Global Charity Capitals: Top 5 Cities for NGOs and Non-Profit Internships  

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Turns out, saving the world is a pretty popular career choice—landing a job at an NGO or non-profit is as competitive as it is impactful. To secure a top position, you need to show future employers that you have valuable experience in the NGO/non-profit industry and can communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. To accomplish this, we recommend an AIFS Abroad NGO or non-profit internship. An NGO or non-profit internship is also an excellent option if you’re not sure which direction you want to take your career. With an internship in this industry, you can test out different fields and gain broad exposure to a variety of areas including business, accounting, marketing, operations, IT, and more—providing you with the firsthand experience you need to confidently choose a career path. 

While you develop your career abroad in the NGO/non-profit sector, you can dive into new cultures and travel to nearby countries, allowing you to further expand your professional horizons. Here at AIFS Abroad, we offer incredible internships in cities around the globe, so we’ve curated a list of the top five destinations for international NGO/non-profit internships. 

Want to impress employers with an international NGO/non-profit internship? Explore AIFS Abroad’s top 5 global cities for NGO and non-profit internships!   

1. Dublin  

Dublin may be well known as a global center for tech and for-profit business, but it’s a hub for non-profits and NGOs, as well. This English-speaking city promotes non-profit-friendly policies like low or zero cost amenities for locally based charitable organizations along with extensive state funding. What this means for interns is ample opportunities in whichever niche of the non-profit/NGO industry you’re interested in—social justice, healthcare, education, environmental conservation, you name it! This also translates to a large NGO/non-profit community where you can build a vast network that may help you get a job in the future. 

Not only will you benefit from Dublin’s opportunities for professional growth as a NGO/non-profit intern, but you’ll also be immersed in the city’s unique culture and deep-rooted history with access to the rest of Ireland and beyond. Whether you want to make the short journey to other European countries, visit the idyllic Irish countryside, or discover the historic significance of every neighborhood in the city—with an internship in Dublin, you’ll never run out of activities or experiences to enjoy.  

2. Sydney  

Famous Australian sunshine and plentiful charitable opportunities—what’s not to love about Sydney? Australia is home to over 60,000 charities, with a majority of them located in Australia’s state of New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital city. In Sydney, there is a vast range of options when it comes to interning at NGOs and non-profits, and we’ll match you with one that aligns with your interests and career goals. With an internship in Sydney, you can gain hands-on experience at a charity while also expanding your network in a city and region known for its NGO and non-profit industry. This experience will not only enhance your resume but also provide you with a global perspective that’s highly valued in the competitive non-profit sector. 

The advantages of interning in Sydney at a non-profit or NGO go beyond its outstanding professional development opportunities. Sydney is known for its prolific music scene, wonderful weather, and its dozens of stunning beaches with awesome surf. With an NGO/non-profit internship in Sydney, you can advance your career and enjoy all this city Down Under has to offer! 

3. Madrid 

Madrid is a global city with an established non-profit industry. With an NGO internship in Spain’s capital, you can gain real-world experience in a multicultural, competitive non-profit environment. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with people in the industry and build connections that may help to open doors for you in the future. Not only will you gain vital exposure to the inner workings of charitable organizations, but your experience in Madrid will prove invaluable, even if you decide to take your career in a different direction later on. With a non-profit/NGO internship in Madrid—the risk lies in not going—you really can’t go wrong! 

When you’re not laying the groundwork for a successful career, everything Madrid has to offer will be at your fingertips—delectable Spanish cuisine, nearby natural areas like the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, history and art in one of Madrid’s many museums, and the opportunity to improve your Spanish skills. With an NGO/non-profit internship in Madrid, you can say “adios” to boredom and FOMO—you’ll be immersed in exciting new adventures and cultural experiences while advancing your career! 

4. London  

London is an excellent choice for non-profit and NGO internships, thanks to the high concentration of charitable organizations based in the city. London is the headquarters of many leading international charities, along with a wide range of smaller and mid-sized non-profit organizations that are perfect for budding professionals like yourself. At small and mid-sized charities, you can gain broader exposure to all of the different aspects that drive these organizations, within the context of an international, metropolitan city. Also, London is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to intern abroad but is worried about overcoming language barriers. In London, you’ll get by just fine with English! 

In addition to all the reasons London can help with your non-profit career, this city is also a great place to immerse yourself in a new culture and expand your global perspective. London is a multicultural city where more than 300 languages are spoken, with so much to explore within the city borders. Beyond the city is all of England. Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and the rest of Europe is just a short flight or train ride away! Anglophile or not, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with London! 

5. Seville  

Seville is the largest and capital city of Spain’s Andalusia region, known for its historic charm, beautiful architecture, and as the birthplace of flamenco. The city is home to a growing network of NGOs and non-profits, including organizations committed to social justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Interning in Seville offers the opportunity to work closely with local organizations while gaining insight into the unique challenges and opportunities in the region’s charitable sector. In addition, Seville’s bright culture and welcoming atmosphere provide a rewarding backdrop for both professional growth and personal enrichment. 

Speaking of personal enrichment—Seville is full of opportunities for self-development. Beyond your internship, you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich history by exploring its stunning landmarks and museums and visiting the world-renowned architecture that features a blend of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudejár influences. Thanks to lively festivals like Corpus Christi, mouth-watering cuisine, and some of the most important art collections in the country, you’ll never run out of experiences to be savored! 

Want to add an international NGO/non-profit internship to your resume? Connect with new cultures and develop your career simultaneously with AIFS Abroad!  

An international NGO/non-profit internship is an incredible way to gain hands-on experience while immersing yourself in diverse cultures across the globe. AIFS Abroad provides unparalleled opportunities for aspiring non-profit and NGO professionals in some of the world’s most exciting cities for charitable organizations. With inclusions such as housing, insurance, career readiness programming, excursions and activities, on-site staff, and emergency support, you’ll have a stress-free global education and professional development experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to stand out in the competitive non-profit world with an internship abroad!