Young student intern from Finland in Tanzania

Art in Tanzania internship program

Introduction:
Hey, It’s me Eero! I’m a 23-year-old University student from Finland. I’m doing a bachelor’s degree in tourism and event management at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. Right now, I’m interning with Art in Tanzania and enjoying life.

How did you find AIT?

I was looking for open jobs and internship positions on our school’s intranet and found Art in Tanzania there. At first, I was a bit hesitant, but I just emailed and asked a few questions. After emailing back and forth, I decided on it: I wanted to go to Tanzania, and here I am now!

What have you been doing so far?

So far, I’ve been taking care of tourism-related documents. For example, safari and tour descriptions should be kept up to date and translated from English to Finnish. I’ve only been here for two weeks and have ten more to go, so we’ll see what else comes up later.

How is everyday life in Tanzania?

People here are very friendly and eager to talk to you, which was weird at first because, in Finland, that doesn’t happen. Sometimes I feel like a rock star waving to people from the Bajaji or Piki Piki.

How is working different in Tanzania compared to your home country?

Different, very different. Patience is the keyword you have to remember here. Things might not happen on a strict schedule like you’re used to, but they will happen eventually.

Just say “Hakuna matata” and wait it out. That isn’t just a song from Disney’s Lion King but a phrase I often hear. Roughly translated it means “No worries” which is exactly the mentality you need here.

Would you recommend an internship at AIT?

I think this is an excellent opportunity to learn more about different cultures and also an opportunity to learn about yourself. The staff here is fantastic, and you get to meet many people from other parts of the world who’ve come here to volunteer.

Just take the opportunity and come here. You won’t regret it!