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Remote Internships with Grassroots Organizations

Our remote internships are the perfect way to build your professional skills while doing good, keeping in mind your schedule and commitments. With so much work happening online, these virtual nonprofit internships offer a wealth of experience with great flexibility. You’ll be able to develop transferrable skills, learn to communicate well online and work independently, and you’ll enhance your resume – all from the comfort of your own home. You’ll be contributing to important causes by working with one of our partners around the world.

Benefits of remote internships with nonprofit organizations include:

  • You’ll save costs (and the planet!) by opting to work from home.
  • With professional environments shifting more towards hybrid work situations, learning to collaborate and communicate online is a valuable asset.
  • Your internship duration and working hours will be largely flexible.
  • Virtual internships are great CV-boosters.
  • You’ll gain knowledge of digital tools and programs, along with growing your ability and confidence to work independently.

Below is an overview of our remote internships with nonprofits around the world. If you’re keen to travel, browse through our on-site internships in Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Learn more about our remote internships with NGOs.

Breastfeeding education

Open for Applications

Media and Marketing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Pretoria, South Africa OR Remote
  • CONTENT CREATION, MARKETING STRATEGY, SOCIAL MEDIA, ONLING FUNDRAISING
Enhance your digital marketing portfolio while supporting a nonprofit's mission to optimize well-being and catalyze African nations' development.
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Women with information signs about breastfeeding

Open for Applications

Program Assistant Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Pretoria, South Africa OR Remote
  • PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, COORDINATION, FUNDRAISING, OUTREACH, REPORTING
Engage in impactful community development initiatives by organizing programs focused on nutrition, psychosocial supports, and skills development.
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Laughing girls

Open for applications

Remote NGO Management Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • COMMUNICATIONS, FUNDRAISING, DIGITAL MARKETING
Contribute to advancing gender equality in South Africa by becoming part of a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women.
Find out more
Mental health research internship

Open for applications

Remote Mental Health Research Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS, REPORTING, RESEARCH, PUBLIC HEALTH
Make a valuable contribution to the fight to improve mental health support, conducting research and implementing strategies for lasting impact.
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girl typing in her laptop

Open for applications

Marketing and Fundraising Internship

  • Min. 3 months
  • Bahia, Brazil
  • DIGITAL MARKETING, CONTENT CREATION, STRATEGY, FUNDRAISING
Elevate your marketing and fundraising expertise, contributing to impactful initiatives that shape positive change in a seaside community
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NGO Management internship

New

NGO Management Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • EVENT MANAGEMENT, FUNDRAISING, DIGITAL MARKETING
Actively engage in advancing the NGOs mission to combat period poverty and work towards dismantling societal taboos linked to menstruation.
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Penda photography internship

Open for applications

SEO Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • SEO, WEBSITE MANAGEMENT, WRITING
Aquire hands-on experience in SEO while collaborating with social businesses in Cape Town, contributing to their online visibility and impact.
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Supreme Malawi internship

Open for applications

Social Entrepreneurship Internship

  • Min. 3 months
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • MARKETING, FUNDRAISING, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, RESEARCH, OPERATIONS
Ignite change by aligning your skills with impactful initiatives, fostering community development, and managing an inspiring social business.
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Bird conservation internship

Open for applications

Marketing & Development Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Bela-Bela, South Africa OR Remote
  • FUNDRAISING, RESEARCH, REPORTING, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Support the sustainable development of a ground hornbill protection project, gaining valuable insights into wildlife conservation marketing.
Find out more

Open for applications

Remote Agroforestry Research Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • FORESTRY, AGRICULTURE, RESEARCH
Explore innovative land management solutions as you engage in enhancing ecological balance and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
Find out more
Teaching internship in Zambia

Open for applications

NGO Development Internship

  • Min. 12 weeks (in-person) / 16 weeks (remote)
  • Livingstone, Zambia OR Remote
  • Fundraising, Communications, Partnership Development
Join a growing nonprofit and contribute to sustainable community work through NGO development strategies.
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Wildlife Conservation Communications Internship

