If you are thinking of getting an international internship experience, but you can’t afford to travel at this time, then a virtual internship program is what you need. The world is a global village that allows you to do anything, including doing virtual internships.
So, if you don’t have a passport, no problem.
You can choose to stay at home with these virtual internship opportunities available in 2021.
Remote working and virtual solutions are the way of the future.
As long as you have a computer and Internet access, you can gain competitive skills and valuable global experience.
This article contains a list of the most interesting virtual internships in 2021 offered by reputable organizations.
These placements defy dry Zoom meetings and emails.
They also demonstrate the vast possibilities of what you can do with your virtual internship.
Doing a virtual internship from your couch might not be as scenic as an in-person placement.
However, reviews from past virtual interns demonstrate that these opportunities provide all the professional development.
In addition, it exposes you to cultural experiences that make international internships a life-changing experience.
Why take a virtual internship in 2021?
Virtual internships are rising in popularity, along with improvements in online collaboration technology.
Also, the increasing use of social media platforms has made virtual communication very easy.
Smaller companies and start-ups, in particular, are recognizing the benefits that come from a global virtual internship program.
At the same time students are increasingly seeking opportunities to gain valuable experience in their field of choice.
The centre point that brings these companies and students together is virtual internships.
Benefits of virtual internships to students
1. No need to relocate.
Virtual interns can work for any company in the world as long as they have an Internet connection.
This provides the opportunity to gain international experience without even having a passport.
Many students cannot afford to study abroad, pay to commute to work or rent an apartment in order to be near their internship.
Virtual internships effectively break down these barriers and open the door to a wider variety of students.
2. It is very flexible
It is often difficult for students to fit an internship into their busy class schedules, especially when they are also involved in extracurricular activities and work part-time jobs.
Virtual internships allow students to set their own schedule and work when they can.
3. Gain valuable skills for today’s global workplace.
International experience is a quality that more employers are looking for in potential employees.
An international virtual internship is a great way to improve telecommunication and time management skills.
Further, a virtual internship requires self-discipline, independence and the ability to take initiative.
4. Expand your network
Working across national borders gives virtual interns the opportunity to greatly expand their global professional network.
This is particularly valuable for students earning their degree abroad, who ultimately wish to return to their home country and seek employment.
Benefits of virtual internships to Employers
1. Widen your talent pool
Virtual internships allow employers to greatly increase the number and diversity of candidates for these positions.
A more diverse range of applicants is likely to emerge, as geographical and financial constraints are less of a concern.
2. Cost savings
A virtual internship program eliminates the need for extra office space, computers and other supplies.
Project-based virtual internships also protect employers of paid interns from having to pay for unproductive time at work.
3. Flexible workers
Smaller companies in particular can appreciate the flexibility that comes with having extra workers on an as-needed basis.
Many start-ups who would greatly benefit from having interns shy away from the idea because they are unsure if they will be able to provide enough work.
A virtual internship program allows employers to assign work as it arises, without having to worry about keeping interns occupied with busywork.
4. Access to international resources
Employers can benefit from virtual interns who have a variety of cultural, educational and professional backgrounds.
International students can add value through their social networks, unique perspectives and access to a range of global professional resources.
10 Virtual Internships in 2021
1. Build a Sustainable Business in Fiji
Program: Think Pacific – Virtual Internships Fiji
Put your business skills to the test alongside the experts carrying out Fiji’s National Development Plan.
Get to work with a team passionate about instruction through real-world experience.
This virtual internship will immerse you in Fijian culture by engaging with guest speakers.
Also, you’ll gain firsthand knowledge of the unique problems faced by South Pacific communities.
During the internship program, you will be developing an action project on your chosen focus.
You will also demonstrate your business chops by presenting it to government leaders and NGOs.
If your idea passes muster, you might join other Think Pacific intern alumni who’ve developed actual sustainable businesses in Fiji.
This program offers flexible 4-, 8-, and 12-week placements.
This is enough time that will give you the chance to help organizations drive change in Fiji.
2. Learn Spanish and Public Health Strategies in Bolivia
Program: Child Family Health International – Virtual Global Health Experiential Education
Delve into the multiple facets of public health when you intern with CFHI.
In this virtual internship, medical professionals will educate you on global as well as community health.
They will also be teaching you critical thinking skills as you study the realities of health burdens, systems, and pandemic management in Bolivia.
In addition to learning how to incorporate indigenous healing practices with modern medicine, you’ll have over thirty hours of language instruction and cultural activities to take your Spanish to the next level.
This program provides four- and eight-week placements, during which you’ll enhance your medical knowledge and ability by working on a live project to support community needs.
3. Practice Law in Beijing
Program: Remote International Internships with Absolute Internship
If you’re interested in real-world experience that lets you work side by side with experts and explore the nature of international law, then Absolute Internship has got the placement for you.
As a team member of a Beijing law firm, you will conduct research for active cases, including worldwide intellectual property laws.
Between court dates, you’ll also develop your professional skills through intensive workshops focusing on soft skills.
In addition, one-on-one coaching in this virtual internship program will help you hone in on your career goals.
