interest. I would recommend this internship for any researcher/academic willing to challenge themselves, be flexible and reflective, take on new perspectives, and who are invested in learning and assisting in participants' and community health.

Internship at Baobuyu

August 27, 2021by: megansan

Program: Female Empowerment Education Internship in Zambia

5

I had an amazing time during my internship at Baobuyu! Tammy is such an inspiration and I feel really lucky I got to spend time working with her. She always keeps things interesting and theres always something going on. There was never a dull moment throughout my two months. The teachers at the school were also so welcoming and so curious and ready to learn. I had so much fun working with them. They are often making jokes and laughing and being silly which created a really fun work environment. The people of Zambia are so kind and welcoming I had an amazing time getting to know locals and learning more about the country and culture. Livingstone especially is such a wonderful area to be in and I am so happy I got to have that experience. I will definitely have to visit again someday.

Everything went better then I could have expected

August 01, 2021by: Nicole

Program: Humanitarian Photography Program in South Africa

5

I loved my experience. I found my internship super useful, Anna show me so much and I learn a lot from her. She was very patient with my and I appreciate the fact that she introduce me to many different projects.

The Underdog Project allowed me to make a difference, while also making a difference on me!

July 30, 2021by: Stephanie U
4

The Underdog Project gave me the opportunity to work and become a part of a close-knit team, which meant my voice was heard and valued. This engagement was so beneficial to my time at TUP because it allowed me to work on projects that I was genuinely interested in and passionate about. Under the supervision of the very talented director, I was able to learn about the day-to-day of the organization and also the big picture concepts that drive them. From working on social media campaigns to content planning to more, I was able to use my skill set to make a difference, while also improving on my expertise. An overall great thing to be a part of!

Online internship at Move For Two

July 12, 2021by: Dominique Neumann

Program: Fundraising and Marketing Internship in South Africa

4

Worked with social media - created monthly post charts, worked with a DM Instagram strategy..., kept tracked of the MFT donors, made many spreadsheets that related to various matters for the organization, created a personalized fundraiser.... One thing that I gained a lot of knowledge from was my personalized fundraiser. Here I learnt quite a few things about fundraising techniques - it is not as easy as I thought!

Wonderful experience, life changing

July 09, 2021by: Rick
5

The people I the area I live in were beautiful. I lived a full life for the two months I was in South Africa. I have friends and family their for life. For the photography part of this internship - very poor direction. I was fortunate to be at a location where the activist and some of the community was award of my presence and sought me out. This was due to the host and their community leadership in the area. For the research - it was interesting on what I learned. I know I was being used as the ginny pig which is ok. But the leadership on the photography end was lacking. You need to have someone that understands the different types of lens and what those lens are capable of doing. The supervisor had a 50mm lens. It is an excellent lens for the type of work that supervisor does - however the 50mm lens is very limiting. I had training from the photographer for the Phoenix Diamond Backs - which is our professional baseball team. I learned how to be in a dugout with a zoom lens and take action shots that looked close up. When I first did the photoshoot for the children's cycle club I needed to explore the different angles, lighting - position of the sun and how I would accommodate the various skin tones of the children. When I was showing the supervisor that portion of the photos, I was never asked why I had those pictures, I was told in a question like manner that I could not show that to the clients and I needed to be right up front with the children. Then the supervisor left to talk with other people in the house Etc.. Also the 2nd community project the supervisor guided me to - with only two weeks left I had already met with them and had the project developed. The first project only took an hour and a half. I can go on however I believe you have heard enough from me on this subject. The supervisor is a lovely person and very good at what she does. And as Marleen stated Roots needed someone on the ground. My issue is I paid a lot of money for very little in return from the supervisor who was responsible for my projects.

A unique experience I was lucky to have!

July 02, 2021by: Izzie - United States

Program: NGO Management Internship in Malawi

4

I'm very glad I stumbled upon Roots Interns 6 months ago. It has truly been a unique opportunity! At first I was a little nervous as I've never done a remote internship or worked with people from so far away in Africa, but stepping out of my comfort zone was exactly what I needed. After completing my internship I feel more confident in any potential global experience that will come my way. Everyone I've worked with from Roots and MSPC has been wonderful and I'm grateful for having this eye-opening experience.

Timeliness (effective timely communication)

June 28, 2021by: Patience - United States

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

5

I worked on creating an organization diagram, accumulating data for an infographic, drafting an infographic, analyzing survey data, and creating a school profile. I did not know what an infographic was before interning with MSPC and now I have already drafted my first infographic! And I know this skill will be useful in the future. I learned valuable skills from the internship that I believe will be transferable to my other jobs in the future.

An amazing opportunity for growth!

June 08, 2021by: Lea
4

My time at Women's Platform of the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town has been amazing to say the least. I have had the greatest team and have had the opportunity to expand my skillset a lot. Working with such vulnerable populations can be challenging but my supervisor always guided me through the process and equipped me with the right tools to deal with complex situations. I have learnt a lot about the administrative procedures that are necesarry for the well-functioning of NGOs. Moreover, I was given a lot of freedom to bring in my own ideas and was able to execute some projects such as hosting a human rights day event with a special guest from the South African Human Rights Commission. All in all, I can recommend to anyone that is up for a challenge and wants to expand on their intercultural and hard skills to apply for in internship at the Women's Platform.

Group picture of women

Bachelor thesis with Move for Two

June 01, 2021by: Merle - Germany

Program: Fundraising and Marketing Internship in South Africa

5

I wrote my bachelor thesis on fundraising communication strategies for the German market in order to help Move for Two expand its pool of monthly donors internationally. I learned a lot about fundraising marketing and am so happy that I was able to broaden my horizon. Move for Two was always extremely supportive and encouraging, making my bachelor thesis pleasant and fun. I look forward to staying in contact with them and help implementing new ideas wherever I can.

Overall fantastic experience

May 31, 2021by: Rex - Lesotho

Program: Fundraising Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

I thoroughly enjoyed my dual internship (both in-person and remote). I learnt a lot about nonprofit management, community development and fundraising, my tasks and activities were also meaningful and exciting. I feel like this internship enabled me to achieve my short-term career goals while also building my professional acumen. Above all else, I had fun and made new connections.

Tree planting

Thesis project intern

May 27, 2021by: Jenna
4

Despite COVID 19, Roots and my internship company did their best to make the experience pleasant and easy. I felt very well taken care of. I learned it’s okay if I don’t get something right at the first try. I expected to have a welcoming company and do a project for them that I have never done before and would challenge me, all of which became true.

Content writing internship

May 20, 2021by: Moira
4

Working at Roots Interns has been an amazing experience! I felt very supported throughout the whole process - from setting up the interview, being patient with me as I heard back from other internships, beginning the internship, to now! I'd give the overall online experience a 9, as it would have probably been more amazing if I had been there in person without the difficulties of online communication (poor internet connections, time differences, etc.), but alas covid made travel too difficult for me.

There wasn’t a task which I didn’t enjoy doing

May 07, 2021by: Alfie Dickson - England
4

I enjoyed writing our newsletters in particular. I felt proud about being able to put together what we had been upto in a fun but engaging manor through the form of the newsletter. I just felt proud to work for an organisation that do something very unique, interesting and powerful for a really good cause. It’s clear from feedback from the ambassadors they employ that what Sunshine Cinema are doing. It definitely has met my expectations I just wish I could be over in South Africa with them. I expected to have a steady workload throughout the week and to be testing with the tasks given and that is what happened. It was a great experience.

