Projects Abroad Internships in Tanzania

Volunteering with Projects Abroad was a life-changing experience. I was nervous going to a place so different from anywhere I had ever been before, without my family or anyone I knew, for three months, but the support from Projects Abroad made it seem possible. From the get-go, the Projects Abroad team answered all my questions at their office in Toronto, and by e-mail. They sent me all the information I needed to know, and then some, so that I felt prepared for my trip to Tanzania. In country, they picked me up from the hotel I was staying at with my family (I went on a safari trip for two weeks before starting my internship) and took me to meet my host family. They gave me a thorough orientation of the city and how to get around and made sure I knew exactly how to get to my placement using the dala-dala bus system. My internship at Inherit Your Rights, a local non-governmental organization that works with local widow groups in the surrounding villages regarding human rights issues, particularly inheritance and property law, was an incredible learning experience. I was able to meet and work with the local people, as well as with other volunteers from all over the world. My host family was also so welcoming and made me feel like family. I was continually pushed outside of my comfort zone, but through it all, Projects Abroad was there to support me and make sure it was a positive experience, one that expanded my view of the world and taught me more about myself and the world I live in. Hands down – I would recommend Projects Abroad for anyone looking to volunteer abroad for the first time!

In January 2015, I volunteered abroad in Arusha, Tanzania with Projects Abroad. I spent 5 weeks working on the Microfinance project, and had an amazing experience! I’ve always been interested in travel, volunteering and entrepreneurship, so this was the perfect project for me as we got to spend time working with women to build individual and group businesses.

My host family, staff, and other volunteers were very welcoming and friendly which made the experience even better. I’ve actually kept in touch and have visited some of the volunteers I met during my time in Arusha. The project was very interesting, and revolved around us managing microloans for the women we worked with. We would help them keep track of their books and we would spend time working with them on English and Math lessons. We also gave them feedback for their businesses and helped come up with new ideas for group businesses. On the weekends I had plenty of time to explore the country. My two highlights would be going on a safari and getting to visit a Maasai village. Overall this was an amazing experience that I urge everyone to try at least once!

The past May I was fortunate enough to travel to Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania and volunteer in a local hospital there for 4 weeks. It was one of the most amazing experiences, I learnt so much in the hospital (stitched up a patient’s ear on my third week), and I feel like I have come away from this experience with skills that I couldn’t have acquired any other way. The doctors always wanted to help, they were happy when you had questions, and even happier when you asked if you could perform a simple procedure. When leaving the hospital I truly felt as if I would be missed, as I had made some strong relationships with some of the doctors and nurses at the hospital. The host family that I lived with were beyond amazing, within a day of being there I already felt like their house was my new home. The staff planned events for the volunteers at least twice a week, anything from beach volleyball to medical outreach to Swahili lessons or trips to another city! Whenever I had questions or concerns, I knew I was able to contact them and that they would gladly assist me. Their support definitely allowed me to feel more comfortable and explore a little more while I was there. I immersed myself completely in the culture of Tanzania and it changed the way I look at life, I came home a different person and I am so glad for it. If anyone has the opportunity to do a trip like this then they 100% should do it, because they won’t regret it.

I spent a wonderful three months in Arusha, Tanzania with Projects Abroad. Some of the people I met there have become close friends, even though we live thousands of miles apart. I taught in an orphanage and in a special needs school, walking to work most days with the other teacher and volunteer. Teaching was a challenge, but every moment with the children made my trip what it was. My experience with Projects Abroad helped me figure out what I want to do in life and helped me see what things were really important. It's a different way of life in Tanzania than it is in the US, but it's a wonderful one I feel lucky to have experienced!

It was entirely different than I thought it would be. I have heard much about third world countries and their plight. Tanzania was however different. While they still were lacking in many necessary supplies, they were completely competent people. It is better to refer to Tanzania as a developing country. With that said, I learned a lot from the Tanzanians. Coming from the United States, I am used to crammed schedules and rushing around. The Tanzanians showed me the benefits of a slower pace and the importance of people and relationships over work. I put things into a better perspective. If we only could balance the American and Tanzanian way things would work better.