As part of their promise to provide a fully custom internship, Absolute Internship offers part-time or full-time placements that range from four to sixteen weeks.
4. Champion Human Rights in South Africa
Program: Remote Internship in South Africa with VACorps
Though you won’t be physically present in South Africa, VACorps and its partner organizations work hard to make interns feel like honorary members of the family.
Live events and interactive lectures will broaden your knowledge of South African history and culture.
This will go a long way in preparing you for the work you’ll do with organizations seeking to bring human rights to the forefront in this country.
In addition to drafting cases to amend law and studying refugee issues, you will have access to training that will help you succeed in working remotely.
You can also take advantage of classes in Xhosa, one of South Africa’s eleven official languages that’s marked by its distinctive bantu clicking sounds.
Placements with VACorps range from 4 to 12 weeks, fully customized to your academic as well as professional needs.
5. Explore Marketing with a Startup in Vietnam
Program: Abroader – Marketing Executive Intern at Growing Startup
If fun and personal connection is what you’re looking for in a virtual internship, then past interns with Abroader all agree that this is where you belong.
This virtual internship will help you to hone your marketing skills with a Vietnamese startup company
You will get to use social media for marketing activities, learning customer behavior, as well as improving sales.
In addition, you’ll experience the country’s rich culture through intercultural sessions with locals and interactive workshops that teach you to cook Vietnamese food in your own home.
Abroader takes rolling applications, and placements range from 8 to 24 weeks with a variety of hours available depending on the specific positions open at the time.
6. Protect Ocean Life in Australia
Program: GVI: Virtual Internships
Dive into marine conservation, but you can leave the swim fins in the garage this time.
From analyzing drone shots of coral reefs to composing water temperature studies and unsustainable fishing reports, you’ll be immersed in the day-to-day running of marine conservation development projects.
Under the supervision of experts, you’ll be exposed to cutting-edge methods and practices to replant coral reefs and combat poaching.
Together with a local organization, you’ll work on projects to solve real and imminent problems for sharks and changes in climate.
GVI’s virtual internships let you work at your pace, offering a wide range of hours and durations to ensure you can gain the experience you need.
7. Study Civil Engineering in Ireland
Program: Virtual Internships Abroad with Learn International
Make an impact with your STEM skills by completing a virtual internship that allows you to innovate for change.
Through analytics of energy and water usage, climate change, or heath and sanitation, you’ll work with high-caliber employers who need and value your input to develop solutions for their communities whether you’re connecting devices over 3G or manufacturing industrial products.
Your placement won’t be all work and no play, though.
Learn International provides virtual events and videos to ensure interns connect with Irish culture, past and present.
This virtual internship has flexible start dates that allow interns to customize their experience.
Also, scholarships are available.
8. Design Websites for Companies in Japan
Program: Virtual Internships with Meiji Internships
Build your international portfolio by completing a virtual internship that puts you to work with Japanese companies eager to help you enhance your design skills and technique.
You’ll develop your aptitude for remote working as well as your cultural skills as you engage as part of a global team.
There is also a robust support network and intentional connection with interns.
This is reflected in overwhelmingly positive reviews from past virtual interns.
Majority of them noted that they felt they were working side by side with their professional colleagues despite distance and time differences.
With fully custom placements and no time limits to complete your internship, Meiji Internships offers virtual interns all the tools needed to create strong business networks.
9. Create Trends with a World-Famous Fashion Designer
Program: Virtual International Internships with Global Experiences Virtuoso
Whether working from home has got you interested in Zoom call fashion or working pajamas, this internship with Global Experiences Virtuoso will help you learn what it takes to make a trend go viral.
In addition to working with a world-renowned fashion designer, you’ll also collaborate with photographers and videographers on projects.
Together, you’ll be creating compelling content for social platforms, newsletters, and blogs.
At the same time, you’ll develop soft skills and an aptitude for remote working with teams.
In addition to a professional development program, you’ll have access to art lectures and cooking shows that bring the world to you.
Past interns rave about this program’s extremely supportive staff throughout their experiences.
Placements range from 8 to 12 weeks.
10. Conduct Hands-on Developmental Psychology in India
Program: Remote Internships with Intern Abroad HQ
Invest in children and their futures through this virtual internship that connects you with local psychologists in India.
You will be trained in remedial support and interpretation of test outcomes, and you’ll provide support and resources for children and their parents through one-on-one counseling.
Throughout your internship, you will learn about cultural factors related to education and parent-child relationships in India, giving you insight into how to make real differences in the lives of the children you work with.
Intern Abroad HQ provides a wide range of opportunities for interested future interns, offering full-time and part-time tracks for 100 hr., 250 hr., and 350 hr. placements.
Conclusion
Let this list of interesting virtual internships in 2021 get you excited for the year!
Virtual internships can give you worldwide access to experts in your field.
They also provide safe and affordable options without compromising on the cross-cultural education and experience of going overseas.
No tickets needed!
Just you, your laptop and internet access.
Share this virtual internship opportunity with your friends and family.
Cheers.
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