Internships

INTERNSHIPS AND STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH MEDA

We believe that in order to change our world, we need to act. Join us to help build a better world - one that is more equitable, more accessible, and more sustainable.

Internships at MEDA give you the chance to contribute to the eradication of global poverty reduction. Experience in NGOs like MEDA can be a great stepping stone to a career in international development, government policy, communications, international relations, marketing, fundraising and more.

Our internships cover a wide range of topics including marketing and communication, constituent engagement, gender equality, environment and climate change, monitoring and impact measurement, and more.

MEDA offers International Internships and North American Student Opportunities.

North American Student Opportunities

*North American internships are currently REMOTE due to COVID-19

MEDA’s North American student opportunities are available to students and recent graduates and are mainly based in MEDA’s Waterloo, Ontario office. These internship positions support the following departments:

  • Gender equality and social inclusion
  • Monitoring and impact measurement
  • Environment and climate change
  • Human capital
  • Marketing and communications

North American internship positions are typically 2-4 months in duration and are contingent upon funding from programs such as Canada Summer Jobs.

International Internships

*International internships are currently on HOLD due to COVID-19

MEDA operates in many countries around the world and provides students and recent graduates with a unique opportunity to work out of one of our international offices.

Our international internship program begins with a 1-week orientation out of MEDA’s head office in Waterloo, ON followed by a 6-month assignment in one of our country offices such as Tanzania, Myanmar, Jordan, Kenya and Nicaragua.

Why interns are important to MEDA

  • MEDA and its partners benefit from the support given and the unique skill sets held by the interns to help achieve business and project goals
  • Engage with youth as global citizens who support international development initiatives
  • Increase the presence of young professionals in the field of international development
World Icon

Why MEDA is important to interns

  • Gain knowledge of MEDA’s values and work around the world
  • Experience first-hand how international development truly works
  • Gain practical, hands-on international experience that complements the skills learned through education

Join us as we work together to create sustainable solutions to poverty through business.

Opportunities

MEDA Summer Student Video 2021

Internship FAQs

  • Skills and ability required to successfully perform the work assignment, based on work or volunteer experiences and academic background
  • Interest in international development work and career goals
  • Language capacity
  • Suitability / readiness for living and working in a cross-cultural environment
  • Flexible, independent, self-directed, and motivated

Fluency in the native language (usually Spanish) is a preferred advantage, however, the main consideration will be the applicant’s ability to complete the work assignment. Fluency in the language is not a requirement for any of the internships. The advantage of knowing the native language will only be in relation to the language capacity of other applicants for the same position.

All direct expenses are covered including items such as: round-trip airfare, housing, health insurance, and other related direct costs such as work visas and vaccinations.

MEDA does not require interns to contribute any money toward the internship. All costs will be provided through GAC funding, or by MEDA. Please note: The housing and living allowance is modest, and designed to provide enough money for safe and comfortable living conditions. Participants should not expect to have savings accumulated from the living allowance at the end of the assignment.

MEDA typically hires Interns for departures in January and July. Please visit our Careers page to see any available opportunities. Once hired, all Interns attend an orientation session in Waterloo, Ontario.  Interns will depart to the field to begin the work assignment following the orientation.

The Orientation Session is mandatory and once the date is set, it will not be flexible.

  • Departure: Several factors will influence when you will be able to depart for your field assignment including: the host country’s schedule, airfares, work visas, and your schedule.
  • Return: Many of our interns have taken the opportunity to travel after completion of assignment before returning to Canada. This is undertaken at their own expense.

An Orientation Session will be provided prior to departure. During this session, you will receive a thorough introduction to: MEDA, our philosophy and methodology; your specific assignment and history of MEDA’s work in the country; training in specific research and reporting techniques; review of intercultural effectiveness; and other general background on travel and work overseas.

We put our interns in contact with the host MEDA Country Manager and previous interns to explore options for living accommodations. Although MEDA provides support, it is ultimately up to the intern to arrange a place to live. All of our interns have found places to live through contacts that MEDA has provided.
 
 
 

Have more questions?

If you have additional questions, email volunteers@meda.org