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Nutrition Internships in Arusha

Nutrition Internships in Arusha

Highly unique internships in nutrition for those wishing to gain experience assisting children and adults in Tanzania who suffer from malnutrition. These issues are common in Tanzania, but opportunities to receive care and treatment are rare. Interns assist local professionals in clinics and hospitals to build knowledge and provide much-appreciated assistance in the community.

Internship Highlights:
  • Gain specific experience delivering nutritional advice and assistance
  • Learn from experienced local nutritionists and community groups dealing with specific issues in Tanzania
  • Enjoy spare time in Arusha, go on safari in the Serengeti, and explore world famous natural landscapes
Type of host organizations:
  • Hospitals
  • Regional clinics
  • Community groups
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Fully hosted experience from US$1,569
Includes accommodation & meals
Typical schedule: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm
Minimum duration 4 weeks, up to 24 Weeks maximum
Explore Tanzania’s incredible national parks
Get job-ready with our Experiential Learning Curriculum
Internships align with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Eligibility requirements and Associated career paths
Eligibility requirement

Suitable for interns with at least one year of higher education study in a clinical subject that includes a nutrition component/module.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English. However, you can expect that some patient interactions will be carried out in local languages. Your supervisor will be available to debrief these sessions in English with you afterwards.

Associated career paths

Nutritionist, Dietician, Food Technologist, Public Health Worker, International Aid/Development Worker, Nutrition Educator, Clinical Laboratory Technician, Herbalist, Personal Trainer

Internship details

Nutrition interns are placed with community groups or in regional clinics or hospitals, where patients with severe and complex cases of malnutrition are referred for care. Interns work alongside local nutritionists, medical professionals and advocates who endeavor to treat and educate adults and children who are suffering from the effects of long-term malnutrition.

This is an in-country internship, with accommodation and meals provided.

Nutrition internship in Arusha, Tanzania

Anemia and chronic malnutrition affect many children in Tanzania. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also at risk of suffering from preventable nutritional deficiencies. Many people don’t have access to specialized nutrition advice, so interns play an important role in helping to provide support to those in need. These Nutrition internships in Arusha, Tanzania are highly valuable learning opportunities for interns to understand the unique needs of individuals in a culturally and economically diverse environment.

To create a more immersive program, which can diversify your experience, Nutrition internships will include hospital, clinical and community based placements. From a clinical perspective, interns gain a practical understanding of how nutritionists evaluate, diagnose and treat those with nutrition concerns. This is done by shadowing local professionals in an observational capacity. Interns may be given the opportunity to actively participate in the work performed by their team, once their skills and experience have been effectively demonstrated.

Community based placement will be with a local community group, providing assistance to families and their children in all areas of nutrition. Interns are involved in putting together food packages, running nutritional workshops and home visits for those in need of nutrition education, advice and support. Interns will need to be prepared to travel across the city with their supervisor to reach patients and families in their homes. Average travel times can range from 45-60 minutes, so interns must be physically fit and able.

Note that supervision on these internships is handled by a range of medical professionals. Interns must expect to work in a multidisciplinary team. Depending on your medical department and variations of your daily roster, this may include nursing teams, doctors, or other department heads. Such team members are in the best position to provide guidance, direction, and answer questions as it will pertain to current duties and responsibilities. Therefore, there is not one sole supervisor throughout, as interns interact with a range of local staff in various positions, deferring to their expertise and instruction. Outside of the placement supervision, interns additionally have access to support from the Program Director, who oversees placement allocation.

Interns should come prepared to encounter a healthcare environment which is very likely going to be quite different from what you’re used to. Facilities and community groups are usually under-resourced and placements can also be relatively under-staffed. This is the reality of healthcare in many underdeveloped countries. Interns are encouraged to maintain a professional, caring and compassionate outlook, striving to understand local contexts, enhance cultural intelligence, and learn from the knowledge and experience of local professionals.

Nutrition internships in Tanzania are conducted in English. Most patients speak at least basic English, although you should be prepared for the fact that you won’t always understand what’s being said if locals are conversing in other dialects. Your internship supervisors are available to provide support and assist you in understanding exchanges, as and when appropriate.

Despite challenges which face the country’s healthcare sector, Tanzania has a strong tourism economy and is one of Africa’s most popular destinations. Outside of your internship schedule, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the attractions that people travel from all over the world to experience. The world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater and Mt Kilimanjaro National Park are popular day trips, which our local coordinators can help you to arrange. A trip to Tanzania is simply not complete without experiencing an African safari either - you can combine this internship with a safari in the Serengeti national park, which will truly make this trip unforgettable.

It is important to note that the internship placements grouped as “Medical” require interns to make a Ministry of Health contribution. This supports the operation of placements and covers supervision for interns on medical-related placements. This contribution is not included in the internship program fee; it must be made directly, in-country, under the direction and guidance of the Program Coordinator in Arusha. Interns will not be permitted to commence their placement until this has been covered. The amount of the Ministry of Health contribution varies, as it is not the same for every clinic/hospital. However, to cover the contribution sufficiently, we ask interns to budget up to US$75 per week.

