Psychology Internships: Intern abroad in Zanzibar
Traditional cultural beliefs in Zanzibar can challenge western approaches to mental health and wellbeing. It is common for locals with mental health concerns to approach traditional healers or general practitioners first, turning to westernized psychology/psychiatry secondarily. Interns are given the opportunity to see how traditional beliefs are affecting the mental health treatment of local Tanzanian people and the ways in which psychologists are navigating these challenges.
What to expect from your Psychology internship:
- Gain experience balancing contemporary mental health understanding with cultural beliefs.
- Learn about how traditional beliefs affect treatment approaches.
- Assist in a wide range of mental health and psychology areas.
- Experience life on Zanzibar, a unique and beautiful African island.
Your internship abroad host organization:
- Psychiatric hospital
Internship details
Psychology internships in Zanzibar provide opportunities for students and young professionals to immerse in a new culture and language, embrace varied healthcare practices, and learn how to deliver therapeutic interventions under resource constraints. Come prepared to use and hone a wide array of skills, including adept communication, precise patient evaluation, and deepened compassion for those grappling with mental health concerns.
This is an in-country internship with accommodation and meals included. Click here to view remote Psychology & Social Work internships which you can undertake from home.
Psychology interns in Zanzibar can support local professionals in a psychiatric hospital. The hospital’s diverse wards cater to men, women, children, and individuals struggling with addiction, all requiring tailored care plans for effective recovery. Many of the local nurses attend to odd jobs around the hospital, such as bathing patients, changing sheets, cleaning wounds, etc.
Please note that in 2025, certain medical departments at Zanzibar’s main referral Hospital (MMH) will undergo renovation work. In the event interns are placed at this hospital, and their department or ward is temporarily closed, they will be redirected to an alternative clinic or hospital, keeping them (as much as possible) in line with the same medical specialty.
Internship tasks at the hospital may be related to patient assessment, assisting staff with medication requirements, maintaining organized records, contributing to personalized treatment strategies, and researching information about community mental health needs or resources used in conjunction with therapy. Interns may have scope to assist individuals with stress management and self-esteem building, and expression.
Hospital supervision varies, as interns may spend time with different staff/professionals. If assistance is required with any internship paperwork, this may be processed at the hospital administration. Interns are required to discuss such needs with Intern Abroad HQ Program Managers in advance, as well as during their in-country orientation.
It’s important for psychology interns to be prepared for a very different healthcare system than what you may be used to at home, as healthcare can be under-resourced and under-funded. While you may encounter culture shock, it is important to remain professional and compassionate at all times. Come prepared to expect an occasional lack of transparency regarding the details of patient cases - this may be due to patient confidentiality or other cultural/administrative reasons.
Interns must expect to encounter language barriers with patients. It’s possible to arrange Swahili language lessons, in conjunction with your internship. Local teachers can adjust the level of teaching from absolute beginners to advanced. Swahili lessons are also possible online as a preparation for your time in Zanzibar. Just let us know if you’d like to arrange this. Hospital notes are handwritten in English, so even if psychology sessions with patients are conducted in Swahili, Psychology interns may have access to client files, where learning can be obtained from the supervisor and their previous patient sessions. An open mind, ability to take initiative, and willingness to develop understanding over time are required.
In all cases, interns should expect that the first week of your experience will focus on settling in and gaining some introductory knowledge, as you will not “hit the ground running”. Rather, you should start with learning about the placement to gain an understanding of what you can build upon, develop, learn, and contribute. Ensure that you ask questions and provide feedback during the introductory period, so that your supervisor understands how you’re progressing. This will help them to better understand important details, such as how quickly you learn, what you find challenging, what you find interesting, etc.
For tips and more insight about this program, check out:
- What is a Psychology internship in Zanzibar really like? Here’s my inside scoop!
- My eye-opening experience as a Psychology intern in Zanzibar
- How my internship opened my eyes to the exciting reality of a career in psychology
Typical Schedule
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Approx. Monday to Friday, 6-8 hours
What are the career benefits of interning abroad as a Psychology Intern?
Psychology interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Review of client medical history and treatment plans to enhance understanding of symptoms and characteristics.
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Observe interactions between patients and professionals and review diagnosis and future treatment plans.
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Collaborate with mental health professionals and other staff members to help perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans.
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Gain an understanding of music and dance therapies and how it can provide insight into patient cognitions and communal progress.
Professional development opportunities:
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Learn how mental health support services are provided in an East African country.
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Understand the influence of cultural factors in providing mental health services.
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Improve your communication skills and cultural/emotional intelligence.
