Insider Insights: Experiencing Zanzibar as an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager, Intern Abroad HQ

Jambo! I’m Sarah, Intern Abroad HQ’s Program Manager for internships based out of Zanzibar. Wondering if an internship in Zanzibar is right for you? You’ve come to the right place!

My time in Zanzibar was spent connecting with our in-country local team, checking out our internship placements, staying at our intern accommodation, and exploring everything and anything the beautiful region has to offer.

Read on to find out about my experience - from the placements, language and food, to first impressions, accommodation, transport and more!

Why did you travel to experience our internships in Zanzibar?

As the Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager for all internships in Tanzania - both Arusha and Zanzibar - it’s important for me to have first-hand knowledge about all aspects of the intern abroad experience. This puts me in the best position to support interns, both pre-departure, and in-country.

After first spending time visiting our intern abroad programs in Arusha, mainland Tanzania, I made my way across to the beautiful archipelago of Zanzibar.

Located just an hour’s flight from Arusha, the journey to Zanzibar was super quick and straightforward. Connecting with our team on the ground, face-to-face, not only helps to strengthen relationships and foster better communication, but it also ensures that our internship experiences are the best they can be.

As an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager, our visits provide an opportunity to discuss ongoing projects, share ideas, and collaborate on strategies for success. Getting the chance to explore our placements and accommodations ensures we are doing our due diligence in meeting the needs and standards of our interns. My visits go a long way in establishing a strong foundation for ongoing work and ensuring that all logistical aspects are handled effectively - I always look forward to being able to travel and then share the experience with others!

Insider Insights: Experiencing Zanzibar as an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager, Intern Abroad HQ

What kind of internships are offered in Zanzibar?

Our diverse range of medical placements in Zanzibar are by far the most popular, so during my visit, I made sure to visit the hospitals and clinics we currently collaborate with. Interns can choose their preferred area of specialization, such as Dental, Emergency Services, Internal Medicine & Surgery, Pediatrics, and so on.

Our Social Science programs are a close second in terms of popularity, so I also spent a lot of my time visiting placements that can support Psychology internships, as well as schools (both pre and primary), mental health clinics and NGOs, which may all host Social Work & Education internships.

Tourism & Hospitality as well as Cultural Arts placements are continuing to grow in popularity, so visiting cultural arts centers and hotels we currently partner with - or could partner with in future - was very insightful.

Insider Insights: Experiencing Zanzibar as an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager, Intern Abroad HQ

What are some of the challenges that interns could encounter?

Depending on where you come from, interns could find that the culture and customs of Zanzibar are different from what you’re used to at home. Zanzibar is a warm, welcoming, and relatively conservative culture, which is something people can learn about and prepare for prior to visiting.

When you’re interning abroad, sometimes the language barrier can require some patience, flexibility, and effort. I found that a lot of Zanzibar locals spoke and understood basic English, as this is commonly taught as a second language in schools from a young age. Zanzibar is also a lot more touristic compared to other destinations like Arusha, so many have picked up language skills based on the people they have met over the years. It’s common for them to know a little of everything, whether it’s German, Dutch or French! This was a relief because - try as I might - I just couldn’t seem to get the hang of any Swahili during my visit (beyond some basic greetings).

For our internships in Zanzibar, there is no expectation for interns to be fluent in Swahili. However, learning some words, as much as you can, is still very helpful! Interns in Zanzibar can also choose to participate in lessons for the duration of their internship should they choose. These can be arranged with the local team, with lessons taking place at the homestay.

Aside from language, interns often highlight the adaptations required for navigating a different culture, environment, and the various new routines and relationships that come along with it. The best insights usually come directly from interns themselves and we always encourage people to share their stories - you can get great insight through some of these links:

Insider Insights: Experiencing Zanzibar as an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager, Intern Abroad HQ

What were your first impressions when visiting Zanzibar?

If I thought the climate in Arusha was hot, I had another thing coming visiting Zanzibar! Hot and humid, temperatures could easily reach 86°F / 30°C (or more) during the peak of the day. The weather is warm year-round, and the temperature doesn’t vary too much throughout the year. However, the hotter months are typically from December through March. The wetter season usually begins in late November, leading up to the wettest month of the year, which is April. After April, the dry season begins again around mid to late May.

For me, not being used to this kind of heat and humidity, it didn’t take long to sweat through most of the outfits I bought - especially considering the more conservative culture means long skirts, pants and tops that cover the shoulders are a must when out and about!

