Nonprofit
International Relations Internship in Africa
Details
Description
International Relations Program — Art in Tanzania
Behind every policy paper on African development is a community navigating real constraints — limited resources, systemic inequality, and the constant gap between what institutions promise and what people actually receive. Understanding that gap, and learning how to work within it, is what this programme is about.
Art in Tanzania places you inside the machinery of international NGO work — partnered with the organisations shaping development agendas, and embedded in the communities those agendas are meant to serve.
About the Program
Since 1996, Art in Tanzania has placed approximately 250 participants annually in hands-on community programmes across Tanzania. Our International Relations Program is designed for students who want to study, understand, and actively contribute to NGO operations and international development practice — not from a distance, but from the ground up.
You will collaborate with NGO consortia, including UNICEF and the United Nations, working toward specific development targets that directly impact Tanzanian society.
What You'll Do
Your placement combines morning fieldwork with afternoon planning and communications — giving each day a clear rhythm of action and reflection.
🏫 Community Development Fieldwork Work directly in schools, local companies, and community groups — including women's development groups and environmental initiatives — contributing to grassroots development activities in Tanzanian society.
⚖️ Human Rights Advocacy Conduct advocacy work and provide support to individuals and groups whose rights are at risk. This program is practical, relationship-based human rights work — not theoretical.
🌍 Development Aid Advocacy Contribute to efforts that highlight the value and impact of international development aid in African communities, building the case for sustained investment and support.
🤝 NGO Partnership & Coordination Engage with Art in Tanzania's network of local and international partners — developing an understanding of how NGO consortia operate, how collaboration is structured, and how development targets are set and measured.
📋 Planning, Reporting & Visibility Afternoons are dedicated to programme planning, progress reporting, and increasing social media visibility — building the documentation and communications skills that are essential in any international development career.
Structure & Supervision
This programme is academically grounded. Academic-level team leaders supervise your placement daily, and a weekly plan-and-report system ensures your work is structured, purposeful, and aligned with your study requirements. Progress is monitored consistently so that you can demonstrate outcomes to your university.
The internship outcome is direct: you will learn to apply your education and experience in the conditions that define much of international development work — limited capacity, cross-cultural complexity, and the need to be both strategic and adaptable.
Tailored to Your Focus
Your placement is shaped around your academic background, previous experience, and professional interests. Whether your focus is international law, development economics, political science, sociology, public health, or humanitarian affairs, there is a meaningful role for you here, and we will work with you to design it.
How It Works
Hours: 6–8 hours per day, Monday to Friday Duration: 2 weeks to 12 months; a typical internship runs 2–3 months Start date: Flexible — the programme runs year-round Group size: 15–40 international students at any time, from 400+ partner universities worldwide
Life in Tanzania
Tanzania offers one of Africa's richest combinations of cultural depth, natural beauty, and economic momentum. Vibrant communities, iconic wildlife, and extraordinary landscapes are all part of daily life here. Affordable, sustainable safaris and tours are available for you and visiting friends or family.
Few countries offer this combination of meaningful work context and unforgettable lived experience.
Funding
Erasmus+ funding may be available for this placement. Speak with your student office about grant options that could fully or partially fund this experience.
Ready to Apply?
📋 Apply now 🌐 Visit our website 📷 See the compound ✈️ Pre-travel info 📖 EVOLVET volunteer development program 💬 Read testimonials
Get in Touch
Have questions? We'd love to hear from you.
📧 kari@volunteerafrica.fi 📱 WhatsApp: +255 767 777 73 🎥 Schedule a Zoom meeting
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Apply to This Internship
Please fill in the application form at https://www.volunteerafrica.fi/application
