NGO's & Non-Profits Internships

Overview

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in tackling some of the world's biggest social, economic and environmental challenges. From supporting local communities and promoting education to advancing human rights, sustainability and international development, NGOs rely on passionate professionals to help deliver lasting impact.

Our international NGO internship program connects students, graduates and career changers with carefully selected nonprofit organizations around the world. Every internship is tailored to your interests, experience and career aspirations, giving you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to projects that make a real difference.

If you're considering a career in the nonprofit sector, international development, public policy or social impact, this program provides practical experience that helps you build professional skills while supporting organizations committed to positive change.

Why choose this industry

Working in the nonprofit sector offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while contributing to causes that matter. NGOs operate across a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, humanitarian aid, community development and international relations, creating diverse opportunities for aspiring professionals.

An internship allows you to experience how nonprofit organizations operate while developing transferable skills in communication, collaboration, research, project management and stakeholder engagement. You'll gain insight into the challenges organizations face, learn how projects are delivered and discover how purpose-driven organizations create meaningful impact in communities around the world.

If your long-term goal is to work in international development, policy, advocacy, fundraising or nonprofit management, practical experience can help you develop the confidence, knowledge and professional network needed to begin your career.

Responsibilities

Many of our NGO interns contribute to projects such as:

• Supporting the planning and delivery of community and international development projects

• Conducting research to inform programs, campaigns and organizational initiatives

• Assisting with project coordination and administrative support

• Monitoring project progress and preparing reports

• Helping organize workshops, events and community initiatives

• Collaborating with international teams and partner organizations

• Assisting with fundraising campaigns and donor engagement

• Creating content for websites, newsletters and social media

• Helping with community outreach and stakeholder communications

Throughout your internship, you'll work alongside experienced nonprofit professionals while developing the communication, research, project management and problem-solving skills valued across the nonprofit and international development sectors.

Areas you'll gain experience in

The nonprofit sector is incredibly diverse, offering opportunities to support organizations tackling a wide range of global and local challenges. Depending on your interests, experience and host organization, your internship may provide exposure to one or more specialist areas.

International Development: Support initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth, education, healthcare and community development around the world.

Community Outreach: Learn how organizations engage with local communities, deliver programs and build meaningful relationships with stakeholders.

Policy & Advocacy: Gain insight into how nonprofit organizations influence public policy, raise awareness and advocate for social change.

Fundraising & Development: Explore how NGOs secure funding through donor engagement, grant writing, fundraising campaigns and partnership development.

Communications & Public Engagement: Develop experience creating content, managing communications and sharing stories that raise awareness and inspire action.

Humanitarian & Youth Programs: Gain exposure to organizations supporting humanitarian initiatives, youth development, children's services and other programs designed to strengthen communities and improve lives.

Why choose The Intern Group

Choosing the right internship is about more than finding a placement, it's about finding an experience that helps you achieve your long-term career goals. When you join The Intern Group's award-winning internship program, you'll benefit from:

A personalised internship matching process
One-to-one career coaching
Professional development workshops
Ongoing support throughout your program
Access to our 15,000+ global alumni community

From your first conversation with our team through to completing your internship, we're here to support your personal and professional development.

Learn more about why The Intern Group is the best choice for an NGO internship >

Available destinations

We offer international NGO internships in the following destinations:

London

International Nonprofit and NGO internships in London offer the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with organizations tackling some of the world's most pressing social, environmental, and humanitarian challenges. As a global hub for charities, foundations, international development organizations, and advocacy groups, London provides valuable exposure to areas such as social impact, public policy, sustainability, education, and human rights., making it the perfect place to enter the field.

New York

NGOs internships in New York enable ambitious professionals to develop a strong understanding of the structure and strategy of international organizations that aim to serve a community or cause. Home to the United Nations HQ and many nonprofit organizations, New York City is the ideal destination to participate in initiatives, both with a domestic and international focus. Completing an internship at a nonprofit in NYC will allow you to gain experience tackling a wide range of issues such as poverty alleviation, cancer awareness, homelessness, mental health, and youth upliftment, just to name a few.

Ireland

NGO internships in Dublin allow you to build your network and knowledge base from the Irish capital, through access to global companies and professionals. Known for its strong culture of civic engagement and thriving nonprofit sector, Ireland provides an excellent environment for developing professional skills while contributing to meaningful local and global initiatives. An NGO internship in Ireland is perfect for passionate professionals with a wide variety of interests and talents who are looking to make a difference.

Madrid

NGO internships in Spain are the perfect opportunity to learn more about the field, find your niche, and begin to develop the necessary skills for success. Spain is home to a vast number of nonprofit organizations and is therefore the ideal place for you to start or boost your career in the NGO sector. You'll also be able to experience the rich culture that Spain has to offer whilst you complete your international NGO internship in Madrid.