Nevertheless, Zanzibar has some absolutely beautiful beaches which you can use to cool down. Plus, many hotels in Stone Town will also let you use their pool for a one off fee, or if you purchase lunch or coffee at their restaurant. This is great if you’re a little unsure about leaving your belongings unattended on the beach, or looking for the shade of a sunlounger while you enjoy a swim.

As a foreigner visiting Zanzibar, the attention I received was also a little unexpected. People seemed very curious about me, what I was doing in Zanzibar, how long I was here for, where I was staying etc. Locals would approach me wanting to know everything and anything. Being somewhere new, I was initially on high alert, unsure of their intentions or why they were so interested. However, friendly interactions with local people soon became the norm and I learned that the people of Zanzibar uphold a strong reputation of being incredibly friendly, kind and warm.

Insider Insights: Experiencing Zanzibar as an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager, Intern Abroad HQ

What kind of local support do interns have in Zanzibar?

Interns have several layers of support in Zanzibar. To start with, I act as the Program Manager at Intern Abroad HQ. I receive applications from people who express their interest, then help interns to plan and prepare, after they have confirmed their participation. I remain as a point of contact, from start to finish! However, when interns travel to Zanzibar and arrive, there are other layers of support who are also involved in facilitating this comprehensive experience:

In-country local team: Once you confirm your participation, to intern abroad in Zanzibar, you will also be introduced to the team who are physically based on the ground. They are the local experts, assisting Intern Abroad HQ with all practical arrangement of internship placements. They make airport pick up/drop off arrangements, accommodation bookings, host arrival orientations and provide comprehensive support.

Placement supervisor: Each intern will report to a specific person at their internship placement - this is their site supervisor. This supervisor will integrate them into their team, providing guidance, tasks and feedback throughout the internship duration. When your internship is in-progress, for any questions or concerns regarding the internship itself, your on-site, in-country supervisor(s) is available as a first point of contact. Of course, the in-country local team is also on-hand to help you too.

Insider Insights: Experiencing Zanzibar as an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager, Intern Abroad HQ

What is the accommodation like for internships in Zanzibar?

Just like our interns, I stayed with a local family in homestay accommodation. Their home was based in central Stone Town, which was perfect for stepping out and grabbing a coffee, checking out the markets and walking to nearby internship placements. I had my own room and access to shared living spaces like kitchen, dining, living and bathroom.

The accommodation itself was incredibly comfortable and soon began to feel like a home away from home. I was treated like one of the family, with my host mother being incredibly kind and accommodating. Having that extra layer of support allowed me to settle in much quicker, as my family was very knowledgeable about where to go and what to do during my stay. They also helped my Swahili language skills, as they encouraged me to practice (no matter how bad I sounded) to boost my confidence!

Insider Insights: Experiencing Zanzibar as an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager, Intern Abroad HQ

What is the food like in Zanzibar?

Internships in Zanzibar include three meals per day, seven days per week, served at the accommodation. Staying with a host family, at breakfast time, I enjoyed the choice of tea or coffee, eggs, toast, crepes and my all time favorite - fresh fruit like pineapple, mango and watermelon!

Lunch and dinners often consisted of chicken with rice and vegetables, potatoes, beans, salads, samosas, curry, chapati and fresh fruit for dessert. Portion sizes were definitely smaller than what I was used to, but that’s only because lunch is often considered the largest meal of the day. For this reason I purchased my own snacks for when those after dinner cravings set in!

We always recommend that interns should budget spending money for their own snacks, treats, or any other meals to supplement their usual eating habits. There were so many options to choose from when it came to eating out. Whether I was in the mood for something local, or a taste of home, there were plenty of cafes and restaurants that offered a mix of traditional and western dishes.

My favorite cafes of all time were Zanzibar Coffee House and Travels Cafe, both of which provided stunning views of the ocean, one from its rooftop, the other from its beachfront tables. From pizzas, salads and sweet or savory crepes, to fresh fruit smoothies, juice, and delicious local coffee, they really offered a bit of everything!

Insider Insights: Experiencing Zanzibar as an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager, Intern Abroad HQ

How did you find getting around?

Stone Town is very walkable, so rather than get public transport, many interns choose to strap on a comfortable pair of shoes and simply walk.

If your internship placement is slightly out of the city center, then you can catch a Dalla Dalla (or minibus share taxi) which is the cheapest and therefore main form of public transportation used by locals. Packed with as many passengers as possible, you’ll need to get in quick to nab yourself a seat. This means comfort comes second to getting where you need to go. Be prepared to get up close and personal with other passengers as you make your way along fixed routes, calling out when you need to get off!

Prefer to travel more comfortably? No problem! There are ample taxis to be found at various taxi stands around the outskirts of Stone Town. Just ensure you choose a taxi that’s registered and stipulates the number of passengers allowed on the side of the vehicle.