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Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.
Are you eligible for this internship?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Zanzibar photo gallery
Academic credit available for all internships
Get course credit from your college or university while completing your internship abroad or a remote internship program. It's a great way to meet your academic requirements and gain valuable experience at the same time.
Learn about course creditProgram fees
Applying for our Psychology Internship is completely free! The support package covers the assistance we provide in finding your internship and arranging your living accommodations in your host country, ensuring you thrive during your program.
Please note that a deposit of US$499 is required to confirm your place. The remaining balance (minus your initial US$499 deposit) is due at least 60 days before your internship start date.
Duration |
Program Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $1,679 Equivalent to $119 /day |
| 3 weeks | $1,989 Equivalent to $94 /day |
| 4 weeks | $2,404 Equivalent to $85 /day |
| 5 weeks | $2,714 Equivalent to $77 /day |
| 6 weeks | $3,024 Equivalent to $72 /day |
| 8 weeks | $3,644 Equivalent to $65 /day |
| 10 weeks | $4,264 Equivalent to $60 /day |
| 12 weeks | $4,884 Equivalent to $58 /day |
| 16 weeks | $6,234 Equivalent to $55 /day |
| 20 weeks | $7,474 Equivalent to $53 /day |
| 24 weeks | $8,714 Equivalent to $51 /day |
- Airport pick-up
- Airport drop-off
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- 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
- All in-country transportation
- Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
- Personal spending money for snacks, drinks, public transport, laundry, and leisure activities during your free time.
Free-time experiences & tours in Zanzibar
Take your internship to the next level with Intern Abroad HQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Zanzibar! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto an internship program.
Spend a day exploring beautiful Matemwe and its stunning marine life.
Spend a day adventuring in the Jozani forest, kayaking through mangroves and visiting a cultural village.
Enjoy an unforgettable guided mangrove tour at sunset in the tidal forests of Chukwani.
Swahili Language Lessons
Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is spoken throughout Zanzibar and it is the national language of Tanzania. (English is only the official language of the High Court). While fluency in Swahili is not a requirement to intern in Zanzibar, learning some of the local language can help enhance your cultural experience and immersion. Starting with a few lessons can help you learn some basics to demonstrate common courtesy. A maximum of ten hours per week are recommended. Lessons are typically conducted individually, but may be shared between 2-3 other participants of the same level (although, the number of participants per lesson does not affect the cost). For more information about language lessons, interns may speak directly to the local team in-country.
Arrival and Orientation
Internships in Zanzibar begin every Monday and interns may choose to spend a minimum of 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 12 weeks. Exceptions to start date availability may occur when start dates are closed due to public holiday / festival disruptions or if the program has already reached capacity.
Airport pick up and accommodation are included in the Program Fee, as well as return transportation to the airport in Zanzibar at the completion of the internship. Interns are required to arrive on the Sunday before their Monday start date. In order to receive this airport pick up, interns fly into the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar (airport code: ZNZ). Note that all participants are advised not to book flights until they have first registered to confirm their internship placement.
Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to the accommodation, to settle in and rest. Accommodation is covered from the Sunday night of the internship start date. The last night of the accommodation is the Saturday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on the Sunday.
Orientation typically takes place on the Monday start date and covers important details for your internship, including introductions, information about culture, customs, rules, expectations, safety, language lessons, cultural excursions, and more. For participants who will be interning within Zanzibar Town / Stone Town, a walking tour is also covered. Tourism & Hospitality interns, who may be based within popular beach areas, such as Nungwi, Kendwa, Kiwengwa, Paje, Jambiani and Michamvi, will receive a local orientation that’s relevant to their area.
If you are planning to spend time independently in Zanzibar prior to the commencement date of your internship, and will not require an airport pick up, then you’ll be required to come directly to the local team’s office in Zanzibar Town / Stone Town for meet and greet on your start date. From there, you will be guided to your home-stay accommodation.
Visa Requirements
It is important to note that internships in Zanzibar require all participants to obtain a visa. We advise Zanzibar interns to purchase and obtain this in-country (at the airport, on arrival in Zanzibar). Interns receive details in advance, which outline instructions for this process (depending on your specific internship details), along with anticipated costs. To cover the cost of the visa sufficiently, most interns need to budget US$50-100. However, Tourism & Hospitality interns will need to budget US$250, for the correct visa.
Some interns are additionally required to purchase a Work Permit or Trainee Permit in-country. This is a government requirement. It applies to:
- Cultural Arts interns - you will need to cover the cost of a Work Permit in Zanzibar. Please budget US$400 for this.
