Intern Abroad HQ’s Maasai Women’s Empowerment & FGM Awareness internships in Tanzania give participants the chance to work with a community-led NGO that focuses on improving health and education through a holistic approach.
Looking for a role where she could work directly with women and make a meaningful impact, Shannia traveled from Florida International University to Tanzania for a six-week internship. She supported efforts to reduce healthcare and education disparities while gaining practical experience in community health.
Read on to learn more about her role and how the internship strengthened her skills in creating effective public health initiatives.
Hi Shannia! What was your first week in Tanzania like?
My first week in Tanzania was very different from what I had imagined. I expected it to take time to adjust, but everyone was so warm and welcoming. People smiled easily, greeted me everywhere I went, and made me feel safe from the start. The kindness felt incredibly genuine.
Even though I didn’t speak Swahili fluently, people still tried to include me. I thought the language barrier would create distance, but instead, people bridged it with patience and sincerity.
The others sharing my accommodation came from all walks of life. They were incredible and I have been able to form lifelong connections and friendships. We still keep in touch every day. They made my stay more fun, easier and more enjoyable.
Whats task were you involved in as part of your Maasai Women’s Empowerment & FGM Awareness internship?
My role as an intern was very much focused on community health. I took part in community outreaches, home visits, and health education sessions across Arusha, Monduli and Longido. I assessed community health needs, gave talks on hygiene, nutrition, chronic diseases, and gender-based violence, and supported screenings during medical outreaches. I also helped gather data to guide future health programs.
How did your expectations of the internship experience change over time?
At the beginning of my internship, I thought I would see results quickly. But once I began community outreach, home visits, and health talks, I realized that meaningful change takes time. Tanzanian communities move at their own pace, and building trust is more important than rushing outcomes.
I learned that listening first (truly trying to understand people’s needs) made my message more effective. I had to shift my mindset from speed to connection. Every visit and every small conversation mattered. Impact doesn’t always appear immediately, but it begins when people feel respected and heard.
How did your internship contribute to your long term goals?
This internship abroad has brought me closer to my long-term goal of working in global and community health. Being in Tanzania for an international internship helped me see firsthand how social and environmental factors influence health outcomes.
Through outreaches and home visits, I strengthened my communication skills, cultural awareness, and adaptability. I learned how to connect with people from different backgrounds, explain health topics in simple terms, and stay flexible when resources are limited.
These experiences will help me as a future physician committed to serving underserved communities and designing public health programs that truly fit community needs.
What advice would you give to others considering an internship abroad?
Be open-minded, patient, and respectful. Learn basic greetings, observe before acting, and ask questions when you’re unsure. Listen more than you speak, and show genuine interest in local customs. Small gestures of respect go a long way in building trust and helping you adjust.
When communicating across cultures, make sure your message is clear and respectful. Using a translation app can help avoid misunderstandings. Speak slowly, use simple language, and maintain friendly body language- these small habits make communication much easier and more meaningful.
Tell us about one of your favorite memories from your time in Tanzania.
One of my favourite memories from my time in Tanzania was the three days I spent on a safari. It was my first time camping, and we slept in the middle of the forest. One night, an elephant walked right up to our tent which was incredible! Seeing the big five in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro was unforgettable.
There was a moment when the sun hid behind the clouds, and I stood with my head out of the safari car. Everything around me felt peaceful and for a few minutes, the world felt quiet and perfect. Suddenly nothing else mattered; that moment of stillness is something I will never forget.
Now that your internship is complete, what’s next for your career development?
Now that my internship is complete, I want to stay involved in public health work that protects everyone - especially women and girls. I plan to support community education on breast cancer awareness and early testing. I also want to be part of initiatives that address FGM and child marriage.
Professionally, I want to strengthen my skills in global health, advocacy, and community outreach. Personally, I want to keep practicing gratitude, empathy, and service in everything I do.
Ready to plan your own internship in Africa?
If you’re ready to take the leap, embrace the language, and fully engage with this opportunity, I have no doubt you will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime!
The Intern Abroad HQ application process is straightforward. Just apply to express your interest.
FAQs
Interns assist with community outreach, home visits, health education sessions, and data collection. Tasks often include presenting on hygiene, nutrition, disease prevention, and gender based violence, as well as supporting screenings during medical outreaches.
No prior professional experience is required. A genuine interest in public health, women’s empowerment, or community development is the most important factor. Interns receive support and guidance from local coordinators throughout their placement.
Interns learn directly from Maasai communities by listening to local perspectives, adapting communication styles, and participating in daily cultural interactions. This hands-on experience strengthens understanding, empathy, and respect for different cultural practices.
Yes. Intern Abroad HQ provides structured support, including accommodation, airport pickup, and in-country guidance. Interns often highlight the warmth and hospitality of local people, which helps them feel welcomed and safe.
Participants typically develop communication skills, cultural awareness, public health knowledge, adaptability, data gathering experience, and confidence working across cultures. These skills support future careers in healthcare, public health, social work, and global development.
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