Internship abroad is an excellent opportunity for global learning and gaining valuable career experience. Immersed in ministry, you’ll be working with the poor and disadvantaged to make a significant impact in their lives. An internship is the most effective way to change lives since you’ll be fully focused on the work of the ministry, and serving for several weeks or months gives you the time needed to really make a lasting difference.

For some students, the thought of serving an internship abroad seems too adventurous. Getting a visa, traveling overseas to a different culture with a foreign language – suffice it to say it can be intimidating. But those who go claim that their internship experience was the single most important, not to mention the greatest, experience of their college years.

Serving an internship with Blessing the Children International (BCI) is the right choice if you're looking for more than just work experience you could get from interning in your home country. By choosing BCI, you will experience and gain insights into the culture of Ethiopia and to the global community at large. It's the type of adventure and work experience you just can't get here at home.

BCI staff will guide you through the process and ensure a safe and adventurous journey as you step out and follow your heart to serve a people less fortunate in Ethiopia, Africa.

An internship is a fantastic way to obtain important job skills and international understanding. Foreign internships really stand out on a résumé as proof that you've had a unique, global learning experience that has helped shape your character. Through cross-cultural communications, language and problem solving skills, you will develop and display characteristics that employers want.

Variety of Internships

We have a variety of internship needs in Ethiopia.  Some examples are:

Internships provide hands-on experience in various fields according to the type of internship. We need you for internships in:
Teaching - Teach at our school, the BCI Academy (core subjects, English or sports)
Social Work - Work hand-in-hand with BCI Ethiopian social workers
Ministry Outreach - Work in local church programs and evangelism
Medical - Work in local clinics to help the sick

You'll be Serving in a Community that Needs You!

Words cannot express the value you bring to a community that needs you; an impoverished community where people live on less than a dollar a day. The knowledge you bring from a first-world country will benefit the nationals you work with. Many Ethiopians struggle along day-by-day, but you can challenge them to excellence and bring them hope for tomorrow by showing them a way to a brighter future. Your very presence is an encouragement to them. It means so much that you care enough to come in person and help.

Step Back in Time

Visiting Ethiopia is like stepping back in time to a culture that is nearly as primitive as it was when Jesus walked the earth some 2,000 years ago. It is a rare opportunity to see first-hand what life was like so long ago, while ministering and touching the lives of people in need.

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Interns are scheduled for 20-40 hours per week of ministry work, with weekends off for sight seeing and relaxation. Although it is not required, you may enjoy learning basic Amharic to help you communicate more effectively within the community. Our staff will be pleased to help you with this.

Housing & Food

Accommodations are a private room in a BCI Guest House. They are clean and comfortable with a modern toilet, running water and electricity. Missionaries prepare and eat meals together, family style.

Length of Internships

Standard internships are 6 weeks, 15 weeks, and 24 weeks, although we can customize your service as your schedule permits. It is preferred to start internships following major breaks according to the Ethiopian school calendar. The best start dates for internships are listed below.

Internship Requirements

Students/volunteers must be mature and resourceful individuals exhibiting a commitment to ministry and community participation. Successful volunteers are those willing to step out of their comfort zone and be used where needed. It is essential that students be flexible, open-minded, and capable of adapting to new situations. A positive attitude, even in frustrating or difficult circumstances, is vital. Interns must have a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and be committed to learning and being effective.

It's our mission to ensure that you are effective in ministry during your internship. You’ll work closely with BCI staff where you will form lasting one-on-one relationships, both socially and spiritually.

Standard trip fees reflect departure from an international airport in a major US city.

If coming from outside of the USA or if you wish to depart from an airport that is not an international airport in a major US city, please contact us for a quote.

Questions?
  Please email us at  [email protected].
  Or, call us toll free at 888-269-2719.
        From outside of the United States, call (989) 667-8850