Girls Empowerment through Sports: Professional, Academic, and Cultural Experience included!

Join Isla for a truly immersive and “all inclusive” international experience! Our team pairs you with a local NGO in your field of interest, supports you every step of the way, secures housing, insurance, etc., connects you with professional, social, and cultural opportunities, and collaborates with your university to ensure all academic requirements are met! 

Join us as an intern at Kosovo's pioneering girls' soccer league supported by UNICEF and Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani! Please note, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Internships can take place during the school year or summer break. Internships last for 6+ weeks. You will get a chance to specify when you would like to start your internship.

KFV Prishtina Girl's Soccer League stands as the first professional club offering girls starting at the age of 4 the opportunity to play soccer throughout Kosovo. KFV has been successful in establishing an environment in which girls, who were typically denied access to soccer, can pursue their passion to join a team and stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers.

You can be a valued member of a dedicated team committed to promoting gender equity and advocating for girls through the beautiful game of soccer. The mission is to create a supportive environment where girls can confidently explore their interests in sports and receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. Be part of this change to break down gender stereotypes in soccer and empower girls both on and off the field! 

• KFV has had an incredible journey so far, with projects including:
• Establishing the Senior Girls Team, competing in the First League of the Football Federation of Kosovo.
• Launching the first-ever soccer team for girls with Down Syndrome in Kosovo, providing invaluable opportunities for all girls who are interested.
• Setting up school soccer teams for girls, contributing to the popularization of soccer among girls and using sports to improve their overall social and emotional wellbeing.

Isla will work closely with your university to locate funding and answer all questions. The following is included within the program so that you can focus primarily on the work at hand and be supported each step of the way!

• Pre-departure preparations (packing list, language modules, cultural guidance, etc)
• Quality Internship Placement with a customized scope of work
• Airport pickup and in-country orientation
• Welcome lunch/dinner
• Housing, internet, and fully stocked kitchen
• Groceries
• Travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
• Local SIM Card/phone plan (optional)
• Monthly Bus Passes/Transportation (optional)
• Local Language classes (optional)
• Tuition to study at the national university for 4 ECTS/3 US credits (Kosovo- optional)
• Mentorship from local professionals
• 24/7 support from Isla team
• Bi-weekly internship and cultural experience reflection sessions
• Scheduled team lunches/dinners with all interns/Isla team with relevant professionals/stakeholders
• Support in organizing and planning travel/in-country social activities
• Cultural/social activities as available
• Certificate of completion and letter of references upon completion of internship
• Continued mentorship post completion of internship (according to field of interest)
• Additional support depending on country of internship and academic requirements

Depending on the Intern’s skill set and interest, the Intern will be assigned to one or more of the following projects associated with the empowerment of girls through sports in Kosovo:

• Coaching & Skills Training
• Health & Nutrition
• League Capacity Building
• Organizational Development
• Social Media Marketing
• Grant Writing & Fundraising

The Ideal Intern Candidate
Isla seeks interns who share a commitment to fostering change and addressing social issues, particularly through gender equity and sports. This internship provides a wonderful opportunity to earn academic credit to meet practicum, research, or capstone project requirements towards your degree. Or if you only want this wonderful opportunity to gain work experience in this unique global community, that is more than doable, too!

Skills & Abilities

• University undergrad and graduate students, and young professionals working on a degree (or who have graduated in fields) such as sports, human rights, communications, public relations, English, creative writing, health, or other-related fields.
• Willingness to take initiative and work under minimal guidance in both office and field settings.
• Motivated and committed to work effectively as part of an inter-cultural team
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and willingness to learn.
• Be flexible and work to understand diverse cultures, history, and relative current events.

All Isla internships are customized to your particular academic interests and skill set. Please note, if you are a university undergrad or grad student, it is your responsibility to check with your institution and with Isla Internships Abroad to be sure that your internship Scope of Work is designed to meet all requirements for your particular academic needs. 

The Isla Team is available to guide you through the process even before you accept your Isla internship position. Most of the work in developing your placement is conducted way before your arrival in-country!

Hear from 2024 Isla Alumni: “I would describe it as a unique and rewarding experience for anyone interested in exploring the world and helping people. My time in Kosovo was one that I'll never forget, as the knowledge I gained and the people I met will both have special places in my heart.”

“The internship experience was one that will open your worldview and expose you to new challenges that you will only experience interning abroad. Interning through Isla will develop not only memories, but skills that will transfer into the workforce.”

“I would describe this experience as a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was very rewarding and it really shows what you can do by yourself in another country. It is something that I think everyone should do.”

Please note: A $90 application fee is required to process your application.

Apply here. Contact The Isla Team for more information at info@isla-serve.org! Live Learn Intern