Sustainable Tourism Marketing Internship in Malawi

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Gain a wealth of experience in strategic marketing while helping develop a Malawi-based eco-lodge

Be part of a Malawi-based eco-lodge during a remote marketing and development internship. It’s a great opportunity to expand your skill set in communications, marketing, and strategy, and to get a great understanding of the tourism industry. You’ll also learn about – and contribute to – a nonprofit eco-lodge that serves as a hub for a community and conservation volunteers in Malawi. While you can also do this internship on the ground, we’re currently offering it as a remote opportunity, so that you can work from wherever is convenient for you.

As an intern, you’ll assist with the overall development of the lodge, which will involve doing marketing research, helping establish new marketing and communications strategies, working on SEO, and managing several communications channels. To apply for this tourism marketing internship, you’ll need to have some basic knowledge of or experience in marketing, a desire to learn, and a passion for sustainable tourism.

Learning outcomes:

  • Practical experience in designing marketing strategies and running marketing campaigns
  • An ability to analyse digital marketing effectiveness
  • Experience in managing a variety of communications channels
  • A comprehensive understanding of the tourism industry
  • An understanding of the intersection of tourism and sustainable development
  • Experience in partnership development and management

ORGANIZATION

Butterfly Lodge is a unique and eco-friendly lodge that combines sustainable tourism and community development in an effective and exciting way. Based in Nkhata Bay, in the north of Malawi, the lodge is home to a number of social and environmental projects in the neighboring communities, including health and HIV support groups, permaculture clubs at schools, educational programs, and media development projects. The lodge invites volunteers from around the world to join their community – and their effort to bring positive change to this part of the country. It offers a rewarding experience to volunteers and interns, who can bring their skills to the project of their choice, and make a lasting impact.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Responsibilities

As a remote marketing intern, you’ll help grow the online presence of the eco-lodge, and the volunteer opportunities it offers. Depending on your skills, your tasks will include;

  • Helping create a strategy for advertising volunteer opportunities in the local communities, and forming partnerships with advertising platforms
  • Innovating and implementing new digital strategies
  • Managing (and developing) social media channels
  • Writing blog content
  • Helping developing online strategies for driving traffic to the website
  • Measuring and driving digital marketing campaigns using Google Analytics,
  • Google AdWords, and other relevant sitestasks listed

Requirements

  • Strong online communication skills
  • Ideally some experience in digital marketing
  • A basic understanding of SEO (or a strong willingness to learn)
  • Experience with different social media platforms
  • Good writing skills
  • An ability to work independently
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • A passion for sustainable tourism
  • Experience with WordPress, Google Analytics, and Google Ads would be beneficial

You’ll stay at a popular backpackers in the northern town of Nkhata Bay. Located on Lake Malawi, with views of palm trees and green-blue water, this lodge has an idyllic location and a relaxed vibe. You’ll enjoy a private beach, beautiful gardens, a lakeside bar, and communal spaces. The rooms are comfortable 6 bed dormitories, although there are options of upgrading to single chalets (at an extra fee). The lodge is a hub for people who are volunteering their time at different communities and environmental projects in the area, so you can expect to share this space with like-minded people.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Malawi is considered to be safe for tourists, however, being a developing country with poverty, there is petty crime. Keep your belongings securely stored and close to you, don’t walk alone in the dark, and report any suspicious behavior that you may see to the accommodation/host organization.

Communication

Communication

You’ll be able to use your phone in Malawi with roaming data turned on or a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked. Visit Airtel or TNM stands for a SIM and purchase 1000MK ‘Airtime’ (for calls), and a data bundle. Wi-Fi is not an amenity offered in Malawi, so you will need to buy data bundles from a provider for work and personal use.

Meals

Meals

A meal package is included for the first month that suffices for two meals per day (breakfast and lunch/dinner). For the next months you can either book a meal package or eat locally. There is also a small kitchen available for basic cooking. Meals are prepared through Mkana Cafe, the restaurant on-site. The menu includes many international dishes and is also vegetarian-friendly. Make sure to notify us in advance of any allergies/dietary needs.

Location details

Location details

Nkhata Bay is a lively ferry port on the shores of Lake Malawi with a bustling market which is one of the biggest cultural influences on the area. It offers many activities, such as snorkeling, boat/kayak trips, energetic football matches, and beach ventures. Explore Malawi via coach buses and boats, especially the iconic Ilala Ferry, which has been active since 1951.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

The start dates for this internship are flexible; we will discuss the options with you during the application process. The organization is open to a remote internship, but preference and priority is given to interns on the ground.

What you’ll pay (2024 rates)

8 WEEKS USD 1,705

12 WEEKS USD 2,056

16 WEEKS USD 2,407

20 WEEKS USD 2,758

26 WEEKS USD 3,285

Remote internship – Placement fee USD 525

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits
  • Accommodation in a dorm room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices
  • Breakfast and dinner daily for the first month
  • Laundry service
  • Housekeeping service
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship

Exclusions

  • Flights to Lilongwe
  • Transport from Lilongwe to Nkhata Bay (approximately 400 km) – we can help you arrange this in advance
  • Transport to the project/office
  • Data package for internet connection (for work and personal use)
  • Meals after your first month; 2 meals (breakfast & dinner) are included for the initial month. For the remaining duration, you can prepare your own meals or opt to extend the meal package
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Lunch, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Malawi.

What can I expect from an internship in Malawi?

You can expect to foster a unique connection with the local community, as well as having many opportunities to explore various projects during your internship. If you wish to know more about what to expect, make sure to read our blog from a previous intern who traveled to Malawi!

How long can I do an internship in Malawi?

The minimum length of our internships in Malawi is two months, but the ideal length is closer to four months, if possible. This ensures you have an adequate amount of time to make a tangible impact. Luckily, the length of our programs is customizable so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!

Can I get university credit for an internship in Malawi?

Yes, but you must ensure with your supervisor that your university approves this. You can also purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.

How can I prepare for an internship in Malawi?

Personally, you can prepare by learning about the history and culture of Malawi and reflecting on your internship goals, and we’ll be here to help you with the rest! Ask us any questions you may have about placement logistics, matchmaking, check-ins, advice on visa/insurance, or anything else you may think of. If you wish to know more about preparing for your internship, you can check out our ultimate guide to NGO internships in Africa!

Will I receive a stipend during my Roots internship?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid so we’ve put together a few tips on how to fund your internship. There will be opportunities for professional and personal growth and you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development NGO
TASK FOCUS: Marketing strategy, Digital marketing, Content creation
LENGTH: Min. 2 Months
COST: From USD 1,705 (in-person) / USD 525 (remote)

REVIEWS

“My supervisors have welcomed me into the team, scheduled meetings with me to give me background information and a proper introduction, and they've helped me jump right into the internship.”

Julia, United StatesRemote permaculture internship
READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain practical (and hugely varied) work experience with the strategy, implementation, and analysis of digital marketing campaigns
  • Be part of an innovative eco-lodge that is a hub for community development projects in Malawi
  • Get a good understanding of sustainable tourism, and how it intersects with nonprofit work
  • Contribute to the long term impact of a worthwhile nonprofit initiative
  • Live and work in a beautiful part of Malawi
  • Be part of a larger community of interns and volunteers from around the world
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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