Intern at Scalabrini

May 05, 2021by: Prajna - South Africa
5

My time at Scalabrini's center in Cape Town has been unforgettable and has played a large role in my professional development. The people I worked with are passionate about support students and are driven to achieve the most positive outcomes for our recipients. I gained a lot of experience and knowledge from my work here which is something I would not have learned from a classroom setting.

Street Tails

May 05, 2021by: Alberto Vanzetto - Italy
5

This internship was an amazing opportunity. I loved the working environment at Street Tails, from the constant support of Marleen to the interactions with local organizations. The tasks were extremely varied and I absolutely felt involved. Moreover, having the chance to move to South Africa spending some time around Cape Town and travelling around the country surely needs to be mentioned as well!

Finding meaning

April 28, 2021by: Phoebe
5

My 3 month stay at Sunshine Cinema has been nothing short of amazing. All the organization's memebers were patient, passionate and hardworking individuals, from whom I learnt a lot from. I was lucky enough to work and interact closely with one of the founders, who gave me the chance to really expand my boundaries in terms of how I interpreted people's ideas, beliefs and behaviors into tangible sources of change and impact. I also took on tasks from the Operations Director and Program Assistant, who were encouraging and patient with me, allowing me to have a growth in confidence in my work. Overall, the experience has been enriching in allowing me to not only apply my academic knowledge but in realizing the value of passion while undertaking humanitarian work, and the fulfillment it gives.

Virtual experience

April 26, 2021by: Grace Smith - United Kingdom
4

While my internship was virtual and therefore from home, I truly loved the organisation I got to work for. Being small and close-knit, I really felt like an integral part of the team and that my contribution mattered. I got to develop skills such as data analysing which I had never done before, and which will help me greatly in the future. If possible, I would love to intern with Roots again, hopefully this time in person.

South Africa & it's magic

April 02, 2021by: Leonie Brückner - Germany

Program: NGO Management Internship in Zambia

4

When I decided to travel to South Africa, Cape Town, I didn't know what to expect - but I knew that a unique experience was waiting for me. I arrived here during the lockdown. Nevertheless, after a short time I had the opportunity to get to know the culture, locals, nature and life here. After a short time I knew that this place is my home. I feel so connected to the nature and people here. Every day brings magical moments of rainbows in the ocean waves, butterflies landing on me, waterfalls, nature sounds, powerful storms, laughing children, pure forests, breathtaking views, etc. Once I let myself accept that Cape Town is a place that is neither fast nor perfectly organized, but very slow and quiet, I was able to surrender to the flow and let each day come to me full of curiosity. I made a new family, wonderful friends and unique experiences here and was also able to learn a lot about myself, life here and the different cultures that come together in this country. I am deeply grateful and already looking forward to my return.

Brilliant experience!

March 11, 2021by: lucy101 - United Kingdom

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

I interned with Penda for just over two months and had a wonderful experience! Marleen was extremely helpful, supportive and accommodating and was very flexible with what tasks I wanted to do. It felt lovely to be part of an exciting organisation and contribute to their programmes. I've made some good links through the internship and I now feel confident to embark on an exciting and fresh career path!

Noah's review

February 08, 2021by: Noah
4

I learned about how a non-profit operates, which was very illuminating. I also learned a lot about creating Google Ads. I enjoyed making graphics to be used on TV programs. I didn't enjoy working on social media. The internship met my expectations and provided an engaging and meaningful work experience. Besides the experience it has added to my resume, this internship also gave me a lot of insight into what I want to do in the future.

Marketing and business development remote internship

January 29, 2021by: Alexis C - United Kingdom

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

My internship with Roots evolved my understanding of the different types of marketing and how it can be part of Roots development. Both my supervisors allowed me to explore tasks that has helped me figure out what I might venture in for my future career. It was a great experience personally and professionally.

It was my first internship

December 23, 2020by: Sanjay Pramod - India

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

5

It was my first internship, and everyone at Roots has made it a very memorable experience for me. I learned a lot of skills and had a wonderful time. The team was very welcoming, and they helped me ease into a professional workspace.

Urban greening in the Cape

December 11, 2020by: Sally - South Africa

Program: NGO Management Internship in Zambia

4

My internship with Greenpop gave me incredible knowledge and experience in the effects of urban greening in cities. My role as an intern was very hands-on as well as administrative. I was able to take part in numerous workshops and planting days that were organized by Greenpop, meaning my work was very dynamic. Not only did I have my office tasks, but I was also able to have very social facilitation experiences, and on top of that, a lot of physical work in planting and preparing gardens for fynbos planting days. The work taught me amazing skills in how programmes are planned, and how it takes so many different elements within an organization for these events to happen. The work that Greenpop does as an organization is something really wonderful to be a part of, and I am so grateful that I was able to help and be a part of their mission in making this world a little more green for everyone.

Rewarding online internship with Penda!

December 09, 2020by: Jordan - Canada

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

5

My remote internship with Penda completely exceeded my expectations! For my gap year, I was looking for a meaningful way to get involved with a social impact organization, meet and get to know people from outside Canada, and gain valuable work experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. I can easily say my remote internship allowed me to achieve all of these in engaging ways. Working with Marleen (Managing Director of Penda) was wonderful. Marleen and the rest of the Penda team create a very balanced work environment. The environment of working with other Marleen and other interns remotely was very collaborative and engaging, but still allowed each team member to freedom to have creative independence over their projects. It was a lovely balance that made me as an intern feel respected and supported! I quickly fell in love with working for Penda and would absolutely recommend interning with them to anyone looking for a rewarding experience! Roots and Talitha did an excellent job of providing support throughout the internship. Talitha checked in every few weeks to see how I was doing and if there was anything Roots could do to make my experience better. Even from a remote internship, you still get opportunities to connect and get to know other interns. I highly recommend doing a remote internship with Roots to anyone who is looking to have a rewarding experience but is unable to travel to Africa. If you are able to travel, Roots is a lovely organization and I would absolutely consider joining them in Africa!

A really productive and meaningful virtual Internship!

September 30, 2020by: Adya - United Kingdom

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

5

Working at Penda, was perhaps one of the best learning experiences I have had. Though the internship was virtual, the team at Penda and Roots made sure that I would be able to get most out of this role.

Very interesting and a worth-while use of my university background

September 25, 2020by: Christian - Germany

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

Despite working from home, I learnt many new things and was especially pleased about the practical application of many aspects I had been taught about at university. While I would have preferred to travel to Malawi, I did manage to gain in-depth insight into the way an NGO works and what the particular challenges in this particular case are.

Holacracy and synergy

September 23, 2020by: Gambler - Italy

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

The team of Greenpop is like a big family who support, collaborate, and does everything needed to create a synergic environment in which working becomes pleasant and satisfying. Definitely recommended.

Malawi schools permaculture clubs - remote internship

September 02, 2020by: George - United Kingdom

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

Sadly I was unable to travel to Malawi due to Covid-19 and so I carried out this remotely. It was tough at first but after a week everyone knew what was happening and how we could all work remotely. I was given tasks which both played to my strengths but also ones which challenged my thinking and enabled me to expand my skills and knowledge of the area I was working in.

