Public Health Internship
location
Livingstone, Zambia
Available
year Round
Duration
4 Weeks+
Minimum Age
18 years
Price From
$3,625
Hands-on public health experience
Support local healthcare initiatives in a Zambian community where extra hands truly matter. This project places you alongside clinic staff and community caregivers, assisting with basic medical support, home-based care visits, and youth health education. You’ll gain hands-on insight into grassroots healthcare while building meaningful connections with patients and families.
You’ll be based in Livingstone, a vibrant town best known for its proximity to the iconic Victoria Falls and its welcoming community atmosphere. Living here gives you the chance to experience everyday life beyond the tourist highlights, combining meaningful volunteer work with the opportunity to explore one of Southern Africa’s most exciting destinations.
Internship Highlights
Gain hands-on medical experience
Gain real insights into community healthcare
Make your internship meaningful
Contribute to outreach initiatives in an under-resourced community.
Develop cross-cultural competence
Strengthen your ability to communicate and collaborate in diverse environments.
Make Livingstone your home
Experience daily life in one of Zambia’s most dynamic towns.
What you’ll do
View an Example Week
Monday
07:00 – 07:40
Breakfast
08:00 – 11:00
Preparation Time
Public Health (PH) interns will get extra responsibilities during their 4 weeks with us and have a specific short term research to work on. This will be discussed together with the coordinator on the ground but sometimes also beforehand if it is line with their own study. They also responsible that all medical supplies are up to date for the HBC program. They first couple of days will be the same as a medical volunteer, to get into the rhythm and to really get to know projects such as HBC and clinic work. Most of the afternoon will be dedicated to the research.
11:00 – 12:00
Back at the Volunteer House
The volunteers have free time to read a book, go to the supermarket
12:00 – 12:30
Lunch
12:30 – 13:00
Preparation time
The volunteers prepare for the afternoon activities together with the staff, ensuring that everyone is fully prepared and understands their role for the afternoon. At times, they also help make peanut butter sandwiches and juice for the students.
13:00 – 16:00
Community project
Each day, the volunteers visit a different community project. These may include Eco Club, Math Club, Reading Club, Girl Impact, Rugby, Health Club, and others. Teaching volunteers are mixed with those working in medical, education, or sports roles to create a balanced team.
16:00 – 16:30
Back at the Volunteer House
A Monday meeting is held with the entire team to get to know one another, review the weekly plan, and share any additional announcements.
18:00 – 18:30
Dinner
18:30 – Onwards
Free night
Easy night for all the volunteers.
07:00 – 07:40
Breakfast
08:00 – 11:00
Home Based Care
In the mornings, volunteers visit different communities around Livingstone to provide home-based care, assisting patients with tasks such as dressing wounds, administering basic medication, taking vitals, and providing healthcare education. Caregivers familiar with the area accompany the volunteers and provide translation support when needed. At least once a week, volunteers also assist at the clinic, supporting nurses with tasks such as helping at the under-five clinic by weighing babies and documenting their growth, taking vitals, or observing the clinical officer.
11:00 – 12:00
Back at the Volunteer House
Volunteers receive an activities talk from Victoria Falls Backpackers, after which they can book their weekend activities.
12:00 – 12:30
Lunch
12:30 – 13:00
Preparation time
The volunteers prepare for the afternoon activities together with the staff, ensuring that everyone is fully prepared and understands their role for the afternoon. At times, they also help make peanut butter sandwiches and juice for the students.
13:00 – 16:00
Community project
Each day, the volunteers visit a different community project. These may include Eco Club, Math Club, Reading Club, Girl Impact, Rugby, Health Club, and others. Teaching volunteers are mixed with those working in medical, education, or sports roles to create a balanced team.
16:00 – 16:30
Back at the Volunteer House
18:00 – 18:30
Dinner
18:30 – Onwards
Movie night
Today the volunteers have a movie night in the volunteer house.
