Looking for an internship that makes a real impact? A Social Work & Education internship in Zanzibar offers a unique opportunity to support local communities through education, job training, and personal development for people of all ages.
Eager to build her confidence and independence, Syeda - a student from the University of Bradford - took a bold step outside her comfort zone. She traveled to Zanzibar for a two-week internship that opened her eyes to new cultures, customs, and values.
From embracing the unfamiliar to building resilience and adaptability, Syeda’s journey was one of personal growth and meaningful connection. Discover how her experience in Zanzibar helped shape a new perspective and empowered her with lifelong skills.
Hi Syeda! How did you settle into this internship abroad?
My first week in Zanzibar was a mixture of unexpected challenges and heartwarming surprises. I imagined I would feel out of my depth, worried about the language barrier, unsure of how the children at my placement would respond to me, and uncertain about my role.
While those concerns were valid at first, they quickly faded. What I didn’t anticipate was just how warmly the children would welcome me, or how quickly we would build connections through simple gestures, shared laughter, and mutual curiosity.
The most memorable moment was when several children came up to me one afternoon just to hug me. These weren’t ordinary hugs, they felt like they carried emotion, comfort, and trust.
What kind of internship tasks were you involved in?
My role as a Social Work & Education intern in Zanzibar focused mainly on assisting an NGO organization, according to the work their teams conduct, to support the emotional, developmental, and social well-being of vulnerable children, particularly those living with HIV.
I encouraged language development and cross-cultural exchange by speaking English and learning basic Swahili. I also supported the holistic care efforts of the internship placement, as there is a need for such organizations to adapt, develop creative activities, and informal learning opportunities.
How did you prepare in advance for this internship abroad?
Before we embarked on our placement in Zanzibar, we took time to organise fundraising efforts, fully aware of the levels of poverty affecting many communities, particularly the children we would be assisting via the placement. The money we raised had a direct and lasting impact: It enabled three of the young residents to pursue further education. Two began their college journeys to train as nurses, while the third started his course to become an electrician. Our host family played an instrumental role in helping us distribute the remaining funds throughout local townships experiencing severe hardship. Together, we purchased food and ensured it reached those who needed it most.
This aspect of our stay added a deeply meaningful dimension to the experience. It allowed us to witness, firsthand, how small acts of generosity could create real, tangible change. Engaging with the communities not only grounded our placement in a deeper purpose, but also left us humbled by the resilience of those we met and inspired by the possibility of contributing to something greater than ourselves.
In addition to fundraising, I brought with me a range of resources, including educational books. Many of these children were living with HIV, and unfortunately, due to stigma and misinformation, they were often excluded or avoided by the wider community. It was heartbreaking to witness how their diagnosis shaped not only their health journey but also their everyday social interactions.
Through the materials I provided, we explored ideas around self-worth and resilience in ways that were age-appropriate and empowering. These resources would enable the local carers to help the children begin to understand their condition, not as something to be ashamed of, but as a part of who they are, deserving of dignity and compassion; reinforced the power of knowledge in breaking down barriers as the impact of small gestures of understanding can make, especially in communities where rejection often speaks louder than care.
How did the internship benefit your professional development?
This internship experience abroad has made me feel more empowered to succeed in my field, as I have learnt how to sit with uncertainty, listen deeply, and build meaningful connections despite challenges. Working so closely with an organization that works to support children who face daily adversity, reminded me that real impact doesn’t come from perfection, but from presence, patience, and empathy.
I now feel more confident in my ability to communicate across cultures, adapt to unexpected situations, and offer emotional support in ways that are thoughtful and respectful. These are skills that go beyond textbooks and formal training, they are about being able to respond with awareness and empathy.
Similarly, I have become more aware of the limitations within systems and structures. It has shown me that while I may not be able to change everything, I can be part of shaping a more compassionate approach to working with vulnerable people.
How did you personally integrate into Zanzibar’s culture?
During my spare time, my placement colleagues and I immersed ourselves in Zanzibar’s vibrant culture and compelling history. We explored powerful landmarks like the Slave Trade Museum, where we were moved by the stories of resilience and loss, and wandered through the remnants of Prison Island with its unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. A one-day safari gave us a glimpse into Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and the untouched landscapes beyond the coastline.
I also had the incredible opportunity to visit the birthplace of my all-time musical icon, Freddie Mercury, a moment that truly felt like a dream come true. Standing in front of the house where his journey began, I was struck by the power of his legacy and the inspiration he had given to millions around the world, including me. His fearlessness, artistry, and extraordinary voice have always resonated deeply, and being so close to a place woven into his story made the experience feel almost surreal. It was more than just a sightseeing stop, it was a personal pilgrimage that reminded me of how music can transcend borders and generations, leaving behind a timeless echo of hope and creativity.
Yet, what truly left an imprint on me were the quiet evenings spent watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson. As we sat on one of Zanzibar’s postcard-perfect beaches, those moments fostered a sense of calm reflection, reminding me of the richness of the world beyond daily routine. The experience not only deepened my appreciation for global heritage but also strengthened the bonds I shared with my colleagues, moments I’ll carry forward both professionally and personally.
What realizations have you had since returning home?
One of the hardest parts about returning home will be adjusting to the very different attitudes toward education and opportunity. During my international internship placement, I met children who, despite facing enormous challenges, embraced every moment of learning with determination and gratitude. It was deeply humbling to witness how much they valued things so many of us consider a given.
Coming back to an environment where some young people may not fully appreciate their access to education will be emotionally challenging. I’ve gained a new perspective on how precious those opportunities really are and I now understand how important it is to nurture that mindset in others with patience, compassion, and encouragement rather than frustration.
What advice do you have for future international interns?
Looking back on my Social Work & Education internship, the advice I’d give to myself, and to anyone stepping into a similar experience is this - go with an open heart and an open mind. Some of the tasks you get involved in may not be what you expected, but that’s not to say they are not valuable.
I would also advise others to be open to learning from others, more than any book or university lecture could teach about working with young people. Be prepared to be led by local experts, as it’s important to let go of the need to see immediate results or to dive straight into “doing” the work. Instead, trust in the power of simply being present. Build relationships, show respect, and understand that this is the true foundation for connection and lasting impact, even if it’s not something you can measure in just a short visit.
One final piece of advice I’d offer to future students embarking on an international placement is to actively seek friendships with fellow students from other countries. For my colleagues and me, this opened up a rich and rewarding layer to our experience in Zanzibar, allowing us to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and learn not only about their cultures but also about the motivations behind the work they had come to undertake.
Meeting students from places such as Australia, Germany, and beyond gave us the opportunity to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and form bonds that transcended borders. These interactions deepened our understanding of global collaboration and reminded us that, wherever we come from, shared purpose and open-mindedness can create truly meaningful connections.
Now that your internship is complete, what’s next for you?
This internship experience in Zanzibar has taken me beyond the temporary placement. Going forward, I want to continue the momentum I’ve gained. Personally, I want to challenge my assumptions by engaging in conversations or projects that expose me to different worldviews, especially around child development, trauma, and resilience.
Professionally, build long-term partnerships with organisations through future placements, fundraising, or resource-sharing initiatives that ensure continuity and support even beyond my physical presence. Ultimately, I don’t see this internship as a one-off, as it’s the start of something new and much bigger.
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