My remote communications internship experience

August 29, 2020by: Tabitha M. - United States
5

This is by far the best internship I have ever experienced. I was searching for a remote internship that would train me in social media management, and digital marketing. I was recommended Roots Interns. This internship taught me so much more than what I was searching for. I learned social media marketing, digital marketing, creating listings, backlinks, and content writing. I even improved my soft skills like time management, communications, and flexibility. Roots Interns was so supportive and offered such great guidance. I woke up every morning excited to get to work and meet with my team! I was given different tasks and exciting challenges every day. The best part of this was that I got constructive and instructive feedback throughout the internship. This experience has left me with a whole new perspective, goals, and hopes. I wish this was my every day job! Once everything opens again I will definitely comeback, but next time I'm heading to Cape Town! Thank you Talitha and Marleen for everything.

Roots Internship review

August 27, 2020by: juliadenny - United States

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

My Roots internship has been very fulfilling despite being virtual and during a pandemic. My supervisors were constantly communicating with me and kept me on task and over the course of the summer, I learned so much more about Malawi and its people than I ever thought I could with a virtual internship.

Writing - Shumbashaba

August 26, 2020by: diya7935 - United States
5

I learned more about writing and the writing process, as well as being a remote intern. I enjoyed being able to get detailed critiquing and feedback, as well as have the opportunity to help a nonprofit organization in a different country.

Remote Internship with Roots Interns

August 25, 2020by: Taylor Schott - United States
4

As a university student on summer break, I was able to write for Roots, a South-African organization that connects interested potential interns to international, benevolent organizations. Given that the internship was remote, I was able to learn about SEO, backend editing of websites, and purposeful blogwriting all within the comfort of my own home (and occasionally, the local cafe). This internship, while remote, was not dampened by the distance. Rather, the experience furthered my ability to communicate effectively, deepened my knowledge about the power of content, and how a small but mighty organization like Roots functions.

An amazing remote internship

August 25, 2020by: Claudia E. - Italy
5

I've always wanted to get to know the world of non-profits and I finally succeeded. Working as an intern for Sunshine Cinema, this organization that aims to promote African cinema and raise awareness of very current issues in Africa and around the world through cinema, has allowed me to improve my skills and knowledge and above all to grow as a person. Even though the internship took place remotely, I always felt part of the team, as communication with the tutor or other members took place daily.

In-distance internship

August 13, 2020by: Arianna - Italy
5

I had a great time working for Penda. Although it was a virtual internship, which didn't allow me to physically meet co-workers and experience life in South Africa, I managed to communicate very well with other members of the team thanks to periodical update calls. Marleen was amazing, she was super helpful and very flexible with letting me choose what I preferred doing so this gave me the chance to focus on my areas of interest. I learnt so much and I'm very happy for having had this opportunity.

Urban greening with Greenpop

August 08, 2020by: BrandonLaurieOneill - South Africa
4

Working with a great company and great staff was an excellent way to learn new skills and better understand a working environment. I got to work with variety of people on various projects. I was trusted with a variety of tasks and projects that I thought would be above my experience. I was thankful for the trust that was put upon me and how I was treated as a member of the team and not just and intern. Administration before was excellent and everything was explained to me in detail so that when I arrived I did not have to enquire about anything. Greenpop and Roots Interns always offered clear communication and I was never left in the dark. I highly recommend these internships as I feel it is a good way to get to know how South Africans work and interact. You will leave wanting more and be happy that you were a part of the experience.

Remote internship

August 05, 2020by: Claudy - Germany
4

It was a unique experience working from home in another continent but at the end Robyn from Digital Butter was always there through WhatsApp and email to help me out. I am really happy to have had the possibility to learn so much within only 4 weeks and I can absolutely recommend doing the internship with Digital Butter. They are awesome!

I enjoyed working with Sunshine

August 03, 2020by: Ariane Irafasha - United States
4

I enjoyed working with Sunshine Cinema as an assistant in Monitoring and Evaluation. It wouldn't have been better without my amazing supervisor who helped me navigate through everything without getting tired.

Very inspiring

July 28, 2020by: Monica - Italy

Program: Fundraising Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

The team is very inspiring and mindful, and working for such a good cause can only make you proud of your job. This internship has given me the opportunity to explore a work environment which (even if remotely) is supporting and inspiring.

Remote internship

July 28, 2020by: Smrita - Qatar
5

It started off as something to kill time but it ended up being what I want to do for the rest of my life. I've met amazing people full of purpose and verve. They helped me reach out to nonprofits with amazing causes where I could help put with my strategy skills.

A dream come true

July 15, 2020by: Jan-Niclas - Germany
4

This internship has be a true dream come true, because it connected all my passions in one workplace. One one hand I always felt comfortable with my tasks and the work I did, one the other hand it challenged me to dream bigger and reach further, than even imagines. In the end this internship put me on a new path and gave my life a new direction, which I am excited to take now. This will always have been a special time and I am grateful for everyone involved and every experience I got to make.

Worth it

July 10, 2020by: liana_garcia - United Kingdom
5

Due to the pandemic, the internship was remote. But either way, my supervisor continued to check up on me, we had meetings every week and they helped me work through my weaknesses and strengths. It was a great experience.

I can only recommend it!

June 30, 2020by: Mhaleesi - Germany
4

I did a Marketing and Communications Internship at Penda, in Cape Town South Africa. During that time at Penda, I got to wear many different hats: content writing, social media management, web design, web development, PR + administrative tasks. I have worked for both Penda Photo Tours and Penda Trust, which has allowed me on the one hand to gain insights into branding, marketing and researching for Penda Photo Tours and on the other hand enriched me with experience in the nonprofit sector with Penda Trust projects. I am very happy and grateful that I was given the opportunity to do this and learn so many diverse things in such little time. I have enjoyed my time in Cape Town to the fullest and also working from home (due to COVID-19) has taught me how to work digitally with a team which is distributed all across the globe.

Very grateful for the amazing experience!

June 19, 2020by: Marlena Conen - Germany

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

4

I am super grateful to have experienced my internship the way I did. I started in Cape Town at Penda and got to wear many hats at the same time during my internship. Social media management, content creation, blog writing, web development, building a new website, visiting projects, interviewing people and much more. I have learned so much while working at Penda and I am especially grateful for my very nice and kind little team. I always felt "at home" and welcome. When COVID-19 hit, I went back home to Europe, however the transition was no problem at all. Everything went seamlessly and smoothly. I got to take my work back home with me and learned how to work digitally with a team.

Working from home

A great and valuable communications internship in Cape Town

June 07, 2020by: Saida - Germany
4

I have enjoyed my internship to the absolute full. Cape Town has become one of my favourite places in the world. I had the best roommates in our accommodation in the city centre. Roots Interns has been the best internship provider I could have asked for. My work placement was in walking distance, the office vibe was amazing and I had so much fun doing my tasks as a communications assistant at Roots Interns. Unfortunately, I had to return home early due to Covid-19. However, I was lucky to continue my internship remotely.

My experience with Roots Interns

May 31, 2020by: Annelies Mast - Belgium

Program: Creative Writing Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

Roots Interns was very helpful. They helped me search to find the perfect internship for me. They were the contact between my internship place and myself. If I needed any document they would be eager to help me. Roots Interns also kept us up to date with activities we could do in Cape Town. If there was a problem or something needed to be arranged I could just ask.

Following my passion... from my home desk!

