DAR-ES-SALAAM, Tanzania, Sept. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Mashariki Africa, a paid hospitality internships program, officially launched today and is accepting applications for Zanzibar Islands, Serengeti in Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130913/MN78582)

"We are very excited about the launch today" the Program Director Mr. Hashim Ahmed commented. Internships in Africa are very rare, let alone paid ones. Mashariki is fulfilling both options".

Mashariki believes it will provide fresh change for graduates, students and job seekers considering to travel abroad for work placements or internships. All its programs are sponsored by leading luxury hotels, resorts and safari park lodges in East Africa.

"Our vision is to link candidates with the hospitality industry leaders of East Africa, promoting their career development and mobility. We also aim to promote the wonderful sights and wildlife in East Africa, and increase awareness about the region as a preferred Safari holiday destination."

Mashariki Africa programs offer prospective applicants relatively competitive benefits and incentives. These include a salary of US$500 to US$800 per month, plus a round-trip airplane ticket from the applicants origin city to the internship destination, one of three locations: the exotic Zanzibar Islands, the wonderful Serengeti or the region's financial hub and gateway city, Nairobi, Kenya.

Interns are also provided with visas and 6 months working permits, accommodation, transportation and all duty meals within the hotel, restaurant, lodge or resort where they will be living and working. 
Based on research of comparative overseas programs based in Africa and other top internship destinations, most require applicants to pay for entry, are unpaid or strictly volunteer based. Many qualified and motivated prospective applicants of internships, even volunteer, gap year, or study abroad programs, end up shunned away due to "entry fee" requirements, airline ticket expenses and other costs.

In rare cases, average stipends in comparative countries range from $0 to $400 per month, with housing and other costs borne by applicants.

"We are an all-inclusive placement agency, our fees are paid for by the employers. Our sponsors are in the business of running hotels; we are working very closely with them to ensure relevance to the current jobs market and maximum employability on completion of the placements.

Our goal is to create programs that attract the best talent, and provide the ideal placement to those seeking to gain real-world experience and in-demand training" adds the Program Director.

According to one of the employers, their aim in sponsoring the program is to create a platform for cultural exchange and learning environment and attract the best interns. "We want all qualifies and motivated candidates to get a fair opportunity. We're funding Mashariki Africa because we believe they are capable of achieving our vision" says one employer.

There are no fixed starting dates, allowing applicants applying for vacancies to start any time. Typical internships and jobs include a Chinese and Italian Chef de Cuisine, Casino Hostesses, for a 5 Star hotel in downtown Nairobi, Concierges, Pianists, Sommeliers, Guest Relations officers in Serengeti, and Lifeguards, Scuba Diver and Snorkeler Coaches in Zanzibar Islands.

Intern responsibilities range from organizing a big event and conference planning in Nairobi City or providing sightseeing tips or guiding tours side by side with local hotel staff, serving guests and visitors from around the globe.

During the program, interns will have the opportunity to experience wildlife and take part in organized trips and activities, going lion sighting in Serengeti or trying to climb the Kili (shortened Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa), explore historic Stone Town and swim with dolphins in Zanzibar, meet with Masai warriors and even learn some Swahili!

Who Can Apply?Ideally, you will have tourism and /or hospitality qualifications (college certificate, diploma, undergraduate or advanced degree). Students from other backgrounds and disciplines (Arts, Business, Marketing, Environmental, etc.) also encouraged to apply, along with interested applicants that posses foreign language and other vocational skills.

"Hotels in the region are experiencing a higher number of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, German, the US and UK, and other European and Asian countries. We are therefore very keen to attract candidates with such foreign language skills" adds Mr. Ahmed.

"Most importantly, we are looking for anyone that is passionate about wildlife, nature, hospitality, and motivated enough to live and work in East Africa for a minimum of 6 months."

In exchange of creating opportunities that challenge and respect their intern-candidates every step of the way, Mashariki believes its programs will gain exceptional testimonials compared with other cultural exchange or internship programs, and hopes to hire and graduate the very best interns.

About Us:Mashariki Africa provides paid hospitality internships and work placements in leading luxury hotels, resorts and lodges in Zanzibar Island, Serengeti in Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya. Employers and sponsors of Mashariki Africa are also owners, operators and proponents of eco lodges and green hotels in national safari parks and private game reserves in East Africa. To learn more about our programs and apply for a internship or job vacancy, please visit us at MasharikiAfrica.Com

Media Contact: Hashim Ahmed, Mashariki Africa, 00971552835139, contact@masharikiafrica.com

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SOURCE Mashariki Africa

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