Career Benefits

Nutrition interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
  • Shadowing and assisting doctors, nutritionists and NGO professionals

  • Observing consultations, diagnosis and treatment planning

  • Providing clerical assistance and community support

Professional development opportunities:
  • Gain an understanding into malnutrition in Tanzania and its effects

  • Learn how experienced nutritionists and activists diagnose and treat specific issues

  • Build communication and patient relationship skills

  • Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.

Tanzania photo gallery

”During my internship, I worked alongside a nutritionist assisting patients in one of the hospitals in the center of Arusha. We supported those with malnutrition of all kinds - severe acute malnutrition in adults and children, post natal support, kidney disease (chronic and acute) as well as support with a variety of non-communicable diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension for example). I attended wards to support re-nourishing acutely unwell patients - most commonly children - as well as attending a variety of outpatient clinics to work alongside the doctors and nurses, offering lifestyle and dietary change advice.”

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Academic credit available for all internships

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Program fees

It’s free to apply for this internship. Once we have reviewed your suitability and accepted you onto this program, you’ll need to pay a deposit of US$449 to confirm your place. The remaining balance of your Program Fee (less your initial US$449 deposit payment) will be due no less than 60 days before your internship start date.

Non-medical internships

Duration
Program Fee (USD)
4 weeks $1,569Equivalent to $56/day
6 weeks $1,779Equivalent to $42/day
8 weeks $2,044Equivalent to $36/day
10 weeks $2,254Equivalent to $32/day
12 weeks $2,464Equivalent to $29/day
14 weeks $2,984Equivalent to $30/day
16 weeks $3,264Equivalent to $29/day
18 weeks $3,544Equivalent to $28/day
20 weeks $3,824Equivalent to $27/day
24 weeks $4,384Equivalent to $26/day

Medical internships

Duration
Program Fee (USD)
4 weeks $1,669Equivalent to $59/day
6 weeks $1,879Equivalent to $44/day
8 weeks $2,144Equivalent to $38/day
10 weeks $2,354Equivalent to $33/day
12 weeks $2,564Equivalent to $30/day
14 weeks $2,884Equivalent to $29/day
16 weeks $3,164Equivalent to $28/day
18 weeks $3,444Equivalent to $27/day
20 weeks $3,724Equivalent to $26/day
24 weeks $4,284Equivalent to $25/day
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • Airport pick-up
  • Program orientation
  • Dedicated support before, during, and after your internship
  • In-country guidance for social and tourist activities
  • Sourcing and securing your internship placement
  • Personalization of your internship plan
  • Coaching from your supervisor
  • Documented portfolio of your experiential learnings
  • Academic credit facilitation
  • International reference letter
  • Certificate of Internship Completion
  • Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
  • Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
  • Optional extras, such as language lessons
  • Souvenirs and leisure activities during your free time
  • Personal spending money to cover basic expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, public transportation, and any meals not included in your Program Fee
  • A deposit of $449 USD is required to secure your internship
  • It is important to note that the internship placements grouped as "Medical" require interns to make a Ministry of Health contribution. This supports the operation of placements and covers supervision for interns on medical-related placements. This contribution is not included in the internship program fee; it must be made directly, in-country, under the direction and guidance of the Program Coordinator in Arusha. Interns will not be permitted to commence their placement until this has been covered. The amount of the Ministry of Health contribution varies, as it is not the same for every clinic/hospital. However, to cover the contribution sufficiently, we ask interns to budget up to US$75 per week.
  • Balance of your Program Fee is due 60 days before your internship start date.
  • All payments attract a 5% transaction fee to cover international banking fees and currency charges.
  • Terms and Conditions apply.

Arrival and Orientation

Internships in Tanzania begin every Monday. Exceptions may be made to this when start dates are shifted to avoid public holiday disruptions or closed when the program has already reached capacity. The minimum duration requirement is 2 weeks up to a maximum duration of 24 weeks.

Airport pick up and accommodation are included in the Program Fee. The accommodation is covered from the Sunday night before the Monday start date - interns are required to arrive no later than the Sunday before their Monday start date, as all orientations are held on Mondays. If arriving earlier than this date, interns will be required to cover the cost of an out of hours airport pick up.

Typical ports of entry include the local Arusha Airport (ARK) or the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you are planning to spend time independently in Tanzania prior to your internship and will not require an airport pick up, we can discuss alternative arrival logistics with you.

Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to the accommodation. The last night of the accommodation is the Friday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Saturday. Extra nights of accommodation can be arranged in advance, if requested, and are subject to availability.

Orientation covers important details for your internship, including introductions, information about culture, customs, rules, expectations, safety, language lessons, cultural excursions, and more. Your specific internship placement orientation will follow the general orientation, as you’ll be shown how to travel to and from your internship and be introduced to the team you’ll be joining.

Please note that all participants are advised not to book flights until they have first registered to confirm their internship placement.