07:00 – 07:40
Breakfast
08:00 – 11:00
Home Based Care
In the mornings, volunteers visit different communities around Livingstone to provide home-based care, assisting patients with tasks such as dressing wounds, administering basic medication, taking vitals, and providing healthcare education. Caregivers familiar with the area accompany the volunteers and provide translation support when needed. At least once a week, volunteers also assist at the clinic, supporting nurses with tasks such as helping at the under-five clinic by weighing babies and documenting their growth, taking vitals, or observing the clinical officer.
11:00 – 12:00
Back at the Volunteer House
A language lesson is held, during which a staff member teaches the volunteers some basic Nyanja phrases.
12:00 – 12:30
Lunch
12:30 – 13:00
Preparation and Survey time
To complete the research within four weeks, the intern participates in additional preparation sessions focused on this work. Volunteers also go out into the communities to conduct surveys, supporting the intern in gathering the necessary data to finish the research on time for their presentation.
16:30 – 18:00
Back to the volunteer house
The volunteers are taken to the Maramba community to visit the local market. At the market, a wide variety of goods are sold, with the fabric stalls being a particular favorite. Volunteers can buy chitenge fabric, which local tailors can turn into skirts, bags, or other custom items.
18:00 – 18:30
Dinner
18:30 – Onwards
Games night
The interns either play games in the volunteer house or they go to a pub quiz in town.
07:00 – 07:40
Breakfast
08:00 – 11:00
Home Based Care
In the mornings, volunteers visit different communities around Livingstone to provide home-based care, assisting patients with tasks such as dressing wounds, administering basic medication, taking vitals, and providing healthcare education. Caregivers familiar with the area accompany the volunteers and provide translation support when needed. At least once a week, volunteers also assist at the clinic, supporting nurses with tasks such as helping at the under-five clinic by weighing babies and documenting their growth, taking vitals, or observing the clinical officer.
11:00 – 12:00
Back at the Volunteer House
The volunteers have free time to read a book, go to the supermarket.
12:00 – 12:30
Lunch
12:30 – 13:00
Preparation time
The volunteers prepare for the afternoon activities together with the staff, ensuring that everyone is fully prepared and understands their role for the afternoon. At times, they also help make peanut butter sandwiches and juice for the students.
13:00 – 16:00
Village tour
Every volunteer has the opportunity to take part in the Village Tour, which is organized by the women of the local women’s group. This tour serves as an income-generating activity for the group while allowing volunteers to visit and experience two different communities around Livingstone. Volunteers also get to taste local snacks. If a volunteer has already participated in the Village Tour the previous week, they instead take part in a community project.
16:30 – 18:00
Back at the Volunteer House
18:00 – 18:30
Dinner
18:30
Free Time
Volunteers can chill at the volunteer house and play games with each other or read a book.
07:00 – 07:40
Breakfast
08:00 – 11:00
Presentation
On the final Friday of the internship, interns deliver a presentation in front of all staff and volunteers. They present their research, all collected data, and any other key findings on the big screen. Throughout the four weeks, they receive ongoing support from the coordinator, who provides guidance and helps answer any questions.
11:00 – 12:00
Back at the Volunteer House
On the final Friday of the internship, interns deliver a presentation in front of all staff and volunteers. Meanwhile, volunteers have free time to read, relax, or visit the supermarket.
12:00 – 12:30
Friday check-in
Before lunch, a “Friday Check-In” is held. During this session, volunteers are asked for feedback on the week, informed of any maintenance in the house, updated on the weekend plans, and briefed on any new arrivals.
12:30 – 13:30
Cultural meal
13:30 – 16:00
Cultural afternoon
Volunteers gather in the boma at the backpackers, where one or two staff members give a talk about Zambia. The session includes time for questions and answers, followed by a “mock wedding,” in which two volunteers are playfully married to demonstrate a traditional Zambian wedding. Afterward, everyone participates in drumming and dancing together. If a volunteer has already attended the cultural afternoon the previous week, they instead take part in a community project.