Insider Insights: Experiencing Zanzibar as an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager, Intern Abroad HQ

What kind of clothes should you pack for Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is hot year round, but the hottest months are typically from December through March. Traveling to Zanzibar in October, temperatures were definitely starting to get up there, so it did take me a while to get used to the fact that when out and about, the heat was going to leave me feeling a little uncomfortable! Water and sunscreen will be your best friend, as well as shady cafes and an iced coffee…. or two. If you struggle in hotter climates like myself, then try to schedule your internship from July to September when temperatures are a lot milder.

Because you need to opt for more conservative clothing, it’s a good idea to ensure that these are light and breathable. While you may think jeans are a good idea, trust me, they’re not! It’s better to wear clothing and fabrics that are breathable - even sporting clothing (provided it’s not too tight and/or revealing), which is designed to help keep you cool, and not show sweat, is a great way to go.

Depending on the internship placement you receive, you can also ask for more specific guidance. For example, medical interns will wear scrubs (blue, green or white scrubs).

What is a Psychology internship in Zanzibar really like? Here’s my inside scoop!, Intern Abroad HQ

What activities can you get involved in during free time?

There really is no shortage of amazing activities to get involved in during your free time. I really wanted to make the most of my time abroad, so opted to take part in coastal reef snorkeling, stand up paddleboarding and a two-night, three-day Safari.

Seeing the “Big 5” had been a bucket list item for me forever, so being able to explore Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Park and witness animals like Elephants, Giraffe, Hippos and Rhino in their natural habitat was unreal. Camping out in the open and hearing the call of Hyenas while camping overnight (while a little scary) was really a once in a lifetime experience that I’ll never forget!

These activities and more can be arranged by our Zanzibar local team, so it’s reassuring to know that they can offer safe and reliable options - as the number of safari companies in Arusha offering different packages can be pretty overwhelming! There really is no better destination to gain greater insight into the culture and customs of the local people, while also enjoying some outstanding natural sites. See more Free-Time Experiences & Tours In Zanzibar for inspiration!

Insider Insights: My Journey to Arusha, Tanzania as an Intern Abroad Program Manager, Intern Abroad HQ

Did you feel safe traveling in Zanzibar?

Yes, absolutely! Zanzibar is quite a popular destination for tourists, from all around the world, so local people are quite accustomed to the coming and going of international visitors. Like anywhere I travel to, I always take care to keep my wits about me, since opportunistic crimes can occur in any city, no matter where you are.

During my orientation, the local staff provided a thorough briefing on safety and security measures, as well as precautions I should take when out and about. I didn’t come to Zanzibar with any important valuables or jewelry - they’re best left at home. However, I took care to leave important belongings safely at the accommodation, while I was out and about. When I could, I traveled with other interns and never stayed out after dark when on my own.

I ensured I had my local teams contact information saved on WhatsApp and my local sim topped up with data should I need to get in touch with them. Local people are incredibly friendly but I did not disclose my personal information to people that I did not know.

Insider Insights: Experiencing Zanzibar as an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager, Intern Abroad HQ

Finally, what advice do you have for people considering an internship in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar was like no destination I had ever traveled to before! From the food and climate, to the culture and customs, everything was so different - and for that reason, I really pushed myself to stay flexible and open minded.

This mindset is something interns considering an experience in Zanzibar will also have to adopt. Most placements are often under-resourced and under-staffed, which presents a number of challenges for both supervisors, customers and clients. Culture shock can also be more pronounced, especially in healthcare environments, so interns are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism, focus and compassion.

Things run a lot slower, so it can take time to develop, learn, and contribute. Patience is key and while you may feel frustrated at times, it’s important to remember that such an experience presents a special learning environment, offering interns an opportunity to heighten their cultural intelligence, independence and global perspective.

Explore our wide range of internships in Zanzibar

Ready to get started with your own internship experience?

Our step-by-step guide on how it works provides you with more information on how to get started. The process is user friendly - just submit your application to begin. It doesn’t cost anything to apply and won’t take more than 5 minutes. However, your formal expression of interest provides the foundation for us to help you take the next steps.

APPLY FOR FREE

310+ internship programs across 26 countries

310+ internship programs across 26 countries

Placements tailored to your academic requirements or career interests
Exclusive experiential learning curriculum

Exclusive experiential learning curriculum

We help you develop and articulate the soft skills most favored by employers
Most affordable & flexible

Most affordable & flexible

We organize everything, including local accommodation, from only $1129 USD
Participate in-country or remotely

Participate in-country or remotely

Immerse yourself in the local culture, or intern from anywhere