10 Best Countries for Human Rights Internships Abroad

If you’re feeling called to explore human rights internships abroad, congratulations! You’re choosing an opportunity to serve, learn, lead, and grow while engaging in meaningful travel experiences.

As you thoughtfully consider your internship prospects, you’ll research where you want to go, what specific issues you want to address, how long you plan to be abroad, and what you hope to achieve in terms of personal and professional development as part of the experience.

But no matter where you end up, you’re sure to have life (and career) changing experiences!

Then, as you evaluate these causes, places, and outcomes, you’ll naturally need to think about the best countries for human rights internships right now! Given that critical needs can change course due to issues of politics, economy, environment, and health (especially during a global pandemic), your destination will play a huge role in your internship experience.

If you’re reviewing human rights internships for undergraduates, you’ll also want to consider what your internship might mean for your future graduate school or employment pathways. With so many things to consider, doing some research now will certainly help you create a valuable experience later!

What are human rights internships for undergraduates like?

When you think about human rights internships for undergraduates, you might be pretty confident about all of those advantages already mentioned. It’s a great experience—it builds your personal character and enhances what you can offer professionally.

But what is it really like to pack up and head out to work with programs that are protecting some of the most vulnerable communities and populations? The short answer is that it will be a powerful, memorable time spent working on issues ranging from politics and law to health and social welfare…especially if you choose an experience with a provider who can make the experience even more impactful.

In other words? Your human rights internship abroad will be an experience you will remember for a lifetime.

READ MORE: 8 Things to Know Before NGO Internships Abroad

10 best countries for human rights internships

So, now that you know just how amazing a human rights internship can be on both a personal and professional level, it’s time for the next step: exploring the best countries for human rights internships. You’ll have dozens of opportunities around the world to make a difference and learn, so this may just be the most important step in the research process.

1. South Africa

No need to stress—Cape Town has unrivaled internship opportunities in human rights.

• Why? South Africa is a place of new opportunities connected to historical needs. If you’re interested in working on programs connected to enacting new policies and protections for people who have long been under-represented, this could be one of the best countries for human rights internships for you—directly impacting social change.
• Recommended program: VACorps South African Human Rights Internships

2. Costa Rica

• Why? If you’re proficient in Spanish and want to level up your language skills while you explore human rights internships for undergraduates, this program could be perfect for you. You’ll assist Nicaraguan refugees with their immigration status and help document human rights abuse. You can even get free cooking lessons while you’re there!
• Recommended program: Intern Abroad in Latin America with Maximo Nivel

3. Tanzania

• Why? When seeking out the best countries for human rights internships, you might skip over this East African country—but you shouldn’t! With the opportunity to work on female empowerment, children’s welfare, and food security, this beautiful country is also home to Serengeti National Park and Mt. Kilimanjaro, offering plenty to learn, see, and do.
• Recommended program: Women Legal Aid and Human Rights Centre with Arusha Volunteers

4. Peru

Having the opportunity to hang out with a llama is enough reason for us.

• Why? Some of the best places for human rights internships are those allowing for a safe, affordable, and efficient experience. This program includes all of that and more! And, if you choose this customizable internship, rest assured that should travel plans become difficult during the pandemic, there are virtual programs at the ready for you.
• Recommended program: Intern in Cusco, Peru with Intern Abroad HQ

5. Ireland

• Why? If you want to live in a high-tech community with a small-town feel, consider Ireland (specifically Dubin) in your search for international human rights internships. You’ll get to spend time in the “Silicon Valley of Europe” while gaining access to cultural programs, social events, and even personalized talk-therapy to support your work.
• Recommended program: International Internships in Dublin with The Intern Group

6. Ecuador

• Why? It’s easy to understand why Ecuador is one of the best places for human rights internships abroad. And, if you’re primarily interested in the intersection of human rights and medical care, be sure to explore the hospital internships in Ambato. Regardless of where you choose, Ecuador's beautiful countryside will bring beauty to your experience.
• Recommended program: Internships in Ecuador with Adelante Abroad

7. Cambodia

Your short term internship might fly by.

• Why? If you’re wondering where to find human rights internships that include short-term options for making a meaningful impact, this program offers month-long and six-week options all year-round. And, the work you do in Phnom Penh will track directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, adding value to the global network of support.
• Recommended program: Short Term Community Development Internship In Cambodia with GVI

8. Nepal

• Why? If you’re looking for some adventure travel as part of your human rights internship abroad, then you might consider the wilderness trekking component of the Nepalese opportunities to be a great selling point! This year-round program also offers a wide variety of lengths, from 9 weeks to 6 months—all based at the foot of the Himalayas!
• Recommended program: Empowering Women in Kathmandu with GoEco

9. Australia

• Why? With a diverse set of program opportunities, Australia is one of the best countries for human rights internships. You’ll be able to choose from a diverse group of lodging options and work on critical issues with watchdog organizations focused on topics ranging from gender rights to child labor and human trafficking, just to name a few.
• Recommended program: Custom Internship Placement with Internships Down Under

10. Remote + Online

• Why? It can be really exciting to plan to go abroad, but some of the best places for human rights internships are remote and online. If you’re looking to travel virtually, affordably, and efficiently, a remote or online program could be perfect for you. Some even offer scholarships and additional support through coaching and mentoring.
• Recommended program: Remote Internships with Asia Internship Program

Can’t pick? Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad

Where will you go for human rights internships abroad?

Your future—and the world—await!

Now that you have a sense of some of the best countries for human rights internships, the next step is to decide which cause (and which place) makes the most sense for you.

There are countless opportunities for human rights internships abroad. Some offer single-focused experiences, while others provide you with opportunities to go to multiple countries on a single internship. And, don’t forget the amazing opportunities to pursue a human rights internship for undergraduates right from the comfort of your own home!

Whatever you choose, these international human rights internships will allow you to gain valuable experience and further your education, all while you help others, develop lasting relationships, engage in meaningful travel, and do your part to change the world.

Explore ALL Human Rights Internship Opportunities on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from VACorps. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, VACorps offers sensational internships in Cape Town only, allowing them to give their interns undivided attention. They offer internships in law, human rights, and journalism, as well as gap year experiences.