About EMI Uganda Internships
Our collaborative, multi-disciplinary work environment prepares interns for a career in architecture, engineering, surveying, or construction management. Interns will leave the program with an understanding of the design and construction process, knowledge of design software, and experience interacting with clients and peers to produce a high-quality product.
In addition to growing professionally, interns are challenged and enriched personally through communal living, cross-cultural relationships, mentoring, involvement in local churches, volunteering, and living on a budget. For those who come with an open mind and a willingness to be challenged, EMI’s internship programme is truly a life changing experience.
—Benjamin Rukundo, 2017-18 Architecture Intern
East African Interns
We accept applications from prospective East African interns who have completed their studies towards a Bachelor’s degree in architecture, a relevant engineering discipline, land and quantity surveying, or construction management. Interns will gain practical professional experience by assisting staff and volunteers on development projects both in the field and at our office at Kajjansi Airfield, just south of Kampala.
We offer our ministry partners full construction management services as well as design services. As a design intern working in the Uganda office, you will have the opportunity to visit active construction projects, and offer design support to our construction managers. Our construction management interns often spend a significant proportion of their time on site, assisting with daily site management.
Regardless of your role, you will join a multi-disciplinary team made up of experienced architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, surveyors, and construction managers, and will have the valuable opportunity to learn about disciplines other than your own.
You will live and work alongside international interns, giving you a cross-cultural experience and the chance to form international friendships. You might be surprised at the new experiences you find in Uganda as you socialize and take part in group activities in your free time!
—Morgan Cannon, 2017-18 Structural Engineering Intern
International Interns
Internships are for qualified students and recent graduates in architecture, structural/civil/environmental engineering, land surveying, construction management, and research & development. Interns will gain practical professional experience by assisting staff & volunteers on development projects both in field & office settings.
We offer our ministry partners full construction management services as well as design services. Working in the Uganda office means that you will have the opportunity to visit active construction projects, and offer design support to our construction managers.
You will work on an inter-disciplinary team made up of experienced architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, surveyors, and construction managers and will have the valuable opportunity to learn disciplines other than your own.
During their free time, previous interns have gone hiking, on safari, climbed volcanos, gone camping, visited co-workers at their homes, taken overnight busses to Kenya, become involved in the local community, and enjoyed restaurants, concerts and shopping in downtown Kampala.
Q: How do I apply for an EMI internship?
A: Pre-Apply for an EMI Internship online. You will need to create or log-in to your EMI account to pre-apply for an EMI Internship.
Q: Where will I be living?
A: The EMI Uganda interns live together in a compound that is about a kilometer from the office. The compound has a unit for male interns, a unit for female interns and a unit for an EMI staff member who serves as the intern host. You will likely share a room with another intern and will have to work as a group to organize cooking and cleaning duties.
Q: What is the office routine like?
A: The workday begins at 8:00am with a time of spiritual devotion – for example Bible study, prayer, or sung worship. You will likely share an office with your supervisor and other staff members within your discipline. A hot lunch is served daily at the office. The workday ends at 4:30pm.
Q: What about after office hours?
A: Your schedule outside of office hours will be flexible. Your home will only be a 10-minute walk from the office so you will generally be home before 5pm each day. During the week, your evenings will probably be spent shopping, cooking dinner, or just relaxing at home with other interns. The neighborhood is generally quiet, safe, and walkable. Public transport is available, making it possible to attend church events, concerts, or visit friends after work. Each intern and intern group has their own personality and chooses how to spend weekends, some like to stay home and relax; others take every possible opportunity to explore Kampala, Entebbe or other parts of Uganda.
Q: Do I need to speak Luganda?
A: No. The office is located in the central region of Uganda, where Luganda is spoken, but English is the official language and is very widely used.
Q: Can I have visitors?
A: Yes. There are many hotels and guesthouses in the area, and Uganda is a great country to visit, however your ability to take time off to travel with visitors will be limited during your internship. If you have visitors who want to travel extensively in the region, or if you want to take extended time to explore, it is feasible to delay your return flight and do this after you have completed your internship.