Open for applications

Wildlife Conservation Communications Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Bela-Bela, South Africa
  • SOCIAL MEDIA, WRITING, DIGITAL MARKETING, FUNDRAISING
Fuse your passion for storytelling with practical skills by contributing to the effective communication of vital wildlife conservation efforts.
Find out more
digital marketing internship with animal rescue center

Open for applications

Digital Marketing Internship with Animal Rescue Center

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • WEBSITE MANAGEMENT, FUNDRAISING, MARKETING, GRANT WRITING, RESEARCH
Engage in impactful digital marketing efforts surrounded by playful puppies, as you contribute to promoting the welfare of rescued animals.
Find out more
grant writing internship

Open for applications

Remote Grant Writing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • RESEARCH, REPORTS, FUNDING PROPOSAL, GRANT WRITING
Spark positive change through the art of storytelling, contributing your skills to amplify meaningful narratives within the local community.
Find out more
UN-Research and grant writing internship; Uniq Foundation

NEW

Research & Grant Writing Internship

  • Min. 3 months
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • RESEARCH, FUNDRAISING, GRANT WRITING
Develop strong research and writing skills while gaining practical experience in securing grants, conducting impactful research and projects.
Find out more
Permaculture internship Ghana

Open for applications

Remote Agroforestry Project Communications Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS, CONTENT CREATION
Assist in developing and managing communication channels for an agroforestry project, enhancing community engagement and sustainable practices.
Find out more
web design internship

NEW

Remote Web Design Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • WEB DESIGN
Build a diverse web design portfolio, collaborating with nonprofit partners to enhance your skills and making an impact in the virtual space.
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marketing internship zambia

Open for applications

Marketing & Fundraising Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Livingstone, Zambia OR Remote
  • DIGITAL MARKETING, FUNDRAISING, RESEARCH
Hone your marketing and fundraising skills by engaging in transformative initiatives, and raising funds through campaigns and grants.
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girl empowerment internship

Open for applications

Female Empowerment Education Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Livingstone, Zambia OR Remote
  • EDUCATION, FACILITATION, RESEARCH
Foster women's growth through education & leadership, and act as a catalyst for positive change in this African community.
Find out more
writing internship in Zambia

Open for applications

Writing & Communications Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Livingstone, Zambia OR Remote
  • WRITING, SOCIAL MEDIA, FUNDRAISING, COMMUNICATIONS
Support a social impact nonprofit by expanding their outreach and refining your writing and communication skills for impactful narratives.
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writing internship with dog charity

Open for applications

Writing & Communications Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • CREATIVE WRITING, COMMUNICATIONS, CONTENT CREATION
Craft impactful stories and messages, leveraging your writing and communication skills to inspire positive change and community connection.
Find out more
dog charity internship

Open for applications

Organizational Development Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • FUNDRAISING, MONITORING, REPORTING, RESEARCH
Empower underpriviledged youth through rescue dog training, contributing to online fundraising campaigns and fostering positive community impact.
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Content Writing & Communications Internship

Open for applications

Journalism Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • MENTORING, BROADCASTING, STORYTELLING, REPORTING
Embark on a journalistic adventure, employing your skills to craft meaningful narratives and drive impactful communication initiatives in Malawi.
Find out more
Content Writing & Communications Internship

Open for applications

Remote Content Writing & Communications Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • DIGITAL MARKETING, WRITING, COMMUNICATIONS, FUNDRAISING
Uplift rural African communities through impactful content creation, using your writing skills to support and promote a nonprofit's initiatives.
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Business Development Internship

Open for applications

Remote Business Development Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, REPORTING, MONITORING, DATA ANALYSIS
Apply your skills to raise awareness about critical issues in rural African communities, driving impactful initiatives and sustainable change.
Find out more
animal welfare puppy

Open for applications

Animal Charity Communications Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • COMMUNICATIONS, WRITING, FUNDRAISING, RESEARCH
Help a charity improve the lives of stray dogs and cats in Southern Africa, while refining your skills in effective communication and advocacy.
Find out more
Community Development Internship

Open for applications

Community Development Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • EDUCATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, NETWORKING
Engage in community development initiatives, fostering positive change and empowerment within a rural community through sustainable projects.
Find out more
Fundraising & Marketing Strategy Internship