May 13, 2020by: Jan-Niclas Schindzielorz - Germany
4

Greenpop is an amazing choice as an internship partner. I am proud to be part of their team and support their work with my own skills. As a creative writing intern, I have a very diverse experience. Sometimes I am creating social media content, then I write a new blog article, or I work on the next campaign to raise funds. There are so many different and exciting tasks, that make every day unique. At the same time, I am surrounded by a wonderful support team from roots, as well as a young and fresh spirited team in Greenpop. It surely feels like a family around here ;)

Making my time in quarantine meaningful

May 08, 2020by: Saida Belaatel - Germany

Program: Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

5

I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work for a South Africa based organisation from home. I can experience the international work vibe without travelling. My internship keeps me busy and focused which is so important because I don't have to be one of those who are bored at home. I am using my time effectively, I am productive, learn a lot of new skills. Thanks to Roots Interns, I often forget that there is a world crisis out there. I can only recommend a remote internship!

Changed my life!

March 27, 2020by: Gaby Lovric - South Africa
4

My experience at the Festival of Action changed my life and priorities. It revealed to me a whole new world of nature! It was an incredible personal journey; I discovered a sense of purpose in being equipped with knowledge to be able to make a difference to our precious earth in so many different ways. Now I am constantly striving to learn more about the complexity of nature. Greenpop definitely struck the right balance between entertainment and education, amoungst other things. There is nothing quite like being completely surrounded with like-minded people with a common love for nature and goal to improve our environment! The days I spent camping with other volunteers were some of the best of my life. This is what you can experience at the Eden Festival of action! I am incredibly grateful to Greenpop for igniting the spark towards my journey with nature.

Time of my life

March 25, 2020by: Luco - Netherlands
4

Going abroad for a couple months really changed my life. I learned so much about new cultures and it was really interesting to see how the urban greening is applied in Cape Town. Besides my internship I also had enough time to discover the beautiful city and meet a lot of new friends. I had a great time in Cape Town and I would definitely do it again if I had the chance.

I had a phenomenal experience!!

March 24, 2020by: Delight Ngwenya - South Africa
5

I enjoyed being part of the Greenpop(Festival of Action) . My first time attending was in 2018 and also last year 2019. I have always had a remarkable time at each festival. The Program is very much well thought of and planned ,each day was packed with new exciting experiences and things to learn. Greenpop offered a wide variety of workshops(etc Bee keeping ,mushroom, yoga workshops, Vegan cooking And more ) for every participant to choose. I myself , has enjoyed every workshop I took part in,I got to learn about everything i was interested in and not to mention that team members are experts in their workshops. I'm very much fond of Greenpops team members, they are all exceptionally kind and caring and not to mention AMAZING personalities, they are a great team and know how to make everyone feel safe and included. Green pop(Festival of action) it feels like paradise or a world where everyone ,who loves nature and enjoys peace in the world , dreams of. This paradise allows you to meet people with the same interests as you. Everyone is different and all excepted and seen as unique individuals. We are all working together to fix the place we call home. The food provided at the festival was immaculate and it was VEGAN, i was never a vegan but Greenpop proved that vegan food can taste as good as non vegan food, Even better! The location where the festival takes place is extremely beautiful and breath taking. My favourite part at the festival is the planting days, where we all go together and plant trees, theres so much success and it just mind blowing to see how far we can go as working in team of positive people. My advice to anyone wanting to go to the festival but aren't sure is (The Festival of Action is something that has to be experienced no words can comprehend to what the organisation has in offer .) SPOILERS you are Definitely going to have Fun taking action and saving the our planet. I have started being mindful , living a sustainable lifestyle even my household has got into it, started an Eco-club at my school and also became a plant eater . All thanks to Greenpop. ohh and made great amazing friends.

A beautiful experience

March 05, 2020by: Katrien Van den Bempt - Belgium

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

I definitely feel like I already became a wiser person during my stay here, because of the people I am surrounded by. I learned about the African culture, but also about life in general. I experienced so much love already from the kids I work with, which I am grateful for. In my accommodation, the Yoga Shala, we stay with many different nationalities in one house, which I like a lot. It's super interesting. I really liked to get some practical work experience here for my field of study, business communication. I am lucky enough to get private sessions with my internship coordinator. She gives me assignments, but also listens to what I want to accomplish. Apart from the working experience, South Africa is such a beautiful country to discover! There is so much to do. You'll never get bored here.

It's great interning in Cape Town!

March 05, 2020by: Lola Verkuil - Netherlands

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

I was in Cape Town for five months interning at a study centre focussing on migration in Africa. I wanted to gain more professional experience in the field of research and non-profit. I have learned a lot at my work, but also learned more about myself! Cape Town is a wonderful, buzzing city, and a great place to live. I had the most wonderful time both on the job and off the job, there was no time to be bored! I highly recommend Roots, as they were very professional and helpful towards me. Interning abroad is a great experience that gives you many new life skills!

A different view on the world!

March 05, 2020by: Annelies Mast - Belgium

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

Living abroad gives you a different view on the world. You live in a country where the culture is different and you live together with people from all over the world. This makes that you can develop yourself in so many ways. My internship in Cape Town already learned me so many things. I live with around 10 people in a loft. You get to know a lot of people and you can always do fun activities with them. My internship is great too. I work with a lot of passionate people who want to spread the word about environmental issues.

A completely unique and special experience of a lifetime!

March 05, 2020by: Jan-Niclas Schindzielorz - Germany

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

This internship made me understand myself and the world in a completely new way. I had a very unique experience and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to follow my passion all the way to the other side of the world! Every day here was filled with excitement and great memories that I will never forget.

A one of a kind experience

March 05, 2020by: Bailey Miller - United States

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

5

I have loved interning in one of the best cities in the world. Cape Town is such an amazing city and it is full of such amazing people. Coming from Idaho, I wasn´t quite sure what to expect, but I think it´s safe to say that Cape Town has been amazing!!! As an intern at the Scalabrini Centre, I have been able to work closely with refugees and immigrants, which has always been a dream of mine. I have learned so many valuable life skills, which will help me so much in my future endeavors. This is an experience I will never forget.

Personally and Professionally Rewarding!!

March 04, 2020by: Marlena Conen - Germany

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

I am currently interning with Penda in Cape Town, South Africa. With this internship the personal and professional reward go hand in hand. I am visiting NGO projects regularly and by doing so, I am able to get an insight in their work and purposes. I experience NGO work from a completely new perspective, which also helps me to write about these projects, as part of my internship. I not only research the organisations, but I can actually go there, meet the people and explore their work. This way, I meet a lot of new faces, see plenty of new places and experience Cape Town entirely different then before. The work is really multi-faceted and diversified. I write blogs, visit projects, interview people, manage social media accounts and coordinate photographers and clients to match them up for non-profit photography work. Every day is different and new. Next to this amazing opportunity and the rewarding work, I get to live in the most beautiful city in the world. Cape Town has a lot to offer! Sightseeing, beaches as far as the eye can see, life-filled bars, awesome restaurant and markets of all kinds. If you're still waiting for a sign to come here: This is it!

Volunteer holding a child near a building

Feels like home

March 04, 2020by: Saida Belaatel - Germany

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

5

I've had the best time. At home, at my internship, on the weekends, at the beach, hiking the mountains. I loved how close my loft is located to my workplace: I could always just walk! My work hours are flexible, I have very interesting tasks and when I feel like I can just go to one of the 1000 coffee shops, restaurants and bars after work! I couldn't have asked for more and would actually like to stay a little longer.

Best part of my school programme!