- Social Work & Education interns - you will need to cover the cost of a Work Permit in Zanzibar. Please budget US$400 for this.
- Tourism & Hospitality interns - you will need to cover the cost of a Work Permit in Zanzibar. Please budget US$400 for this.
If this is required then it will be arranged with you during the orientation, as coordinators will assist you at the Zanzibar Labour Office. Please note that the requirements and costs for such visas and/or permits are outside the control of Intern Abroad HQ and are subject to change without notice.
Zanzibar also requires all visitors to purchase mandatory travel insurance via the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). This is a government-owned entity and the insurance can be purchased online. Personal insurance policies will not be accepted. Failure to comply with this mandatory requirement may result in denial of entry at immigration checkpoints. Intern Abroad HQ still requires all program participants to have travel insurance that includes overseas health insurance cover. This must be obtained in addition to the ZIC insurance, to protect against policy exclusions.
Accommodation and WiFi
Most interns in Zanzibar are hosted in various homestay accommodations, within Zanzibar Town / Stone Town. The exception to this is that Tourism & Hospitality interns can expect to be located in closer proximity to their internship. For example, locations usually include the popular beach destinations of Zanzibar, such as Nungwi, Kendwa, Kiwengwa, Paje, Jambiani and Michamvi. In this case, accommodation may be located on the grounds of the internship placement (e.g. on the grounds of the hotel), at external guest houses/lodges, or with a host family at the respective village.
In most cases, interns will receive their own bedroom. However, some bedrooms may be shared with another program participant of the same gender. While homestays may accommodate up to 2 or 3 interns at a time, interns may also find that they are the sole participant at any given homestay depending on the size of the home. Bathrooms and common areas are shared. Living is comfortable and laundry is included - usually it will be done once a week.
Note that accommodation is unlikely to provide WiFi. Unlimited internet plans are typically unavailable in Zanzibar and connection must be paid for by the gigabyte. However, all interns receive a local SIM card for use at their orientation, which initially includes 3 GB of data traffic.
Please note that the accommodation pictured in the photo gallery of this webpage is provided as an example. Since we work with more than one homestay, the exact accommodation that you’re assigned may differ from the photos. Rooms sizes vary.
Meals
Internships in Zanzibar include three meals per day, seven days per week, served at the accommodation. The culinary traditions of Zanzibar have been influenced by many nationalities, including Indian, British, Portuguese, Arab, Bantu, and even Chinese. Therefore, typical dishes may reflect a fusion of styles. Rice is a staple and an array of spices are typically used to flavor rice, meat, fish and curry dishes.
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 to supplement their usual eating habits. It’s common for interns to eat out, either independently or socially, so ensure that you budget to cover all your extra dining requirements. 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.
Essential country information
| Capital | Zanzibar City |
| Population | 1.304 million |
| Languages | Swahili, Arabic, English |
| Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) |
| Time zone | UTC+03:00 |
Weather and climate:
Being near the equator, the islands of the Zanzibar Archipelago are warm year-round, and the temperature doesn’t vary too much throughout the year. The usual highs are between 85°F / 91°F (30°C / 33°C) and the usual lows range between 70°F and 76°F (21°C / 24°C). The hotter times of the year are typically from December through March. From July through October, the temperatures are more comfortable. 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.
What recent Psychology interns said about their experience
I enjoyed so much about my time in Zanzibar. My internship was informative and enjoyable, it positively contributed to my drive to pursue a career in psychology and a passion for traveling.
This internship significantly contributed to my personal development by enhancing my cultural competence. What I enjoyed most was the unique opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture and observe the intersection between traditional beliefs and contemporary mental health practices. Witnessing firsthand how local practitioners integrate cultural norms with psychological interventions was both fascinating and enlightening. I learned to appreciate the importance of context and tradition in mental health treatment, which broadened my perspective and empathy towards diverse patient backgrounds. Professionally, the experience honed my communication skills, especially in navigating language barriers and understanding non-verbal cues, which are crucial in any therapeutic setting.
My time as a Psychology intern in Zanzibar was just incredible! It went above and beyond my expectations in everything such as people, place, and general culture. I met some amazing people and am so grateful for how easy I settled in! The most memorable moment for me during the first week had to simply be the friends I made and the memories we had together visiting different places around the island. I had an incredible experience working in the mental health hospital and took so much on board - it definitely left me feeling inspired to carry on with my goal of becoming a psychologist.
I enjoyed seeing the cultural dofferences in the mental health field. It was nice to be with a host family and explore the culture there as well.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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