Tourism & Hospitality Internships: Intern abroad in Zanzibar
Gain hands-on experience in one of Africa’s most popular tourism destinations. Placement arrangements depend on chosen internship duration. Short-term internships, from one to two months, can be provided with companies such as local tour operators. Internship durations from two months and longer provide scope to be placed with other companies, such as hotels and watersports centers. Enjoy stunning Zanzibar and help fellow tourists to do the same!
What to expect from your Tourism & Hospitality internship:
- Contribute to the tourism industry in a popular travel destination.
- Build your understanding of diverse customer requirements.
- Develop networks and relationship-building skills, communicating with multinational, multicultural teams and clients.
Your internship abroad host organization:
- Hotels of different standards and sizes – from family-run hotels and small luxury boutique accommodation, to 5-star resorts
- Water sport providers
- Local tour agencies
Internship details
Gain experience in one of Africa’s most popular tourism destinations! Come prepared to gain fresh insight into business practices and cultural diversity, to build new skills and confidence. Immerse yourself in the culture, language, gaining professional experience to build your resume and confidence!
This is an in-country internship, with accommodation and meals provided.
A gem of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar boasts pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage. The region relies heavily on tourism and has a wide range of tourist services, hotels and resorts that help to make Zanzibar a highly-rated destination for tourists from all over the world.
Tourism & Hospitality interns will have placement arrangements made in consideration of their chosen program duration. Shorter term internships, from one to two months, can be provided with companies such as local tour operators. Internship durations from two months and longer provide scope to be placed with other companies, such as hotels and watersports centers.
Note that the low tourism season in Zanzibar runs from March through May, as this is when the “long rains” occur. During this period, there are usually fewer tourists around and work in the tourism and hospitality industry slows down significantly. While internships are still offered March through May, if interns participate during this period, it’s important to expect a slower pace and less variety within the internship role experience.
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.
Understand and expect that individual internship experiences vary, as the specific placement that you’re assigned will depend on review of your resume and your current level of studies and experience. Placement preferences are considered but always subject to availability.
Typical Schedule
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Schedules vary based on the exact nature of each internship. Interns should prepare to be flexible with their schedules, but expect roughly 8 hours each day, including possible weekend work. (With two free days per week).
What are the career benefits of interning abroad as a Tourism & Hospitality Intern?
Tourism & Hospitality interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Customer service provision.
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Supporting front-of-house duties and reservation management.
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Advising clients, assisting with bookings, event planning, and itineraries.
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Digital marketing and promotional activities.
Professional development opportunities:
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Develop cross-cultural competencies, learning how to communicate and collaborate with diverse cultures and working professionals.
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Gain understanding of various operational, administrative, and logistical requirements within the industry.
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Enhance experience related to digital marketing and social media strategies within the tourism and hospitality sector.
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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 Tourism & Hospitality 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) |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | $2,504 Equivalent to $44 /day |
| 10 weeks | $2,754 Equivalent to $39 /day |
| 12 weeks | $3,004 Equivalent to $35 /day |
| 16 weeks | $3,614 Equivalent to $32 /day |
| 20 weeks | $4,114 Equivalent to $29 /day |
| 24 weeks | $4,614 Equivalent to $27 /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 Tourism & Hospitality interns said about their experience
I enjoyed being on my own, learning the lifestyle of a new place, and working in such a friendly, peaceful environment.
This Tourism & Hospitality internship gave me the opportunity to develop my capacities in a management role. My ambition to work abroad has only been confirmed during my internship in Zanzibar. You can get valuable experience and personal growth when you are ready to get out of your comfort zone. Just enjoy your time in Zanzibar! I was able to test my ability to deliver messages and instructions in a way that feels comfortable with other people. I also gained insight into how many different departments work, while developing my cultural intelligence from working within a culturally diverse environment. All of this supports my dream of a career abroad.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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