The workforce of tomorrow is only going one way—global. Working in multinational companies and diverse communities around the world can be a great way to develop your skills as an international professional. Home or away, there are so many fun and amazing careers that open up to you when you start thinking outside the box...and start considering virtual internship opportunities!
All over the world people are wondering how to get the international experience they need for their future. Find out how to use the best virtual internships to take your first step towards a global career and start building helpful skills for your professional life.
What is a virtual internship?
First, let’s explain why online internship opportunities are the perfect choice for your future.
A remote internship is a great way for you to build on top of your current set of skills, working towards a career that you really enjoy. It means working within an established company to gain authentic experience, helping to bridge the gap between you and an amazing future.
Virtual internship opportunities are also a great way to build your professional experience without traveling far from home. But what makes these internships the best option for you? What sets them apart?
- International Access. Now is your chance to build your career abroad, all from the comfort of your own home. If you’re reading this mid-pandemic, you know opportunities to travel abroad are sparse. But it’s okay—these internationally-focused online opportunities will make you feel like you’re really there!
- Set Yourself Apart. Those with international internship experience on their resume used to be only those with the resources to go abroad and get it. With more affordable international experiences popping up online, now is the best time to set yourself apart from your competition. Explore virtual internships and create a resume that stands out!
- Future-Proof Work Experience. Companies around the world are now learning very quickly how to run their businesses almost completely online and many people believe this type of work environment is here to stay. Millions of people around the world are learning the advantages (and challenges) that come with remote work, so why not you too?
9 best virtual internships (with reviews)
Imagine working wherever you want, at home or on holiday. Imagine being free to travel the world and still being a success “in the office” back home. Wouldn’t answering emails be way more fun somewhere on the beach? One of these online internship opportunities might just lead you to that kind of lifestyle.
1. Stay in. Go Global! C123 Virtual International Internships
“Amidst the global pandemic, the summer of 2020 was looking very uncertain for me. I decided to participate in Connect-123’s virtual internship program, and I could not have been more happy with my decision. The organization’s staff put in great effort to find internship options that suited my needs, and I ended up doing research alongside a professor at a university.” —Lizzie, 10/10 [Read more Connect-123 reviews]
- Why is it awesome? Connect-123 is well-versed in helping students find meaningful and engaging internships abroad—and the experience is no different online! With customized placement, online orientation, and group seminars, the transition to interning remotely will be a breeze!
- Available fields: Accounting, biology, criminal justice, graphic design, history, and many more
2. Global Experiences: Virtual Internships | Intern Remotely with a Global Company
“When COVID happened, my summer plans were ruined. Then, I found Global Experiences Virtuoso Program. Since it was a virtual program, my expectations were not really high, so I definitely wasn't expecting the valuable and meaningful professional experience I received. For 8 weeks, I worked with a company that was aligned with my values and I felt the job I was doing really mattered. Also, the virtual sessions with GE staff were creative and I had a lot of fun while learning about workplaces around the world, art, and even cooking!” —Clara, 10/10 [Read more Global Experiences reviews]
- Why is it awesome? Global Experiences prides themselves on this affordable, environmentally-friendly internship option, and for good reason! They aren’t skimping on perks here; you’ll be guaranteed an internship with an international employer, receive individual advising, and benefit from professional coaching.
- Available fields: Business, economics, IT, international relations, marketing, and many more
3. Barcelona SAE: Virtual Internships
“Barcelona SAE was a great organization to work with! Everyone was extremely helpful. Despite this being their first virtual internship program, everyone still put in the effort to make this experience as normal as possible! We had weekly professional development opportunities as well. I would recommend Barcelona SAE to anyone considering it!” —Juliana, 9/10 [Read more Barcelona SAE reviews]
- Why is it awesome? Barcelona SAE has successfully adapted their premier Barcelona internship program to the online landscape, meaning you get all the same benefits as you would in Spain. Choose from a 6-week or 4-week accelerated program, enjoy an independent work environment, and build your own schedule.
- Available fields: Economics, education, journalism, linguistics, social work, and many more
4. Remote Internships by Asia Internship Program (AIP)
“I applied for a remote internship with AIP back in March and I definitely have no regrets with it. Everything that came with the internship in terms of the experience was surely memorable and I can't be grateful enough for my point of contact who made the whole process for me smooth and understandable, starting from the interview. My colleagues and supervisor of the company was a very helpful and wonderful teacher. Recommended for all students!” —Nada, 10/10 [Read more AIP reviews]
- Why is it awesome? Young professionals, college students, and recent graduates are all welcome to intern remotely with AIP! They will tailor an internship to your desired career field with small and medium-sized businesses around the world, so you can feel great about supporting local. You’ll also receive career advice and gain access to career talks from global business leaders!