March 04, 2020by: Luco van Suntenmaartensdijk - Netherlands

Program: Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

4

For my internship abroad i went to Cape Town and I learned so much about this new culture. They do a lot of things really different here and it's so interesting to discover all that in my workfield. Also I met a lot of people from all over the world, we live together and do a lot of fun activities together. Because we all want to discover this beautiful city.

Researching migration in Cape Town

March 02, 2020by: Lola - Netherlands
4

My internship in Cape Town was a very rewarding experience. I hoped to learn more about how a non-profit organisation operates and gain more experience on doing research. SIHMA - the study centred I worked with - provided both! It was a wonderful working environment, and Cape Town is a wonderful city to live in. It couldn't have turned out better!

Satisfied

January 23, 2020by: Laura
5

I was really taken seriously, which I appreciated a lot. I felt like I was treated like an employee rather than an intern, and this also made me feel much more responsible for the work I was doing in my duration of stay.

Learned a lot

January 21, 2020by: Isabella
5

I've learned a great deal about the NPO world in South Africa but I have also learned a great deal about myself and how I wish to live my life moving forward. My outlook and views on some topics have become more solidified and gained greater significance as I saw them play out in the real world and others have shifted into the background.

Recommended

January 20, 2020by: Marie
5

I would definitely recommend the internship to anyone because Roots is a great organization, the supervision is awesome and the working environment was friendly, relaxed and supportive. Lastly, Roots always tried to adapt the tasks to my skills and interests.

Great experience

January 19, 2020by: Denver

Program: Communications Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

5

Through Roots’ guidance of my interests, I journeyed to Cape Town, South Africa. I had the desire in mind to travel and to engage with other cultures. I also wanted to make use of my pre-existing skills. This internship allowed so much flexibility to do all of that. In the process, it also helped me to grow and find greater understanding in so many aspects of life. I have had the opportunity to engage with a diverse amount of cultures. Besides, I experienced incredible opportunities to develop socially, politically, and economically. Between working on the website and loving Cape Town life, I found myself volunteering at the township of Masiphumelele. Here, I had the chance to teach and have a lot of fun with the children and others at the projects. Volunteering is a crucial aspect of this internship. It helps to understand and feel how meaningful being included in this work can be. My three months of work were fueled through the everyday love and appreciation received down in the township. It also evoked a sense of responsibility towards new volunteer members. Working at the projects is a massive source of inspiration and motivation that carried me through my stay at the projects and my accommodation Yoga Shala. Overall, this internship has been an overwhelming experience of emotions.The work that is being done at Projekt Ubuntu is incredibly inspirational and admirable. Standing not as a charity but a social enterprise it shows the beauty of what we can achieve together as humanity by simply just helping one another, which is the message of Ubuntu that they/we wish to ‘projekt’ anywhere and everywhere.

Challenges

January 18, 2020by: Paula

Program: Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

5

I am proud of all the challenges I had to face everyday. It was different work everyday and sometimes it got very hard for me to accept some circumstances. I stayed strong all the times and I gained a lot of self confidence during my time in South Africa. All the different issues und values at project level were hard to deal with at some point and to be able to help those people was the most beautiful thing I did during my whole life.

Life changing

January 17, 2020by: Lisa

Program: Communications Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

5

I can safely say that my 5 month internship at project ubuntu was a life changing experience for me that I will always remember. Roots interns supported me at all times and answered all the questions that came up during the internship, regardless of whether it was about visa or other problems. The project taught me that love and respect are the most important values in life to change something and make a difference to people. Being happy and rich has nothing to do with material standards but with a sense of community. Experiencing their strong sense of community is what made me stronger as an individual and help me to overcome future challenges.

Great experience

January 11, 2020by: Roy
5

For me, the setup of the office represents the Greenpop culture. It can be chaotic, quiet and thrilling, but it will always give you a sense of home. The Greenpop staff and interns are so involved with nature - all in their own way - and so intrinsically motivated to do something good for the world, one way or another. This was so evident that even from the Netherlands, preparing for my time abroad, I could tell that the organization would fit me like my favorite plants.

Genuinely so much fun

January 10, 2020by: Vera

Program: Food Security Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

5

This internship is genuinely so much fun. The gardens are amazing, the kids are curious to learn, and I gain more knowledge about produce and organic farming every day. On a personal note, I love seeing the direct impact that I have in my role because the company is small. They say it only takes one seed to make a difference, and it brings me so much joy to feel like I get to be a seed here!

Absolutely amazing

January 09, 2020by: Mallorie

Program: Psychology Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

5

My time as an intern was absolutely amazing. Frances set up a program for me to work in a women’s safe house twice a week, and once a week at a recovery center. The program she made put me doing things that helped me gain more experience in the field of psychology I want to have a career in. Coming to South Africa, I believed I would be giving so much to a community in need. I thought I would help to make a difference. Instead, my experiences here provided me with so many new skills and realizing my true potential. I learned so much more from the women at the Safe House than I could have ever expected. What they gave me was a new mindset of what resilience and strength truly are. I could not have asked for a better experience, and I know that my short time here will open so many more doors for me in my future.

Satisfied

January 07, 2020by: Emiel
5

My time here has awakened me to take notice of the problems South Africa faces regarding migrant and refugee rights. It’s also been a reality check. The articles about problems in different parts of the world regarding refugees and migrants have become more of a general statement in the everyday newspaper. When I started here, I was suddenly sitting across from people with real problems and asking for help, which can be quite confronting. If I look at the impact I personally made, it's on a micro level. I can only make a difference in a one-on-one situation for the person who is sitting directly in front of me. But you have to realize that making an impact on a micro level is already very valuable at that moment for the individual client. If you hear that your effort made things work out, it gives you a feeling of satisfaction.

Great experience

January 07, 2020by: Eefje

Program: Fundraising Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

5

I would like to encourage other people who feel too old to give up their safe and settled life for a few months. Booking a ticket to Cape Town was the best decision. I am charged with new energy to find my dream job and have a clear goal to work on. I would love to build a life in South Africa and I will work on making this dream come true!

Lasting effect

January 05, 2020by: Amy
5

I think this internship will have a lasting effect on me, and has provided me with a proactive and positive outlook where environmental issues are concerned. I have also learnt many valuable skills that I think are applicable in any situation that I find myself in in the future.

Satisfying and rewarding

January 04, 2020by: Whitney

Program: Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

5

I learned chiefly about the selfless pursuit in giving back to the community. This was a value that got to be accentuated in my time at Projekt. With this, I got to wholly give myself in my tasks and the results were both satisfying and rewarding.

Huge overall learning experience

January 04, 2020by: Christina
5

In general, I had a huge overall learning experience regarding my own personality and about the interaction and connection with people. Greenpop is a very special organisation with a lot of enthusiastic and intelligent personalities from whom you can learn so much. Furthermore, due to the small size of the organization it is easy to understand how the different departments are all connected with each other and how the functioning of each one is important for the entire processes. In addition, I have learnt a lot about the structure of an NGO and its specific prerequisites. Being in a completely different country than the one I am coming from has shown me how much influence culture has on the daily work.

Taught me so many valuable things

January 03, 2020by: Christina

Program: Media and Design Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

5

This experience has taught me so many valuable things for my future career. I am considering a job in video communications and with this internship, I believe it has given me the foundation to improve on those skills. I believe I have much more to learn before I can enter in this field, but I believe I now have the tools to build on. Aside from the technical skills I have learned, I believe the experience of telling an organization's story is very beneficial in any communications-related job I may pursue.