Open for applications

Fundraising & Marketing Strategy Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • STRATEGY, DIGITAL MARKETING, FUNDRAISING, MONITORING
Assist in a nonprofit's communication and fundraising strategies, crafting narratives to advance their mission of empowering youth through dance.
Find out more
Remote Content Marketing Internship

Open for applications

Remote Writing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • WRITING, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT, FUNDRAISING
Channel your creativity to support artistic expression by bringing your writing and communications skills to this vibrant dancing NPO.
Find out more
Sustainable tourism marketing internship

Open for applications

Sustainable Tourism Marketing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • Marketing Strategy, Digital Marketing, Content creation
Enhance your marketing skills in sustainable tourism, making a positive impact on the environment and community with a Malawian eco-lodge.
Find out more
Girl holding phone to show application

Open for applications

Gender Equality Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • RESEARCH, COMMUNICATIONS, FUNDRAISING, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Play a key role in establishing victim support structures, researching gender-based violence, and participating in digital marketing initiatives.
Find out more
SEO Content Writing Internship in tourism

Open for applications

SEO Tourism Content Writing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • CREATIVE WRITING, SEO, BLOGGING, DIGITAL MEDIA
Elevate your writing game with a unique blend of creativity and SEO expertise, producing compelling content that stands out in online searches.
Find out more
NGO Management Internship

Open for applications

Fundraising Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • Research, Fundraising, Writing, Donor Mgt, Communications
Gain practical fundraising experience, contributing to impactful initiatives that uplift local communities and foster sustainable development.
Find out more
Monitoring and evaluation internship

Open for applications

Monitoring & Evaluation Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • DATA COLLECTION, EVALUATION, ANALYSIS, AND REPORTING
Engage in a dynamic internship centered on measuring and reporting impact, while gaining valuable skills and contributing to meaningful projects.
Find out more
Marketing Internship

Open for applications

Marketing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • DIGITAL MARKETING, SEO, MARKETING RESEARCH
Enhance your marketing expertise while boosting the promotion and visibility of impactful photography initiatives within a social enterprise.
Find out more
Media and Communications Internship

Open for applications

Media & Communications Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • FUNDRAISING, MARKETING, SOCIAL MEDIA, WRITING
Explore the vibrant world of media and communications, where your skills align with purposeful storytelling and community connection.
Find out more
NGO Management Internship in Malawi

Open for applications

NGO Management Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
  • NGO MANAGEMENT, FUNDRAISING, MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS
Support and assist an NGO fostering permaculture clubs for school children, contributing to sustainable education and environmental awareness.
Find out more
Permaculture Internship

Open for applications

Permaculture Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • PERMACULTURE, ORGANIC FARMING
Contribute to developing and managing workshops for permaculture clubs in schools, fostering sustainable practices and environmental awareness
Find out more
Media Marketing and content creation Internship

Open for applications

Media Marketing and Content Creation Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • CONTENT CREATION, VIDEOGRAPHY, DESIGN, WRITING
Ignite your creativity by crafting impactful narratives while gaining diverse experience in design and marketing to support street animals.
Find out more
Animal Welfare Fundraising Internship

Open for applications

Animal Welfare Fundraising Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Remote
  • FUNDRAISING, GRANT WRITING, RESEARCH
Utilize your research and writing skills to raise funds for stray animals, making a meaningful impact on animal welfare and advocacy.
Find out more
Communications Internship

Last minute

Communications Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • COMMUNICATIONS, SOCIAL MEDIA, DIGITAL MARKETING, WRITING
Join our team at Roots and assist with managing and developing our communication channels, playing a key role in enhancing outreach efforts.
Find out more
NGO Management Internship in Cape Town

Open for applications

NGO Management Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • REPORTING, SOCIAL MEDIA, MARKETING, PR, EVENTS COORDINATION
Support a filmmaking NGO focused on social impact by contributing to its operations and developing initiatives that use film for positive change.
Find out more

Open for applications

Social Media Marketing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • SOCIAL MEDIA, CONTENT CREATION, ANALYTICS, COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT
Gain valuable digital marketing skills as you promote real stories that raise awareness, drive advocacy, and inspire positive social change.
Find out more
Communications and Fundraising NGO Internship_feature

