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NamIntern

Why choose NamIntern?

NamIntern is a full-service provider of internships, volunteer experiences, and research opportunities in Namibia. We facilitate visas, organize accommodation, plan exciting travel excursions, and provide 24/7 on-site support for students from around the world. No matter your field of study, we are confident that we can find you the ideal placement working, researching, or volunteering with a local Namibian organization. Customized packages are also available!

At NamIntern, we help thinkers and doers find their dream work.

Reviews

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Malene
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship with Namintern

When I first came to Namibia, I was very sceptic. I was afraid I wouldn't like it here, and 3 months is a long time thinking about it, but after a week, I adapted and found my place here. Then I realised how grateful I was, and how I surprised myself by loving this place. It was a hard time for me going back to Norway.

The work was very challenging and sometimes I even wanted to give up, but looking back, I can see the kids development and how they growth which I can't even describe with words. Words are empty in a situation like this.

It was nice having a company as Namintern which greeted us at the airport, wishing us welcome. It's also nice having people that you can contact for everything and whenever you need. That gave me a feeling of security and being safe. It can be hard coming to a new country not knowing where to go or what to do in difficult times, but having people that you can contact is a big relief and is very helpful.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you are thinking about going abroad for doing an internship, start saving money and put it aside, you will need it.

Just enjoy your time and take day by day. Life is different here, but it doesn't mean that it's a bad thing. Different can be a good thing too.
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Marie Tangen
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship with Namintern

You will learn so much, you have no idea. Not only regarding your profession, but also about yourself. You will grow as a person, experience and see things that forever will be a part of you. Which will impact the way you act, the way you do your work, the way you look at yourself. I've met so many amazing people, I have been on the most amazing trips as well as I been able to see poverty close up. It's been though and emosional, but I believe it's all been a part of shaping me into a better me.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Save up money so you can experience everything that is on offer.
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Synne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship with Namintern

Before i went to Namibia, I knew little about the country. I didn't expect much from the country, but was prepared that things would be limited compared to Norway. But when I first arrived to this country, I realized that this was not true. Namintern har been good at giving us all the information on what to do and not to do. They have always been available for us in the whole internship. They have always helped us when we wondering about something, got sick or join us on various activities. Namintern made me feel so safe and a part of the namibian people. I feel it is a good vibe over the whole place, especially in Windhoek. People here are so welcoming and interested in you.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Get to know the local people! They have so much to offer and ask them for advice which place you should visit in Namibia.
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Kaja
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship with Namintern

My internship in Namibia have been fantastic in so many ways. You hear people talk about internships and how good they are, but you can't really imagine before you get to your new country. I met friends and people that I will remember for the rest of my life and I have had so much fun every single day. Ever since day one I have felt safe with the staff in Namintern and they are always there when we need it. They make us feel comfortable at work, at home and even on social events. Africa would never been the same without all the great people working with Namintern.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Come with an open mind and get to know everyone you meet during your stay. Enjoy every single moment you experience because you won't be able to enjoy them again, and specially the moments you have with your friends.
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Rebecca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship with Namintern

One thing i really appreciated was that Namintern made me feel very safe, and was always there if i needed anything or had any questions. The trips we went on was a big part of the internship, and it was really nice that they organized it and went on the trips with us. It was also really nice having Namintern during the internship, so we could talk with them about challenges and things that was difficult for us. They also had a lot of good information about Namibia, that was good of us to know during the stay here.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I had a Zebra steak at Joe's Beerhouse in Windhoek, it was really good.

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Mari Bredenkamp

Job Title
Marketing Manager
Mari is an adventurous, fun-loving person who appreciates the importance of how traveling leads to personal growth and valuable human connection.
Mari Bredenkamp

What is your favorite travel memory?

When I was 16, my mom took us to see one of her favourite cities - Rome. The people weren't the friendliest, so when our shy tour guide, who was supposed to give us an hour only guided tour through the Colosseum, told us that she is busy completing her PhD in Roman History and we can have the "long version" if we are interested, we immediately said yes. Especially given the fact that our family has had an unhealthy obsession with the movie Gladiator for a very long time. We were beyond excited.

We spent the entire day walking through Rome and its historic sites, some still being discovered, learning the most incredible things and eating delicious gelato. I went to bed that night with sore feet but more amazed by Rome than I ever thought possible and with a new, insanely knowledgeable Italian friend.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I've learned that there is no "normal". The way I grew up and the way I see the world and even my home country is so subjective. Something I accept as "normal" is very abnormal for people from other cultures or parts of the world.

I am still busy learning to take what I thought I knew, completely reevaluate it and with that, be more open-minded and receptive to people's differences.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I am new to the NamIntern Team, so I don't have a personal story YET, but there are students from Norway who participated in a NamInternship about 4 years ago. They organize fundraisers in Norway with everyone contributing in their own free time. They then take 4 weeks of unpaid leave every year, so they can come back to where their journeys in Namibia started.

These programs are mostly orphanages as well as school and aftercare programs that protect vulnerable and disabled children. So to see students returning, EVERY YEAR, to continue their support of these children makes me feel very warm and fuzzy inside.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

This is a difficult one, as NamIntern specializes in customized programs, which means I would 100% choose subjectively and this program might not be everyone's cup of tea. That being said, the program that we currently have, that I would personally choose, would be a Media and Communications Internship at a local Feminist and Women's Health NGO. It combines both my professional and personal interests and my work would contribute to a good cause, so that is just a win-win in my opinion.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

The beauty of NamIntern is that it offers infinite amounts of programs. What you want, you get! Well...most of the time, the local NamIntern Genie is out on Safari a lot, so we can't always grant wishes, but we try our best to get as close to it as possible.

Namibia has a small population, and with NamIntern's extensive network, we can customize your intern position in a way that includes both your professional and personal interests. This means that your work will be either fun, fulfilling or both.

We really care about our program participants, as our CEO and another NamIntern Team member were both interns in Namibia. So have sat on both sides of the table and have a personal understanding of the difficulties and triumphs these programs entail. We want this to be an experience of a lifetime. Maybe even a life-changing experience like it was for several team members.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I wrote just one word. Sincerity. But as I have to fill a minimum of 300 characters, I will tell you why.

Sincerity is not something you can fake or train someone to have. It's in the little details, the truly caring, the extra effort, the "are you okay" and the "is there anything you need". It's the purest form of wanting the best for others. And because there is no maintainable way to fake it, I believe that companies and their employees who are sincere about caring about customers and building life-changing experiences will always rise to the top.