An experience I will cherish for the rest of my life

January 03, 2020by: Daphne

Program: Remote Fundraising Internship: Animal Welfare in Zambia

5

In general, I can conclude this was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. I would definitely recommend an internship at ZAWS and even though it might sound cheesy, I would not have traded this experience for all the money in the world. Doing something with your skills in an organization that really needs it, and seeing that what you do really makes a difference, gives you a feeling of satisfaction you will never have experienced before. That, and a setting that is very rough, but also very beautiful, makes this internship worthwhile. If you love animals and you are keen on doing a marketing and communications internship in Africa – look no further.

I will definitely be back!

January 01, 2020by: Naomi
5

Growing up, I knew I wanted to work for a non-profit one day. It is eye-opening to work with people who love what they do, are inspired daily to help the world around them, and have a passion for change. This “do-good” attitude flows through every layer of the lives of people I met in Cape Town. From the beadwork artists to the office staff, each individual contributes to the company’s goals and vision. It was an amazing feeling knowing that despite being an intern, the Monkeybiz team valued my opinion and took me seriously. Overall my experience in Cape Town was life-changing! The friends I have met, the skills I have learned, and the journeys I had will stick with me forever. I miss waking up and walking outside my flat to see the beautiful view of Table Mountain. Or, driving to the beach for a picnic on a Saturday to watch the sunset. I also miss the amazing people that I met and worked with in Cape Town, but I know that their doors are always open. I will definitely be back!

Amazing experience

December 28, 2019by: Regina
5

My experience working in Cape Town was amazing. The small enterprise is run by passionate and sincere individuals who are willing to give you as much responsibility as you want to handle. Marleen is such an inspiring and straight-forward leader in office. One of the best aspects of content writing for Penda was that Marleen never forced me to write about anything. We would sit down together, have coffee and brainstorm five topics that could be useful, then I would choose which to write. I learned so much about SEO, marketing and social media management all while having an amazing cultural experience of living in South Africa.

It's possible to become part of something bigger and world-changing, day after day

December 26, 2019by: Irene
5

Now that is over, I can say being an intern in Cape Town is without doubt a life-changing experience. Working in a very small team puts you in front of great opportunities and some challenges, the best situation if you are looking for an internship that gives you a high level of autonomy and the chance to see your ideas become amazing projects. Marleen and Greg are amazing human beings and beautiful supervisors, they make you feel truly appreciated and heard. There every encounter becomes an opportunity to learn about the other, and indirectly about yourself. Personally, I think sometimes it feels good to give something back for all the beauty you can experience living in incredible places such as Cape Town. Being far from home in a new completely different reality may make you feel smaller, but working in an enterprise like this can show you it's possible to become part of something bigger and world-changing, day after day.

Great experience

December 23, 2019by: Abdul Rahman

Program: Creative Writing Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

Interning at Greenpop was such a fun experience. The work environment itself is very relaxed and the culture is very intimate. Moreover, I became such good friends with the employees and also with the other interns at work. I'm interested in pursuing a marketing concentration and therefore, I applied for the marketing and creative writing internship at Greenpop. My supervisor, Zoe, was extremely helpful and informative and even though I don't have any prior experience with marketing, Zoe was very willing to guide me through the work. South Africa itself is a very beautiful country with so much to offer. The natural beauty of the country is breathtaking and the activities range from hikes and adrenaline filled activities to restaurants and bars. In addition, South Africa is host to a variety of different species and so, the wildlife in South Africa is a beauty one must experience. The city itself is filled with young travelers which makes it very easy to meet new and interesting people. It was overall a very memorable experience that I will for sure be sharing with friends and family back home. All of this was made possible by roots intern and especially Talitha who helped me throughout the process.

They provided me with all the necessary details and information

December 22, 2019by: Filippo

Program: Fundraising Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

Talitha and the whole Roots team made me feel supported and reassured at all times when preparing for my stay and internship. They provided me with all the necessary details and information and also suggested me the accomodation, and it was definitely the right choice. I got to live with the people I was working with and we developed a very good relation. The work at the office was stimulating and interesting for the most part. I learnt a lot about cooperativeness, flexibility and adaptability, working in an international environment and city. The on-field work where you witness how the work you do at the office translates into concrete action was a life-changing experience, as were the adventures exploring the beautiful Southern Africa, made possible by a great life-work balance. (Filippo)

Not only fun but life changing

December 20, 2019by: Vinola
5

I interned at Greenpop during 2016 in the Urban Greening Programme for 2 months. This experience was not only fun but life changing. The work environment at Greenpop was unique and unexpected, but really enjoyable as the same time. Some of the best parts of the experience was getting to meet interns from around the world and getting to learn about their cultures. I would highly recommend an internship with this program to anyone looking for a change or to gain some experience in their field. Not only this experience change your life, but will provide you with a new appreciation and outlook.

I'd recommend you apply to this internship

December 18, 2019by: Tanner
4

With my internship at Greenpop being my first internship abroad, I was extremely nervous and excited. When choosing my internship, what I hoped for was an experience to push me outside of my comfort zone, help me grow my personal and marketing skills, and give me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. I can safely say that my internship at Greenpop gave me all three of these. Working and living in Cape Town was an incredible experience that pushed me to immerse myself in another culture. The city is stunning, with lots to do in your free time. The provided housing is very central with many restaurants to eat at. The living circumstances made it very easy to make friends as all of the other roommates were interns working at other local organizations. If you're looking for an internship where you can make long-lasting friendships with people from different backgrounds, develop your marketing acumen while working for a social enterprise, and make timeless memories living in a stunning city, I'd recommend you apply to this internship.

I discovered a lot

December 17, 2019by: Grace
4

I came to South Africa knowing no one and, apart from other transferable skills and work experiences in NGOs, little about the world of marketing. In short, I had my trepidations. What I discovered was a welcoming and warm environment of young and dynamic professionals who were passionate not only about the job, but the underlying cause of the organisation. I found that to be the case with Penda as well, where, despite my insecurities, I was a growing amount of responsibility over the time I worked there, as well as the freedom to take on or suggest new responsibilities according to my interests and internship goals. Above all, I feel that it was through the trust and mentorship of Penda's founder, Marleen, that I was able to rise to the challenges and to learn to trust myself and my ability to adapt and grow to fill my position within a new and dynamic organision. Overall, I am incredibly happy with my experience. I could not have imagined how much I would learn in just a few months, and it's thanks to this experience that I now approach jobs since then with a sense of confidence that has been vital in making me competent and trustworthy in any professional environment.

Nice experience

December 16, 2019by: Charline
4

I realized my Marketing Internship for Penda in Cape Town during two months. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to learn new things about marketing, but also to grow up my level English, and to meet amazing people. I think this first professional experience will be an asset for my next internships because it builds skills in the field. About the personal view, I met a lot of people who the most of them were so nice! It was one of the best experiences of my life and I would keep that good memories. (Charline)

Enjoyed my experience

December 14, 2019by: Lucrezia
4

I totally enjoyed my experience at Greenpop. It's totally different from any internship in marketing you could find elsewhere! First of all because at the office you would feel really relaxed and welcome and you'll spent time in an environment full of people passionate about they do! Moreover, they give you lots of opportunities to also enjoy and experience Cape Town outside the working hours or during the days off you get. As a marketing internship, you'll find yourself busy in managing social media, writing blog posts, doing research! I made many friends with whom I shared my different adventures (road trips, hikes, wine tasting)

An experience I think every one should go through

December 13, 2019by: Elvira
4

My experience with Greenpop was an experience I think every one should go through. Why? Not only was this an opportunity for me to impact my studies, but also an opportunity to see and learn the South African culture. Three months later, I still can't seem to stop playing the highlights in my mind. From going to Rands for Sunday BBQ's and pap, waking up early to the beautiful table-cloth on the majestic table mountain, to viewing different Western Cape landscapes every week - even to unwillingly being carried away by the furious winds during the months of November & December. Oh, how I'd give anything to be back. The internship itself was an eye-opener for me. I study Environmental Sciences of Sustainable Energy and Technology in the Netherlands, and with Urban Greening I got to experience the other 'spectrum' of this field. Learning mulching techniques and teaching different composting benefits to communities is an aspect I didn't consider as personal interest. Seeing smiles on children's faces in schools - who we got to plant and play with, is heart warming. I would encourage every one to work with Greenpop and to make the world a better (and greener) place.

Best experience

December 10, 2019by: Nolan

Program: Fundraising Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

Talitha is a dream of a coordinator. She is the only reason I was given the opportunity to work as a fundraising intern at Greenpop in Cape Town. She hurried my resume through to give me a chance at the position I was ultimately offered. She truly cared about my experience, and proved it time and time again. From beginning to end, she was always checking in to make sure I was enjoying with my time at Greenpop. From beginning to end my experience Cape Town was the best experience of my life and it was all possible because of Talitha!

I thoroughly enjoyed my writing and communications internship

December 09, 2019by: Juliana
4

I thoroughly enjoyed my writing and communications internship. There were endless opportunities to write and I learned a lot about SEO writing. This internship provided a lot of creative freedom. That said, there was also guidance available when I needed it. My supervisor provided plenty of one-on-one attention and was very conscious of creating an internship that suited me and my goals. There were opportunities to get involved in projects in the community, as well. The office culture is friendly, energetic and innovative. And there is no better place to enjoy an internship abroad than in Cape Town, it is a beautiful city, full of life.

I found the experience to be truly beneficial

December 08, 2019by: Christine
4

Working at Greenpop was a TREEmendous experience! I loved being surrounded by such driven and passionate people. The small office is a ton of fun and allows interns to learn about all the components needed to make nonprofits run efficiently. I appreciated being able to work in the fundraising department and was able to help write two grants while I was an intern. I found the interdisciplinary approach to grant writing a great learning experience and collaborated with colleagues in the finance and ecology departments to draft the grants. As a student looking to get more involved in the nonprofit world, I found the experience to be truly beneficial. I was able to enhance my writing, communication, and creative thinking. Along with working on the grants, I participated in the marketing of larger fundraising campaigns. In these campaigns, the goal was to get individuals to purchase trees for various celebrations and holidays. Learning about the different funding approaches Greenpop utilized helped me develop practical skills and gain a better understanding of how nonprofits operate on a whole.

Inspiring and amazing

December 07, 2019by: Charlotte
4

Roots Interns organized a five months voluntary job at Greenpop in PR/Communications in Cape Town for me. The experience was life changing. Greenpop is an organization that plants trees and is active for our planet. At the same time it is all about having fun and a positive attitude. As a volunteer you can really make a difference. I supported the Communications team and handled the PR for different festivals that Greenpop organizes every year. For example, at the Reforest Fest hundreds of people plant trees during the day and at night you are all dancing under the stars. We also started a donor program and there are tree planting days every week. These tree planting days are amazing: you go to public schools in townships and together with the kids you will plant trees at their school in a super fun way. Not only do you make a difference for the planet, it is life changing for yourself as well. I became much more conscious about the environment and how to live more sustainable. And last but definitely not least, the people I met at Greenpop, the schools, the festivals and everywhere in Cape Town are super inspiring and amazing!

Amazing experience

December 06, 2019by: Reini

Program: Creative Writing Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

I've studied literature and I have my own blog, but I've never had the experience to write on a professional level for an organisation. I could definitely recommend the writing and communication internship because it's the perfect way to gain experience in writing skills, SEO, and it's ideal to learn how to express the values of the organisation you work for but still to maintain your own personal style. I would also recommend to get an internship in an organisation you really believe in. The more you canq support their values and what they stand for, the more you'll enjoy your internship, since you're not only learning but you're also part of something bigger you really believe in and want to add value to.

I will never forget!

December 06, 2019by: Julia
5

Interning with Roots has been absolutely valuable not only for my future career plans but also for my personal perspective and growth. I got the chance to meet incredibly amazing people, got a lot of interesting insights how NGO’s are working and learned so much in the field of Marketing and Communications. I developed my writing skills in an immense way by creating blog posts, newsletters, mailers and running the social media. Besides that, I learned a lot about SEO and got the chance to dive into my own customer journey and personas project which helped me so much to understand the whole marketing strategy of the organization. I loved the inspiring vibe in the office and being surrounded by people that included me in their group right from the beginning. This has been an amazing internship experience which I will never forget!

There is always projects to work on

December 05, 2019by: Fernanda
4

I never imagined myself interning at a non-profit to begin with so this internship has really opened up my eyes to how to raise money strategically. This can be through writing, which is my passion so I have had a lot of hands-on experience on content marketing and how specific keywords can help raise money. It impacted me to now think more of non-profits, even to then think about pursuing a masters in visual anthropology in the future. I think future participants should know that the work done here can be impactful depending on what you make it. Sometimes the work may seem tedious and repetitive but it needs to be done in order to get the content out there and producing money for the non-profit to continue. It is a really great environment to work in since everyone is passionate about the organization's mission and really willing to put in the effort to raise funds. Everyone is excited and willing to work together for the good of the organization. There is always projects to work on for example writing a blog or experimenting with social media management.

Enjoyable

December 04, 2019by: August
5

I had the great fortune to be able to go to Cape Town and do an Internship at Greenpop. The work that Greenpop does is amazing and it felt like they were driving an environmental movement in the city and the rest of South Africa. My work at Greenpop felt meaningful and I had many different tasks to work on and was given my own projects. I really enjoyed the aspect of having your own project has you were not just assisting someone else, you were doing your own thing and that was not something I expected out of an internship. Spending time in the office and out in different schools and other locations actually planting trees felt amazing. Greenpop really made an effort to tailor the internship to suit you and your interests. I consider myself blessed that I got the chance to work with Greenpop and the wonderful people there. It was a life changing experience and I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I would encourage anyone with a passion for environmental issues and with the opporutnity to go to Cape Town for a longer period to apply for an internship at Greenpop. I don´t believe that there is a better internship out there for people who want practical experience in working with sustainability and the environment. I could not be more happy with my time there.

Treevolution

December 03, 2019by: Daire

Program: Creative Writing Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

My experience interning with Greenpop through Roots Interns was nothing short of an amazing adventure. Not only was I given the opportunity to enhance my creative writing skills in a positive and supporting environment, I truly felt like I was part of an incredibly important movement that brings about positive change to undergreened areas of the Western Cape, one tree at a time. Living in such a diverse city with a wonderful group of people from all corners of the world is an experience you can't let pass you by! Join the #Treevolution!

Definitely a lucky one!

