As an intern in Tanzania, why do I not get paid or at least free accommodation and meals?

Non-profit organizations in Tanzania do not have the financial means to pay you or provide such material benefits. This would make little sense even for private companies when considering the income levels in Tanzania. A nurse earns for instance only around 250 USD per month, which only allows for a modest living. Accommodation and meals at the standard most foreign volunteers/interns expect cost more than this, making it more expensive for the NGO than hiring locals and creating jobs. Foreign volunteers and interns should not compete for the few available jobs in Tanzania.

In the case of hotel internships, material benefits are usually provided for longer internships.

Updated on: 05/01/2024