Exploring My Passion for Women's Education through my internship in Arusha, Tanzania

Post by: Glodie

Mar 10, 2026

Driven by her passion for education and community development, Congolese student, Glodie, from University of the People, traveled abroad to complete a 24-week internship with Intern Abroad HQ, with the text, exploring my passion for women's education through my internship in Arusha, Tanzania

Our Women’s Empowerment & Education internships in Arusha, Tanzania offer a unique opportunity for anyone passionate about mentoring and supporting at-risk or underprivileged women and girls. Participants gain hands-on experience helping these women overcome challenges, build confidence, and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Driven by her passion for education and community development, Congolese student Glodie, from University of the People, traveled abroad to complete a 24-week internship that allowed her to make a tangible impact while immersing herself in a vibrant cultural environment. From working directly with women and children to participating in community programs and empowerment initiatives, her experience was both transformative and inspiring.

Read on to discover how Glodie’s journey in Tanzania shaped her understanding of education, empowerment, and meaningful social impact.

Hi Glodie! Why did you choose a Women’s Education internship in Tanzania?

I chose to intern in Tanzania for several meaningful reasons. I wanted to explore ideas for my final academic paper, challenge myself by stepping outside of my comfort zone, and immerse myself in a completely new cultural environment. I was also eager to gain hands-on experience in community and social work, as service is something I genuinely enjoy and feel deeply connected to.

Additionally, I hoped to gain exposure to clinical psychology, and this placement provided an opportunity to better understand how psychological and social factors shape women’s lives. Overall, the experience aligned closely with my academic interests, personal growth goals, and passion for meaningful service.

Glodie, an intern in Arusha, Tanzania, smiles and stands outside the Emergency Department building of a hospital

What kind of tasks did you get involved in?

My tasks varied from day to day and involved a diverse mix of administrative, field, and hands-on community work. On certain days, I focused on administrative responsibilities such as writing proposals, establishing individual profiles, drafting formal letters, and organizing or entering data. On other days, I went on-site to visit women in the community to better understand their needs and help coordinate appropriate support and provisions.

I also assisted with grocery shopping and preparing monthly food packages for women and their families, spent time supporting daily activities at the daycare, and taught business classes to women enrolled in the sustainable business program.

Glodie, an intern in Arusha, Tanzania, smiles and sits with a group of women, who are sorting food together

How has your internship helped you better understand how organizations operate?

My internship gave me a deeper understanding of how an organization functioned across multiple levels, from daily service delivery to leadership, partnerships, and funding. I saw how strategic decisions, operations, and community relationships were closely connected, and I also recognized the organization’s vulnerabilities, such as reliance on limited staff, minimal infrastructure, and funding constraints.

The experience highlighted the importance of resilience through cross-training, local capacity-building, diversified funding, backup systems, and strong community partnerships. Overall, I learned that an organization’s effectiveness depended not only on its mission but on its ability to adapt, collaborate, and operate sustainably - insights that are highly relevant to my growth in medical and community psychology.

Glodie, an intern in Arusha, Tanzania, smiles and stands next to a young mother, she is posing and holding the mother's child

What does success look like for you?

For me, success is defined as a balanced, purpose-driven life rather than a single achievement. It means growing in a career aligned with passions for health, community, and psychology; maintaining strong family relationships; actively serving communities; and creating positive social impact. True success comes from growth, fulfillment, and meaningful contributions, not external validation.

During the internship, I experienced success through directly supporting women - providing emotional support, access to basic needs, and participating in community activities. This resulted in tangible improvements in their well-being and reinforced the value and purpose of the work I was doing.

Glodie, an intern in Arusha, Tanzania, is pictured on the right, where she smiles and laughs with a child. On the left, she is pictured holding another child, wearing a white medical lab coat, in a medical environment

In what ways do you feel more or less empowered to be successful in your field?

This internship significantly increased my confidence and sense of empowerment in pursuing a career in clinical psychology. Through my involvement in community-based activities, I gained valuable hands-on experience that complemented my academic knowledge. These experiences allowed me to better understand how public health initiatives and social support systems can positively impact individuals and communities.

Participating in the women’s empowerment project was especially inspiring, as it demonstrated how structured community initiatives can support women both economically and socially. It reinforced my belief in the importance of community-driven solutions and showed me that meaningful change can come from commitment, collaboration, and organization.

My time in the hospital’s social department also deepened my understanding of the human side of healthcare. Being present during maternity rounds and witnessing the support provided to mothers and newborns highlighted the importance of compassionate care and strong community support systems.

Overall, this internship strengthened my motivation to pursue my goals in the health and community development sectors, expanded my perspective on the impact I can have in the field, and increased my confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully.

Glodie, an intern in Arusha, Tanzania, is pictured with a group of medical interns. The students are standing outside a hospital building, wearing white lab coats, and smiling

What is your favourite memory from the internship program?

It would be difficult to identify a single favorite experience from the time spent in the program, as I had the opportunity to share many meaningful moments with remarkable people. However, if I were to highlight two particularly memorable experiences, I would mention the Women Empowerment Project and my time in the hospital’s psychology department.

The first moment was during the Women Empowerment Project, specifically while participating in the food packaging activities. Being involved in this initiative and contributing to efforts aimed at supporting and uplifting women in the community was both inspiring and fulfilling.

The second memorable experience occurred during my work in the social department of the hospital, particularly during the maternity ward rounds. This experience was especially meaningful to me, as it allowed me to witness the beginning of new lives. Holding the newborn babies was a profoundly touching moment.

Glodie, an intern in Arusha, Tanzania, is pictured on the left, while participating in the food packaging activities. On the right, she is pictured during her maternity ward rounds at the hospital

What’s next for you having completed your internship abroad in Tanzania?

Following the completion of this program, I plan to graduate with my degree in Health Science while continuing to build on the personal and professional growth this experience has initiated. I hope to continue engaging in volunteer work and community-based initiatives, either locally or internationally.

This internship highlighted the importance of hands-on community engagement and the positive impact that volunteer work can have on individuals and communities. Participating in similar programs would allow me to further develop practical skills, broaden my intercultural understanding, and continue contributing to social and health-related initiatives.

I also intend to stay involved in opportunities where I can apply the knowledge and skills I gained during this experience, such as community outreach programs or mental health awareness initiatives.

FAQs

Yes! Whether exploring ideas for academic papers, or using internship hours to gain academic credit, you can gain global experience that enhances your studies and career at the same time.

Tasks can vary from day to day, involving a mix of administrative, field, and hands-on community work Monday through Friday. Flexibility is key due to the dynamic and ever changing priorities of the woman you will be collaborating with.

Interns should be prepared to encounter different cultural beliefs and traditions. Culture shock is common and can be emotional, but it’s important to remain professional, open-minded, and compassionate. You can learn more here: “Insider Insights: My Journey to Arusha, Tanzania as an Intern Abroad Program Manager“.

Your first week will focus on settling in and learning the basics of your placement, you won’t be expected to “hit the ground running.” This time is for understanding the workplace, identifying how you can learn and contribute, and getting familiar with your role. Be sure to ask questions and share feedback so your supervisor can better understand your progress, strengths, challenges, and interests.