- Available fields: Accounting, animal sciences, aviation, engineering, ecology, geology, and many more
5. Roots Interns: Remote Internships with African Nonprofit Organisations
“My Roots internship has been very fulfilling despite being virtual and during a pandemic. My supervisors were constantly communicating with me and kept me on task and over the course of the summer, I learned so much more about Malawi and its people than I ever thought I could with a virtual internship.” —Julia, 9/10 [Read more Roots Interns reviews]
- Why is it awesome? This is the remote internship for you if you’d like to get involved with social and environmental work on a grassroots level! Roots Interns takes the time to thoughtfully match participants with projects that are perfect for them, and routinely offer professional development workshops and webinars. You’ll also have regular check-ins to make the whole thing feel a little less long distance!
- Available fields: Development, environmental studies, journalism, sustainable development, and many more
6. VACorps Remote Internships in South Africa
“Since my original plan to intern in person with a separate organization in South Africa was interrupted, I was very grateful for the opportunity to intern remotely. Although I was mainly interested in studying South Africa to understand it’s history of Apartheid and compare it with that of segregation in America, the cultural workshops throughout this summer have opened my eyes to everything else it has to offer…” —Miranda, 10/10 [Read more VACorps reviews]
- Why is it awesome? With this remote internship, your work will be directly benefiting community projects in South Africa. VACorps will match you to a remote internship with a South African company, startup, nonprofit, or NGO which will simultaneously be career-relevant. They do an excellent job of helping participants experience the culture and history of their (remote) host country!
- Available fields: Communications, ecology, education, human rights, law, and many more
7. Project Everest Ventures: Virtual Impact Internship
“Fantastic program run by great people who keep it engaging and interesting while you learn heaps about lots of different areas. The workshops and modules throughout the program are filled with such valuable information and are made in such an engaging and interactive way to make the most of the information…” —Connor, 10/10 [Read more Project Everest reviews]
- Why is it awesome? Don’t have much time to spare? No worries—this program is only 20 days long! But it packs a punch. In a little less than three weeks, you’ll gain relevant career skills while contributing to one of the following areas: B corporation sustainable business, agricultural data consulting, ophthalmology and optical solutions, or AI-driven environmental conservation. Take your pick!
- Available fields: Agriculture, biotechnology, leadership, sustainable development, technology, and many more
8. Virtual Internship Program with Intern NZ
“I am learning more about my major as well as how to adapt to foreign environments and cultures. I am seeing the world through a new lens, and I am loving every minute of it! I have learned to be more adaptable, open-minded, flexible, self-aware and independent. I think the 16-hour difference is definitely the biggest challenge to overcome because NZ is a day ahead of us, but through thorough communication, the time difference is no longer an issue. My favorite aspect has been meeting new people and learning about different cultures and environments.” —Shafaq, 10/10 [Read more Intern NZ reviews]
- Why is it awesome? Intern NZ will help you find an internship that will help you gain industry experience and meet academic requirements. Interns can choose from 6, 8, 10, or 12-week projects. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a professional written reference and a Certificate of Completion.
- Available fields: Business
9. Bright Light Volunteers: Virtual Global Leadership Internship
“I loved participating in the Virtual Global Leadership Internship this summer, I feel that I learned valuable skills relevant to my future career while making an impact at this great organization. I recommend this program for people looking to make a difference that prefer a more flexible and open-ended program for them to showcase their skills.” —Tim, 10/10 [Read more Bright Light Volunteers reviews]
- Why is it awesome? Pursue global education and interact with communities abroad from home! Participants will enroll in a five-week online course (GST 140 Global Service Learning and Citizenship) through Bethel University. Upon completion, you’ll receive three transferable credit hours! In addition, you’ll come out on the other side with the functional skills required to be culturally competent.
- Available fields: Anthropology, education, human rights, international relations, social work, and many more
More online internship opportunities to consider
Compare these programs side-by-side (for FREE) with MyGoAbroad
The best virtual internships will transform your time off into time on!
There are amazing opportunities on offer for the best virtual internships this year. Now is your chance to get real, authentic experience in a company of your choice anywhere in the world, all from the comfort of your own home.
Make the most of being stuck inside and invest your time in your future. No matter what direction you want to go in, there are virtual internship opportunities waiting for you!
Browse ALL Remote Internship Opportunities on GoAbroad.com
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