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Accommodation and WiFi

Interns in Arusha are accommodated together on one of the city’s most top-rated guest houses, located in a quiet and friendly neighbourhood (just 15 minutes from town center). Living is safe, clean, modern and comfortable, including 24/7 gated security, housekeeping, and a live-in local coordinator. (Laundry services are not included but can be arranged directly for a small fee). Amenities include hot showers, WiFi, and satellite television (in common areas). Interns can expect to share a bedroom with 1- 5 other guests, of the same gender. Bathroom facilities are shared. Private/en-suite room upgrades are subject to availability and must be arranged directly with the local team, once registered.

Please note that the accommodation pictured in the photo gallery of this webpage is provided as an example. Since we may work with more than one apartment (depending on capacity), the exact accommodation that you’re assigned may differ slightly from the photos. Rooms sizes, along with storage space, may also vary.

Meals

Interns in Arusha include breakfast and dinner, prepared and served Monday to Friday at the guest house accommodation. Typical dishes in Tanzania are influenced by seasonal produce and the dinner menu is usually set according to a weekly rotating schedule. For example, dinner meals may cover Wali Rosti (rice and meat stew), spaghetti bolognese, Wali Umboga (rice and vegetables), pilau, and chapati maharage (a thin wholemeal pancake cooked on a griddle, with beans). Dinner dishes are accompanied with salad. Breakfasts consist of fresh seasonal fruit, fried eggs, and bread with spreads (plus tea and coffee). A filtered cold water dispenser is available in the common area for use to reduce the amount of plastic bottle use. Bottled water​ ​is​​ ​readily available in Tanzania and volunteers should budget approximately US$5 per week for this (2 liters per day). Please be sure to let us know of any specific dietary requirements that you have in advance (i.e. allergies and intolerances), so that we may ensure your hosts are aware and make recommendations to you accordingly. However, it is important to note that the provided meals will not reflect what you are used to eating at home and flexibility is required. Interns are encouraged to budget extra spending money for any special snacks/treats.

Activities and tourism

There is an array of activities to enjoy during your stay in Arusha, as well as touristic excursions to attractions within Tanzania. Located on the “safari circuit”, the internship program is based near to some of Africa’s most beautiful environments, including Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru. Whether you’re content with local entertainment, such as Maasai markets, cafes, music, nightlife, and cinema, or you’re planning to book in big ticket items such as overnight safari camps and mountain trekking adventures, our local team will assist you with itinerary advice and planning.

Day trips

Day trips are popular among interns and perfect for taking advantage of the weekends during your internship. Depending on the excursion, the rates can range from US$60 up to US$450, including round trip transportation and lunch. (The more expensive day trip rates cover transportation to destinations that are further afield, such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Note that the day trip cost will typically exclude additional gate entry fees, which may be subject to change). While you’re planning your internship in Tanzania, don’t miss:

  • Arusha National Park: Near Mt Meru, the park offers easy game drives and scenic walking tours, where you can discover beautiful streams, waterfalls and rivers.
  • Tarangire: This destination offers the chance to spot the Big Five. Keep an eye out for herds of elephants, lion prides, giraffes and many more animals within their natural habitat.
  • Lake Manyara: This lush oasis was once described by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest in Africa”. Relax on a peaceful game drive and enjoy the vista of buffalo, flamingo, lions, impala and more.
  • Serengeti: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the famous Serengeti ecosystem extends right up to Kenya.
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Located in northern Tanzania, the region is home to the Big Five and boasts the vast, volcanic Ngorongoro Crater - a breathtaking natural wonder.
  • Metaruni Waterfalls Hike: Go trekking to the waterfalls through the foothills overshadowed by Mt Kilimanjaro. Enjoy lunch in the town of Moshi.
  • Hot Springs: It’s a longer drive to visit the natural hot springs in Moshi, but worth the trip! Soak in the warm waters against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Maasai Culture Tour: Visit a Maasai homestead for a friendly guided experience and meet members from the impressive nomadic tribe, who retain their unique cultural identity.
  • Snake Park: Check out a variety of snake breeds, from small grass snakes to cobras. The park is also home to other species of birds and amphibians and features a Maasai market.

Overnight safari tours and trekking

If you want to plan a Tanzanian adventure before or after your internship, we can assist you to arrange overnight camping safaris of the Northern Circuit (Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro), as well as a Mount Kilimanjaro trekking package (all inclusive six day climb). Extended safari tours are popular and two all-inclusive options offer either camping or lodge accommodation. Pricing details can be provided to interns once they have registered.

Essential country information

Capital Dodoma
Population 47.78 million
Languages Swahili and English
Currency Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Time zone UTC+03:00
Weather and climate:

In Arusha, where the Tanzania internship programs are based, the warm season typically lasts from January till late March. During this period, the average daily high is around 81°F / 27°C. The cooler season is from mid May till late August and the coldest month of the year is usually in July, when the low reaches around 56°F / 13°C. The dry season is considered to run from late May through till mid November. Rainfall can occur during the rest of the year, December through April.