Tokyo

International Nonprofit and NGO internships in Tokyo offer a unique opportunity to explore social impact work within one of the world's most innovative and globally connected cities. From sustainability and disaster resilience to education, public policy, and community development, Tokyo's nonprofit sector provides interns with valuable experience tackling complex challenges in a dynamic international environment. An NGO internship in Tokyo can help you develop cross-cultural communication skills while gaining insight into nonprofit work in Asia.

Bangkok

NGO intrenships in Bangkok are a great opportunity for young professionals to learn about refugee support, youth upliftment, mental health, and so much more. The Thai capital of Bangkok is a diverse and vibrant city, home to activists and innovators from around the globe. The city’s focus is on both local and international issues, and interns will have the opportunity to learn about NGO structures and strategies.

Hong Kong

Nonprofit and NGO internships in Hong Kong provide hands-on experience at the intersection of social impact, international development, and global business. As a leading international city and gateway to Asia, Hong Kong is home to a diverse range of nonprofit organizations working across education, public health, sustainability, human rights, and community development. An NGO internship in Hong Kong offers the opportunity to build practical skills, expand your global network, and contribute to initiatives that create lasting social change.

Australia

Nonprofit and NGO internships in Australia offer the opportunity to gain practical experience supporting organizations that address social, environmental, and community challenges at both local and global levels. With a well-established nonprofit sector and a strong focus on sustainability, public health, education, and social inclusion, Australia provides an excellent environment for developing professional skills while contributing to meaningful causes. An NGO internship in Australia can help you build valuable experience in social impact, advocacy, and community engagement.

Colombia

International Nonprofit and NGO internships in Colombia provide hands-on experience working on initiatives that drive social development, education, sustainability, public health, and community empowerment. As one of Latin America's most dynamic and rapidly developing countries, Colombia is home to a diverse range of nonprofit organizations addressing both local and global challenges. An NGO internship in Colombia offers the opportunity to develop cross-cultural communication skills, gain international experience, and make a meaningful contribution to impactful projects.

Program options

In-person International NGO & Non-Profit Internship
Combine hands-on professional experience with cultural immersion through an NGO and non-profit internship abroad in one of our 9 global destinations. Each year, 2,000+ participants build meaningful careers in some of the world’s most exciting cities with us.

Blended NGO & Non-Profit Internship
Experience the best of both worlds with our blended program. Begin your internship in-person abroad to gain on-the-ground experience with your host organization, then continue remotely to extend your impact, build consistency, and develop strong professional habits. This flexible format allows you to deepen your involvement while balancing travel, personal commitments, or studies.

Remote NGO & Non-Profit Internship
Strengthen your CV and expand your global network from anywhere in the world with our remote NGO and non-profit internship. You’ll gain real experience supporting impactful organisations while working flexibly from your own location. All you need is a laptop and internet connection.

Digital Nomad NGO & Non-Profit Internship
Our digital nomad program lets you travel to an international destination while completing your NGO and non-profit internship remotely. Live like a local, explore a new culture, and gain meaningful experience in the non-profit sector.

Career advancement training

NGO and non-profit interns on our programs benefit from dedicated career development tools before, during, and after their internship experience. These resources are designed to help you prepare effectively before you begin, make the most of your time working with an NGO (whether in-person or remotely), and confidently present your experience in future job or academic applications.

Throughout the program, you’ll complete interactive training delivered through videos, podcasts, articles, quizzes, and project-based learning, and receive a certificate upon completion. Topics include communication, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, professionalism, career development, and global awareness, all highly relevant and transferable within the NGO and non-profit sector.

You’ll also gain access to our CV improvement tool and exclusive workshops, including interview preparation sessions, CV review workshops, and LinkedIn optimisation training tailored for impact-driven careers.

After completing your international NGO and non-profit internship, you’ll continue to receive support from experienced career coaches. Our network of industry professionals can guide you on showcasing your international experience, strengthening your personal brand, preparing for interviews, and planning your next steps in the non-profit and wider social impact sector.

Example host organizations

We partner with over 3,000 host organizations worldwide, connecting students and graduates to internships across a wide range of industries, career fields, and global locations. Our network is always growing, giving you access to the most relevant and valuable opportunities.

While we cannot guarantee placement with one specific company, we do guarantee an internship offer in your primary or secondary career field, providing hands-on experience to strengthen your resume and career prospects.

Passionate about making a difference? View our example NGO and Non-profit organizations, offering participants the opportunity to gain professional experience while contributing to meaningful causes.

Career outcomes

The impact of our NGO internship program extends well beyond the internship itself. According to our alumni outcomes survey, 82% of respondents secured their first full-time role in the same career field as their international internship, while 98% said the experience strengthened their CV or gave them a competitive advantage in job applications.

To see the long-term impact of an international internship in action, watch the stories below and discover where one of our non-profit alumni are in their careers today: