Internship program at mental health clinic Tanzania

Ready to take your psychology studies beyond textbooks? Join our mental health internship in Tanzania and make a real difference while exploring beautiful Africa! 🌍✨

Accommodation: Dorm room
Location: Tanzania
Category: Healthcare and medical
Language: English, English, English
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Minimum duration: Min. 3 weeks

About the project

This unique mental health clinic in Arusha represents one of Tanzania's only dedicated mental health facilities, addressing a critical gap in the country's healthcare system. Founded to tackle the widespread need for psychological services, the clinic operates with a dedicated team of psychiatric-trained nurses, counselors, psychotherapists, social workers, and mental health practitioners. The facility handles a comprehensive range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, marriage problems, psychosomatic illnesses, trauma, stress-related disorders, and sexual abuse cases. Beyond individual patient care, the clinic actively engages in community outreach through support groups for families of schizophrenic patients, child abuse awareness campaigns, and radio programs addressing violence against women. This placement offers psychology students and social workers an unprecedented opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a culturally diverse setting, working under professional supervision while contributing to vital mental health services in a developing nation.

What you bring

Minimum age of 18 years (exemptions possible with guardian permission)
Basic English language skills
University-level education in psychology or social work
Clean criminal background check
CV with picture
Certificate of qualification or education enrollment documents
Experience with medical and clinical work (advantage but not required)
Ability to commit for at least 3 weeks
Willingness to work Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Adaptability to new cultural environments
Passion for mental health and helping others
Open-minded attitude and respect for different cultural approaches

What you do

Participate in daily morning team meetings to plan activities
Assist with clinical assessments and counseling sessions
Support psychotherapists and social workers in their daily tasks
Engage in community initiatives and awareness campaigns
Join support groups for parents and caregivers
Contribute to discussions about client treatment plans
Help educate clients about psychological issues
Participate in fieldwork raising awareness about mental health
Document and evaluate daily progress
Experience the unique cultural context of mental health work in Tanzania

Gallery

What you get

Hands-on experience in a developing country's mental health system
Professional supervision and mentorship
Accommodation in the cozy White House hostel with shared rooms
Three freshly prepared meals daily (local Tanzanian cuisine)
Airport pickup from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport
Work permit for Tanzania
Local coordinator assistance throughout your stay
Orientation on your first day
WiFi access to stay connected with family and friends
Opportunity to immerse in exotic African culture
Possibility to join an unforgettable African Safari on days off
Build international friendships with fellow volunteers

What you don't get

Flight tickets to Tanzania (assistance provided to find cheap flights)
Travel insurance (quotes available through partners)
Tourist visa fees for Tanzania
Vaccinations required for travel
Personal expenses and bottled water
Entrance fees for sightseeing and safari activities
Lunch during weekdays
Drinks from the hostel bar

Program fees

Duration	Per Week	Total
3 weeks	€237	€711
4 weeks	€232.75	€931
5 weeks	€232.60	€1,163
6 weeks	€232.67	€1,396

Program availability: April 01, 2025 - November 30, 2026

Flight and airport

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for convenient pickup service. Airport transfers included from both JRO and Arusha Domestic Airport - just provide arrival details for your personalised pickup!

Visa

Tourist visa required for Tanzania. Most nationalities can obtain visa on arrival or online. Ensure passport validity of 6+ months. Consult your embassy for current requirements.

Free time

Tanzania offers incredible adventures during your time off! As one of the world's premier safari destinations, you can join budget-friendly group tours to legendary parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire. For ultimate challenges, plan climbs up Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru with expert guidance from the White House team. Day trip options include hiking to Mt. Meru waterfall, visiting authentic Masai villages, swimming in natural hot springs, exploring fascinating underground caves, and touring banana plantations. On quieter afternoons, cool down in hotel swimming pools open to visitors, paddle around Lake Duluti in canoes surrounded by monkeys and birds, or dive into culture at Arusha's Museum of Nature and Wildlife. The Cultural Heritage Center offers unique shopping and gallery experiences. All activities can be easily arranged at your hostel, where evening communal dinners become planning sessions for weekend adventures with fellow volunteers and international travelers!

Activities

Hiking

Yoga/Meditation

Swimming

Riding

Concert/Music

Safari/Zoo

Sports

Camping

A typical day

Your transformative day begins at 8:00 AM with a comprehensive team meeting where the entire mental health staff discusses the day's agenda, reviews client cases, and delegates assignments. As an intern, you'll receive specific tasks or be paired with an experienced mentor to shadow throughout the morning. Your role might involve assisting with clinical assessments, supporting counseling sessions, or participating in treatment plan discussions under professional supervision. The structured program ensures you gain maximum learning while contributing meaningfully to patient care. By 1:00 or 2:00 PM, you'll wrap up clinical duties with another team meeting to evaluate the day's achievements and prepare for tomorrow's cases. This debriefing session is crucial for processing experiences, discussing cultural nuances in mental health practice, and receiving feedback from supervisors. The minimum 3-week commitment allows you to develop genuine therapeutic relationships and understand the rhythm of mental health work in Tanzania. Afternoons are yours to explore Arusha, plan safari adventures, or reflect on the profound experiences gained in this unique clinical setting.

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