How to Plan for an Africa NGO Internship

Anyone interested in setting off on a much fanaticized trip about international internship will want to make sure they actually start planning their internship early. There is much documentation required for something as exciting and rewarding as an international work experience and because of this one should put start the planning and organizing of their internship at least 6 months before they intend to begin working in a foreign country.

Whether it is an internship in Africa, Asia, or Europe, a person should be prepared for just as much planning and organizing as they are fun and excitement. Here are some tips for people interested in embarking on an adventure of a lifetime as an international intern.

The first thing that someone should do is see if they can actually leave their country of residence. For people living in developed countries this is usually as easy as seeing if they can apply for and receive a passport. A passport is required for international travel and consequently required for international employment.

A passport is therefore the most important document one requires. Once obtained, passports should also be valid for at least six months after the person has returned to their home county.

Some, but not all, foreign countries require a VISA to work there. Applying for a VISA requires a person to collect many important documents before they can actually apply for it. Examples f documents required for a VISA application are financial statements, immunization records, letters of reference, letters from foreign companies confirming employment, and documents confirming intended travel. Some of these documents may have to be applied for themselves so it is a good idea to start early.

Flights are of course the most costly consideration when planning for an international internship. Some companies will not only plan your flight for you but pay for your flight as well. This flight can either be factored into the person's pay or factored in as a condition of the employment contract. Details about flight cancellation or possible flight changes should be researched. There is always a possibility a person's international experience will have to be cut short or extended and an accommodating airline should therefore be the airline of choice.

A person should be sure to carry extra copies of many important documents. These documents include passport, flight details, VISAs, insurance documents, contact numbers of family and foreign contacts, and extra passport photos. It is important to also know the health risks of travelling abroad. Making sure one gets the appropriate immunization will help ensure safe and carefree international travel.

Jasmine Halloway has traveled extensively in the developing world, and encourages each of you to consider doing the same. Her first adventure abroad occurred back when she was a student, during which time she undertook a number of africa ngo internships with a couple of friends. Since then, Jasmine has visited a total of 34 countries throughout Asia, Africa and Europe.