Get Paid to Volunteer Abroad: NGO Internships

Do you want to make a difference while gaining valuable work experience? If so, then NGO internships are perfect for you! NGO stands for a non-governmental organization, and these organizations are dedicated to helping people in need worldwide. There are many different types of NGO internships available, so you can choose one that best suits your interests and career goals.

Types of NGO Internship Programs

An NGO is a non-profit organization that works to promote social or economic change. There are many different types of NGO internships available, so you can find one that best suits your interests and career goals. Here are some examples of the types of NGO internships that are available:

Program Evaluation and Research: Interns may help evaluate programs and research projects conducted by NGOs. It is an excellent position for students who are interested in research and data analysis.
Fundraising and Development: Interns in this position will help NGO staff with fundraising projects and grant writing. This is a great opportunity if you are interested in marketing, sales, or event planning.
Communications and Marketing: Interns in this type of position will help NGO staff with communications and marketing projects. It is designed for those interested in social media, graphic design, or writing.
Program Management: Here, interns will help NGO staff with program management and implementation or even international development.

NGO Interns’ Duties and Responsibilities

NGO interns typically have a wide range of duties and responsibilities. However, the specific duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the type of internship you choose. In general, NGO interns support staff with day-to-day operations. It may include conducting research, writing reports, assisting with fundraising projects, or helping to develop marketing and communications materials.

NGO interns also have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience working in the NGO sector. This is a great way to learn about the inner workings of NGOs and to develop new skills. NGO interns typically work closely with NGO staff, so they also have the opportunity to build professional relationships and networks.

How to Find NGO Internships Abroad?

Now that you know the different types of NGO internships available let’s discuss how to find the perfect internship for you. There are many ways to find NGO internships abroad, and here are a few tips:

Universities or study abroad organizations often run NGO internship programs. Here are a few tips for finding NGO internship programs:

Search online. To discover volunteer opportunities abroad, use search engines and employment boards. Use phrases like “NGO internship” and “global development internship.”
Contact universities. Contact the study abroad office at your university or the international relations office to see if they have any NGO internship programs that you can participate in.
Look for study abroad programs. Many study abroad programs include an NGO internship component. For example, you could participate in a semester-long study abroad program that provides for an NGO internship.
Check out organizations that offer NGO internships.
Contact NGOs directly. You can also contact NGOs directly to inquire about internship opportunities. NGO internships are a great way to gain experience working in the NGO sector while exploring another country.

Top 5 Destinations for NGO Internships Abroad

Washington, D.C. is home to many different NGOs, making it a great place to find an internship. Internships in this city are often focused on policy, advocacy, or research. For example, you could intern for an NGO that works on international development policy or human rights advocacy.
New York City is another great destination for NGO internships as it is home to a large number of NGO headquarters. This city is home to many different NGOs, so you can find an internship that focuses on your specific interests. NGO internships in New York City often focus on communications, marketing, or fundraising.
London is a global hub for NGO activity, making it an ideal place to find an internship. NGO internships in London consist of international development or program management. For example, you could intern for an NGO that works on global health or education programs.
Geneva is a global center for NGO activity, making it an excellent place to find an internship. NGO internships in Geneva are often focused on international relations or humanitarian aid. For instance, you could intern for an NGO that works on refugee assistance or disaster relief.
Brussels is the capital of the European Union and is home to many international NGO headquarters. NGO internships in Brussels mainly concentrate on EU policy or advocacy. For example, you could intern for an NGO that works on environmental policy or human rights advocacy.

These are just a few of the great destinations for NGO internships abroad. There are many other great places to find NGO internships, so don’t limit your search to just these five cities.

Best Organizations Offering NGO Internships Abroad

The Peace Corps is a U.S. government program that offers NGO internships in over 60 countries. Interns in the Peace Corps work on projects related to education, health, community development, and the environment.
UN Volunteers is a United Nations program offering international internships in over 130 countries. Interns in UN Volunteers work on projects related to peace and security, human rights, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development.
Amnesty International is an NGO that offers internships in London, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Interns in Amnesty International work on projects related to human rights research, campaigning, and advocacy.
Human Rights Watch is an NGO that offers internships in New York City, Washington, D.C., London, and Brussels. Interns in Human Rights Watch work on projects related to human rights research, reporting, and advocacy.
Amigos de las Americas is an NGO that offers internships in Latin America. Interns in this organization work on community development, education, and health projects.
Volunteers in Asia’s internships focus on community development, education, and environmental conservation. o
International Volunteer HQ offers NGO internships in over 40 countries. Interns in this organization work on projects related to community development, education, health, and the environment.
WorldTeach is an NGO that offers internships in education in over 50 countries.

Paid NGO Internships Abroad

NGO internships can be either paid or unpaid. Unpaid ones are more common, but there are a number of organizations that offer paid NGO internships. If you are interested in an unpaid NGO internship, make sure to inquire about the living stipend and other benefits that the organization provides.

Paid NGO internships often provide a higher level of responsibility and more opportunities for professional development. Make sure to inquire about the pay and other perks that the organization offers if you’re interested in a paid volunteer position.

Salary Ranges for NGO Interns Abroad

The average salary for NGO interns is $15 per hour. However, salaries can range from $12 to $20 per hour, depending on the organization and the location.

NGO internships in New York City tend to be higher-paying, with salaries ranging from $17 to $20 per hour, while in London typically pay between $12 and $15 per hour. Internships in Geneva usually pay between $12 and $14 per hour. In addition, NGO internships in Brussels typically pay between $13 and $15 per hour.

Application Process for NGO Internship Programs Abroad

The application process for NGO internships can vary depending on the organization. However, most NGO internship programs require you to submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample.

Some NGO internship programs may also require you to submit letters of recommendation or take a language proficiency test. Make sure to check the requirements for the specific NGO internship program that you are interested in. The application deadline is typically two months before the start of the program.

Requirements for Applying to NGO Internship Programs Abroad

NGO internship programs typically require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. However, some NGO internship programs may accept applications from individuals enrolled in a degree program.
Some NGO internship programs may prefer applicants with a background in the organization’s area of focus. For example, an NGO that works on environmental projects may prefer applicants with a background in environmental studies.
This type of internship is typically open to all nationalities, but some programs may require applicants to have a certain level of language proficiency.
NGO internships are generally full-time positions, but some programs may offer part-time or remote positions.

Benefits of Completing an NGO Internship Abroad

NGO internships provide opportunities to gain professional experience in a variety of fields. They also allow individuals to develop several skills in a specific area of interest and can provide individuals with an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

In addition, they offer opportunities to learn about new cultures and make new friends from all over the world. Finally, they can be a great way to build your resume and network with professionals in your field.

The Bottom Line

NGO internships are available in various fields, such as education, healthcare, human rights, environmental protection, and many others. No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be an NGO internship that is perfect for you. These internships are usually unpaid, but they offer the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in your chosen field. Such internships are also a great way to meet new people and make friends from all over the world.

If you are interested in an NGO internship, the first step is to research different organizations that align with your interests. Once you have found a few NGOs that you would like to intern with, the next step is to contact them and inquire about open positions. NGO internships are usually very competitive, so be sure to put your best foot forward!

We hope this blog post has been helpful in your search for internship programs abroad. Remember to do your research, and don’t be afraid to contact organizations directly to inquire about open positions. With a little hard work, you are sure to find the perfect NGO internship for you. Good luck!