Open for applications

Communications & Fundraising Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • SOCIAL MEDIA, WRITING, FUNDRAISING, EVENTS
Explore your passion for communications as it sparks meaningful change, contributing to an impactful mission through the power of storytelling.
Find out more

REASONS FOR DOING A REMOTE INTERNSHIP WITH AN NGO

Doing an internship abroad is not always practically feasible, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make an impact on the world! Virtual internships with international organizations offer a great opportunity; they allow you to gain a work experience from your own home, while contributing to a worthwhile cause. By doing your internship remotely, you’ll be able to work around your current schedule and commitments, and you’ll still get valuable international work experience that will help you build your resume, test a career field, and – in the case of interning with a grassroots organization – you’ll get to make a difference in the lives of people across the world.

Moreover, we think that there are actually some benefits to doing your internship remotely;

  • You’ll avoid the carbon footprint that’s the result of international travel.
  • You’ll avoid the costs of living abroad.
  • You’ll be working in a distributed working environment, which, in a world where this is a fast-increasing trend, and this might actually add some real value to your resume. Future employers might be happy to see you’ve successfully worked remotely, with the digital tools and programs required.

FOCUS AREA OF OUR REMOTE NGO INTERNSHIPS

As a remote intern, you can focus on a variety of academic focus areas. We’ll carefully match you with both the right nonprofit, and the right focus. Our remote internships cover the following focus areas;

  • Marketing, Media, and Communications
  • Grant Writing
  • Fundraising and Business Development
  • Creative Writing and Writing for SEO purposes
  • NGO Management
  • Program Development
  • Research (thesis/bachelor projects available)

If you’re not entirely sure which internship would suit you best, just give us a shout, and we’ll help you narrow down your options and secure a placement that aligns with your passions & goals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DOING A VIRTUAL NONPROFIT INTERNSHIP 

How will I communicate with my supervisors and team members?

While each team works differently, we ensure that during all our remote nonprofit internships, there will be frequent communication, so that you’ll be well guided, informed about developments on the ground, and in contact with your colleagues

What will I get out of my remote internship?

Doing your internship online in no way means that you’ll have a less valuable learning experience than when you’re physically based at an organisation’s office. Apart from the field (and travel) experience that internships in Africa provide, there are not many major differences in the actual work you’ll be doing; in fact, there are quite a few programs that you can either do online or on site, and your work would be the same. So you can expect to become an important team member of an African based NGO, get the same academic value out of your internship, and learn skills you are wanting to learn. We’ll make sure to find out what your desired learning outcomes are, so that we can place you with the right organisation and internship program.

Can I do my internship partially online, and partially on site in Africa?

Yes, this is definitely an option – and we feel that this would provide you with an interesting and varied experience. We’ll discuss the specifics of this with you, but we are able to offer this type of flexibility with most of our internship programs.

Why should I do my remote internship with an African charity?

At Roots, we strongly believe that internships with small, grassroots nonprofits provide unique opportunities for students. They allow you to be a large part of a small team with strong dedication and passion. They allow you to play an important role in achieving an organization’s goals, and see the benefits of your work. They also allow you to develop a varied set of skills, and get a comprehensive picture of the nonprofit sector in the context of a developing country.

Needless to say, this is hugely valuable work experience for anyone interested in working in the nonprofit sector. But we also believe that doing an internship with an African NGO is greatly beneficial for anyone with an ambition of working in other sectors, including the business arena, media, and government. The many skills you’ll be able to develop easily translate into useful skills for any number of careers.

For more information on this, check out our page on the benefits of doing a nonprofit internship.

How do I apply for these virtual internships?

If you’re keen to apply for one of our remote NGO internships, fill out our online application form and send your CV to info@rootsinterns.com. We’ll contact you to set up an interview, so that we can get a good idea of the type of work experience you’re looking for. If you’re not sure which internship program suits you best, feel free to just get in touch, and we’ll help you figure it out.

How long in advance do I need to apply?

We’re open to quite last-minute applications for our remote internships, as the application process can be quick, and there are no logistics involved. However, it’s obviously ideal to give yourself a bit of time. And if you want to be ensured of a placement with the internship you want, the earlier you apply, the better.