16:00 – 18:00
Back at the Volunteer House
18:00 – 18:30
Dinner
18:30 – Onwards
Free Time
Volunteers can chill at the volunteer house and play games with each other or read a book.
Living on the banks of the Zambezi
Livingstone, Zambia
Staying at Our Base
Your home during your stay is a simple, comfortable volunteer house in Livingstone, designed to give you everything you need while staying immersed in local life. You’ll share rooms with other volunteers, each equipped with basic furnishings, fans, and secure storage. Bathrooms and showers are shared, and communal areas provide space to relax and connect.
There is also a pool for you to unwind during hot days. The house is within easy reach of the clinics, schools, and local amenities, so it’s easy to balance activities with downtime and explore the town at your own pace. Staying here also gives you the chance to experience daily life in Livingstone alongside other volunteers and local staff.
Fees cover accommodation, meals, project costs, transfers, support, and in-country orientation.
- Backpacker style accommodation with swimming pool
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Fri)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Transport for scheduled activities, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
- Full orientation for responsible participation
- Flights
- Visas
- Insurance
- Weekend tours
- Personal expenses
Rates
| Duration | Project Fee |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | $3,625 ($907 per week) |
| Duration | Project Fee |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | £2,755 (£689 per week) |
| Duration | Project Fee |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | €3,230 (€808 per week) |
| Duration | Project Fee |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | $5,260 ($1,315 per week) |
The minimum age to join this project is 18 years old
The minimum stay for this project is 2 weeks
What our volunteers say
Is This Internship For You?
This internship provides experience you can confidently talk about in applications, interviews, and academic work. Whether you’re studying public health, medicine, nursing, social work, or development studies, you’ll gain practical exposure that strengthens your professional profile. You’ll come away with enhanced communication, teamwork, and data management skills, as well as a deeper understanding of how global health initiatives operate in practice. You’ll also develop cultural competence and adaptability, qualities highly valued across sectors.
- Hands-on experience supporting public health activities
- Practical skills in data collection and health monitoring
- Enhanced ability to communicate health messages to diverse audiences
- Improved cultural awareness and collaborative skills
- Insight into how health programs are evaluated and adapted
- Meaningful experience to support future career or graduate study goals
Our Favorite Weekend Activities in Zambia
volunteer. There’s something for everyone – from the adrenaline junkie to culturally
intrigued traveller.
Safari Time
Enjoy easy safaris in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park with elephants and zebras along the Zambezi, or cross into Botswana for Chobe’s famous elephant-filled overnight adventure.
Victoria Falls
The Zambezi River invites adventure with scenic cruises, white‑water rafting, and peaceful canoe trips, plus bungee jumping and gorge swings for those seeking an unforgettable thrill.
Tours and Markets
Experience Livingstone’s rich culture with walking or cycling village tours, explore vibrant markets, and find handmade crafts or unique local foods to bring home.
Zambezi River
The Zambezi River promises adventure with scenic cruises, thrilling white‑water rafting, and peaceful canoe trips, letting you explore vast waters and hidden, tranquil channels.
Project FAQs
What Kind Of Skills Will I Develop Through This Internship?
This program offers a unique opportunity to: Enhance your cultural sensitivity and communication skills, analyse public health challenges, explore potential solutions, and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals. Participate in data collection and analysis, contributing to ongoing public health initiatives and gain practical experience in public health settings.
How Will This Internship Impact My Future Career Aspirations In Public Health?
This immersive experience will equip you with invaluable knowledge, practical skills, and cultural understanding, making you a more competitive and well-rounded candidate for future endeavours in public health. You’ll gain valuable firsthand experience, develop professional networks, and potentially discover specific areas of public health that ignite your passion and guide your future career path.
Is It Safe To Travel In Africa As An Intern?
Africa is a vast continent with diverse cultures and safety considerations that vary depending on the specific country and region. We prioritise the safety and well-being of our volunteers and carefully assess each program location. Additionally, our project staff are available to support you throughout your placement, ensuring you have a safe and enriching experience.
Enquire Now