Join Intern Abroad HQ, the world’s most affordable international internship organization, and invest in your future with a Social Work Internship in New Zealand.

If you’re looking to gain experience exploring and supporting the complex needs of a community’s most vulnerable, then a Social Work internship is for you. Collaborate alongside dedicated professionals in their efforts to empower, educate and invoke change in those from a range of backgrounds.

All interns in Auckland, New Zealand, are accommodated in student apartments within or near the city. The central location of the accommodation is ideal for commuting to internship placements within the downtown area. These apartments are close to public transportation routes, as well as shops, restaurants, cafes, entertainment, and parks. Public buses also provide access to surrounding beaches and popular seaside suburbs, such as Takapuna and Mission Bay.

Eligibility requirement

Participants must have a minimum of one year in further education (college/university) in a relevant field, such as education, health sciences, psychology or social work. Previous experience working with children is desirable, as well as a knowledge of social work practice and theories.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English.

What's Included

This program ranges from 12-24 weeks. Your fully-hosted experience includes sourcing of your internship placement, personalization of your project plan, airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 support. For a full list of our transparent fees, check out our website.
 
New Zealand’s social service workers play an important role in the community. Despite being a developed country, which is highly ranked for peace, happiness and more, New Zealand communities still face very real challenges. New Zealand’s rates of child poverty, domestic violence, addiction and alcohol issues are high, and the sectors which work to address such issues struggle with being understaffed and under-resourced. Such problems have especially been compounded in recent years, by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living.

A broad range of placements can be connected to the field of social work and interns should expect that their current level of experience will be taken into consideration, when providing the internship placement. There is scope for interns to be placed with both government, as well as non governmental organizations. Such organizations in New Zealand are involved with client welfare in a number of ways - whether responding to client needs and crises directly, or providing auxiliary support or referrals. Social Work priorities may be related to support for addiction, mental health, and abuse, as well as working to support community members with diverse needs, such as the elderly, at-risk youth, and people with disabilities.

Your participation as an intern means being flexible to interact with diverse cultures and demographics. While interns should not expect to be directly responsible for any client/patient care, you’ll assist (relevant to your level of skills and experience) with the provision of support, services and care for people. For example, internship tasks in this field may involve:

• Assist with age appropriate recreational and developmental programs (encompassing social, emotional and physical development)
• Assist with programs focused on the creation of self-esteem and wellbeing
• Contribute to the creation of information / client resources and support networks
• Support fundraising teams who deliver annual appeals (and other activities)
• Contribute to any relevant materials development (e.g. proposals, impact reports, letters, flyers, certificates, etc.)
• Assist with database management and reporting (e.g. data entry of donor records, partner and community supporter databases, client information, case notes, etc.)
• Shadow professionals in the provision of support for people in crisis (e.g. provision of professional advice, assistance to access benefits and accommodation, etc.)

If you have specific skills or would like to focus your internship on a particular area, please include details in your application. All interns wishing to fulfill academic requirements during this Social Work internship must outline their needs in advance. Particular requests are accommodated wherever possible, but are subject to availability.
 
Intern Abroad HQ's New Zealand programs are available year-round, with the Monday start date of your choice.

Intern Abroad HQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs. Detailed pricing available for your duration on our website.

We match you with innovative and entrepreneurial host organizations around the world that give you the opportunity to make a real contribution on high-impact projects with the support of travel experts with an outstanding safety system and track record.

Gain valuable international career experience that will boost your employability in a volatile job market.

Our experiential learning approach provides a structured and guided platform for you to think critically about your experiences on your internship. It accelerates and deepens your learning by asking self-reflective questions around the contexts, actions, and outcomes of your placement.

Academic credit available for all experiences with 45 hours or more through our School of Record with University of Montana that you can apply towards your degree at your home institution.

Flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence.

• Select your start date & duration: All Intern Abroad HQ programs are available year-round and you can choose to intern for durations on this program ranging from 12 to 24 weeks.
• Complete your registration: After you have been accepted on your chosen program, you can secure your place by paying the Deposit.
• Pay your Balance: This is only due 60 days before your program starts.

Need to make changes to your booking? You can make free unlimited changes to your destination, project and dates up until 60 days before you start.