OHIO Environmental Sustainability Internship in Kenya

The OHIO Environmental Sustainability Internship in Nairobi offers students an immersive opportunity to engage in applied environmental and sustainability work with a Nairobi-based nonprofit organization. This six-week summer internship combines professional experience, cross-cultural learning, and community engagement while introducing students to the environmental challenges and sustainability initiatives shaping Kenya and the wider region.

Interns will work alongside local professionals on projects related to environmental sustainability and community development. Depending on the host organization and current projects, students may contribute to initiatives involving climate resilience, conservation, environmental education, sustainable livelihoods, waste reduction, urban sustainability, community outreach, or related areas. Internship activities may include research, program support, communications, stakeholder engagement, data collection, educational outreach, and project development.

The internship provides students with an opportunity to see how nonprofit organizations translate broad sustainability goals into practical programs and partnerships at the local level. It is ideal for students interested in environmental studies, sustainability, international studies, geography, public policy, development, public health, or related fields—and particularly for students who want to understand the connections among environmental challenges, communities, institutions, and social change.

Program Dates

June 1 – July 15 (six weeks, flexible)

Program Highlights

• Applied Sustainability Experience – Contribute to ongoing environmental and sustainability initiatives while learning how nonprofit organizations design and implement programs responsive to local needs.
• Research & Program Support – Build skills in research, policy review, data collection, project documentation, and analysis while supporting the work of the host organization.
• Community Engagement – Gain experience working with community members, partner organizations, educators, advocates, and other stakeholders involved in environmental and sustainability initiatives.
• Environmental Communication & Education – Develop skills in communicating environmental issues to diverse audiences through outreach materials, educational programming, reports, social media, or public engagement.
• Local and Global Perspectives – Explore how challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, conservation, resource use, and sustainable development are experienced and addressed within a specific local context.
• Professional & Intercultural Skills – Strengthen teamwork, cross-cultural communication, professional writing, adaptability, problem-solving, and project management while working in an international professional environment.

Venues and Logistics

Interns will be based with a nonprofit environmental organization in Nairobi and may work in office, community, educational, or field settings depending on the host organization and individual projects. The internship is designed to provide sustained engagement with local professionals and communities while allowing students to experience the wider social, cultural, and environmental context of Nairobi.

Ohio University, in coordination with the host organization and local partners, will recommend safe, student-friendly housing options with access to transportation, Wi-Fi, and basic amenities. Students will receive pre-departure and in-country orientation covering health and safety, cultural expectations, transportation, professional conduct, and daily life in Nairobi. Meals and personal expenses will be the responsibility of students.

Travel and Accommodations

• Flights: Round-trip airfare from Columbus to Nairobi.
• Accommodation: Guesthouse, apartment-style, or similar student-friendly accommodations recommended by OHIO and local partners.
• Local Transportation: Transportation may include rideshare services, taxis, arranged transportation, or other options recommended by the host organization and OHIO.
• Connectivity: Students will have access to mobile and internet services for professional and personal communication throughout the internship.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Visa/Entry Authorization: Entry requirements for Kenya vary by citizenship and will be confirmed with participating students prior to departure.
• Passport: Students must have a valid passport meeting Kenyan entry requirements for the duration of the program.
• Health and Safety: Students should be up to date on routine vaccinations and review recommended travel health precautions for Kenya in consultation with a medical provider.
• Cultural Awareness: Interns are expected to approach their work with professionalism, cultural humility, flexibility, and respect for local communities, organizational practices, and Kenyan cultural norms.

Applicant Qualifications

This internship is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students in environmental studies, sustainability, geography, international studies, political science, public health, economics, development studies, or related fields. Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong interest in environmental sustainability, climate change, conservation, sustainable development, or related issues.
• Strong research, writing, communication, or analytical skills.
• Interest in community-based and nonprofit approaches to environmental challenges.
• Adaptability, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Maturity and strong cross-cultural communication skills.
• A commitment to ethical engagement, cultural humility, and respectful collaboration.

Prior coursework or experience related to environmental issues, sustainability, international development, research methods, or community engagement is encouraged but not required.

Students must complete Elementary Swahili I and II during the academic year prior to departure to prepare for language and cultural engagement.

Costs