December 02, 2019by: Anna
4

My internship in Marketing and Communications for Roots Interns in Cape Town has been an exceptional amazing and unique experience. Honestly, I wasn't really excited to do another internship, since I've done a lot already. However, this time it was different. At Roots, I had the freedom to work independently and focus on the kind of tasks that I prefer. I liked to be in charge of the Social Media channels and learned a lot about content strategies, Wordpress, writing styles, project management, engaging with followers, Marketing, nonprofit organizations etc. Cape Town is a vibrant city and the place to be and chose for an international work experience. I learned so much about African cultures and diversity in humans. I am enormously happy with this experience and definitely a lucky one!

I'm really happy that I found Roots

December 02, 2019by: Alice
5

I had an incredible few weeks in Cape Town interning with Greenpop and Penda. I gained professional working experience in writing and communications, I developed a clearer vision of what I want to pursue as a career, I contributed to causes I feel passionate about, I met the most amazing like-minded people and I fell IN LOVE with Cape Town. I'm really happy that I found Roots. They helped me choose an internship that was right for me (or two in my case!), guided me through the application process and were a great support in-country. The slightly lower 'safety' rating is no reflection on Roots, Greenpop or Penda as organisations - I felt very safe and supported by them. CT is just not what I would call a 'safe' city and it's important to be aware of this. It definitely shouldn't stop you from going - the pros far outweigh the cons and taking precautions such as catching Uber's after dark meant that I never encountered any issues.

Excited

December 01, 2019by: Robert Kaan

Program: Communications Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

4

I'm super excited about the way Roots Interns treated me. I was desperately searching for an internship, since 1 month in advance my earlier internship cancelled. The clear contact with Roots Interns made me feel particularly confident about an internship in South Africa. I would recommend anyone who's doubting to go abroad, an internship with Roots. Roots was very flexible, clear and helpful in any situation. Apart from that, the contact is personally, so any problem you might face is answered quick and efficient. I've had an amazing time and I'm thankful for the opportunity to travel with Roots.

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27 reviews

Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

Join us for an inspiring online internship! At Roots, we offer academic internships with do-good organizations around the world. You could join a...

Nonprofit internship in Africa

Roots Interns

4.13

24 reviews

Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

At Roots, we believe valuable learning and making an impact can go hand-in-hand. That's why we offer academic internships with grassroots organiz...

Community development intern Cape Town

Roots Interns

4.5

8 reviews

Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

Gain practical social work experience during this exciting internship program in Cape Town, South Africa. You'll be part of a community center in...

humanitarian photography program

Roots Interns

4.57

7 reviews

Humanitarian Photography Program in South Africa

If you're a keen photographer and you'd like to use your skills for a good cause, this is an exciting opportunity! This humanitarian photography ...

Environmental internship Cape Town

Roots Interns

4.17

6 reviews

Fundraising Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

Be part of a dynamic environmental organization in Cape Town, South Africa, on this fundraising and business development internship. This is a gr...

internship Cape Town

Roots Interns

4.6

5 reviews

NGO Management Internship in Zambia

Witness the impact of grassroots initiatives firsthand in Zambia, where this NGO Management Internship invites you to contribute to community-dri...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roots Interns?

Roots Interns is an international internship placement agency that connects students and young professionals with impactful and career driven internship opportunities worldwide.

Are the internships paid?

All internships offered through Roots Interns are unpaid as they include a matchmaking process, logistics planning, accommodation, and other inclusions. Specific details can be found in the internship descriptions.

What does my fee cover?

The placement fee covers the time and admin concerned with finding you the ideal internship, preparation, and assistance. Accommodation fee comes on top of it and gives you a choice of comfortable and central places to stay at market-related rates. All items included in the fee can be found with each specific program.

What academic backgrounds qualify students for internships?

We aim to give opportunities to various interests and knowledge thus our internships are open to students from a variety of different academic backgrounds.

Which countries do Roots Interns offer internships in?

Internships are available in countries spanning across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. You can find the full list of countries in the drop-down menu on our programs page, or on our website.

Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Juwairiah Ishaq

Juwairiah Ishaq

Participated in 2025

Alumni

I was inspired to gain experiences in new cultures and different perspectives. Despite this being a remote internship, it was an enlightening experience! I met with people from various backgrounds and learned a lot about working online. 

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Hally Finney

Hally Finney

Participated in 2025

Alumni

I had always wanted to work at and learn about the workings of an animal sanctuary, but in the US, it is very difficult to find an opportunity that doesn’t require a lot of prior experience as well as certification.

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Didar Sevval Sencan

Didar Sevval Sencan

Participated in 2025

Alumni

I’ve always been eager to do an internship abroad because I’m an open-minded and enthusiastic person. The thought of learning new things in a completely foreign country while working with people from different nations and cultures without relying on my native language truly inspired me.

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Diego Garcia Rosales

Diego Garcia Rosales

Participated in 2023

Alumni

After a few years of studying in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, I felt the need to have a new experience abroad. Moving to a new country and the "getting out of my comfort zone" feeling that comes with it felt like the right step.

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Nakeshia Tobias

Nakeshia Tobias

Interviewed in 2022

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

Coming from an underprivileged community, but considering myself more privileged than most, I always felt the need to help wherever I can. And as soon as I discovered this industry, I realized I can affect change on a much bigger scale than what I was used to. This inspired me to be part of such an amazing team.

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Juliana Connors

Juliana Connors

Participated in 2017

Alumni

It was a long road to choosing to spend time abroad. Mostly, I was inspired by wanting to contribute to a cause meaningful to me and to see more of the world. I’m American and after Trump’s election I took a hard look at the work I was doing and decided it was time for a change. I also read a few books, randomly, about or placed in Africa (novels and books about development). Both really sparked my interest in experiencing Africa and in participating in more meaningful work.

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Laura Penninga

Laura Penninga

Participated in 2019

Alumni

I've always wanted to go abroad. I grew up in a small town in the Netherlands, with not much to see and not much to do (except for staring at the horizon, which is quite far away as the Netherlands is extremely flat).

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Talitha van der Waerden

Talitha van der Waerden

Interviewed in 2020

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

I was inspired by the opportunity of being able to help other people have a similarly good experience as the one I had when coming to South Africa for a skills-based volunteering experience. And it's great to be able to help our non profit partners grow and develop by sending them valuable interns.

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Marleen Lammers

Marleen Lammers

Interviewed in 2020

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

We founded Roots Interns because we saw an opportunity to match skilled interns with grassroots organisations; a mission that provides both unique internships for students around the world, and hugely valuable support to small nonprofits doing important work. Roots Interns grew organically within Greenpop, an environmental organisation based in Cape Town that I was part of for many years. International interns were a vital part of Greenpop from the start, and undoubtedly helped make the projects what they are today. Seeing how much Greenpop benefited from having interns on board, and how valuable the learning experience was for the interns drove us to launch Roots Interns; so that we could host a larger amount of interns and support more important causes.

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Roots Interns

Roots Interns

4.37Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Roots Interns offers academic internships with grassroots projects worldwide to anyone looking for a program that balances meaningful work and valuable learning. With the help of our highly skilled and experienced team, you will be matched with the organization that best fits your internship goals and personal passions. Interning with these innovative organizations allows you to gain invaluable work experience, helping to expand your skills in a real-world setting. At the same time, you get to contribute to the important work happening at a grassroots level; a beautiful offshoot of mutual growth. By working directly with decision-makers and getting to implement projects to see the outcome of your work, you'll leave your internship having practical knowledge you can't get in a typical co...

Awards

Check out awards and recognitions Roots Interns has received

Innovative New Program, Intern Abroad Winner 2022Innovative New Program – Intern Abroad Finalist 2022