So, what exactly is a remote internship? Well, if a traditional internship sees a student work for a short period within a company, learning about aspects of that organization and its industry to gain relevant work experience, a remote internship does the same, without the need to visit in-person. Instead, work is completed remotely via the internet, using email and video conferencing.
If you’re going to be a remote intern, make sure you have a productive workspace available.
The best fields for remote internships include a wide range of activities from research, content creation, online marketing and graphic design, to writing, editing, translating, database work, and project development.
Not only are these types of virtual internships great work experience, but internships within an international organization also provide cross-cultural connections—and can enhance a host of soft skills that are valuable in a global economy.
Are remote internships as good as on-site internships?
You may encounter some very obvious challenges when you choose a remote internship:
- You can’t easily shadow a person doing their work.
- You may have a more difficult time forming casual connections with coworkers and office staff.
- It’s difficult to gain a complete picture of the company or understand the context of its location and culture.
- Cultural immersion may be limited.
But, conversely, you may have overlooked some valuable benefits to completing your internship remotely:
- Low risk and high reward. Virtual internships allow you to explore options for future careers and future international travel, or even relocation, from the safety of your own home—with less financial and time commitment. It’s a low-risk way to prepare for opportunities on the horizon. It is also a key way to gain invaluable soft skills, reflect upon your career goals and aspirations, make international career connections, and gain skills in your chosen field, all while building your confidence for future travel.
- Accessible to more people. Remote internships are more affordable than traveling to another country or location, and far more accessible for those unable to travel, for any reason. You might even be able to participate in more than one remote internship at a time, enabling you to compare different companies or countries as you plan your next steps.
- Demonstrate innovation and originality. Prove to recruiters that you’re a go-getter with a flair for challenge and adventure by choosing internships that push your boundaries: culturally, career-wise, and in this very modern format. Exploring the best fields for remote internships is a great way to do this. At a time when so many workers have to work remotely, it’s incredibly valuable to learn the skills necessary to collaborate across technological and cultural boundaries, all while being able to communicate effectively and manage your time responsibly.
- Dive deep into projects. With shadowing out of the picture, online internships require interns to focus on specific projects. While this is a trade-off, and one to be aware of, it is also an opportunity. It gives interns an opportunity to deliver a valuable piece of work for which they can take credit and describe to future employers. It’s much less likely that you’ll end up focusing solely on general support activities.
10 most popular types of virtual internships
1. International and Sustainable Development
You can help NGOs develop initiatives from afar.
One of the best fields for remote internships, both in terms of program quality and impact, is sustainable development. Start building a bridge to a career in international development and participate in social and environmental initiatives abroad! There are many internships available, from marketing for conservation NGOs to fair trade and social enterprise internships to education programs and graphic design work for humanitarian organizations. Make sure that whoever you work with operates responsibly and partners with locals to ensure that the work is needed and desired!
- Recommended program: Kaya Remote Internships – Vietnam
2. Marketing: Communications and Social Media
So much of marketing already takes place online that it’s just a small jump from an in-person internship to a remote one—which makes marketing one of the most common types of virtual internships. Learn the ins-and-outs of marketing and communications, from writing copy to harnessing the power of social media to planning events. Gain connections, build soft skills, compare cultures, and lay the foundation of a career.
- Recommended program: Virtual/Remote Global Internships Through The Intern Group
3. Business: Entrepreneurship, NGO Management, and Finance
Get real-world experience in the field of business. There are many opportunities available, whether you’re contemplating working for an NGO that supports women’s empowerment initiatives abroad, developing skills in a commercial business, or working for an innovative start-up. Dive into finance, leadership, or management. Learn what it takes to make a business successful, grow your global network, and sow seeds for future opportunities.
- Recommended program: Kaya Remote Internships – Morocco
4. Environment and Sustainability
You may not be able to be hands-on right now, but your remote work will go a long way for those who have to be.
Are you passionate about the future of our planet? Perhaps you’re interested in pursuing a career in conservation. Believe it or not, you don’t always have to be on-site to learn about environmental initiatives, making this one of the most innovative types of virtual internships. You’ll help influence policy, educate communities, or delve into research and survey data, all while learning from experts abroad.
- Recommended program: GVI Virtual Internships and Career Experience
5. Graphic Design and Media
Concerning technological areas of interest, it’s not difficult to see why graphic design and media easily translate to online internship programs, or why it’s one of the best fields for remote internships. You’ll get the opportunity to develop project management skills as you delve into the world of graphic design or maybe even film production. Gain real-world experience in your field of choice, or just explore your options for the future.
- Recommended program: CIS Abroad Virtual Internship in Ecuador
6. Education
Are you looking to gain education and teaching experience, all while building skills in technology and cross-cultural communication? Given the popularity of online teaching jobs, education has become one of the most popular types of virtual internships. Develop workshops, run classes, and prepare toolkits. Want to help others while learning about communities abroad? There are many opportunities available that can help you gain these skills, and see if this is your dream career.
- Recommended program: CAPA Global Cities Flexible Choice Program
7. Law, Human Rights, and Immigration
Gain insight into legal systems and human rights and immigration issues abroad. Gain skills in legal and policy research and learn from experts on the ground, gathering invaluable insight into the inner-workings of countries other than your own. This is an excellent field to pursue in online internships, but it’s also one where it would be wise to engage in a practical on-site component, either later on or in partnership with your virtual duties.
- Recommended program: Authentica Virtual Internship eXperiences in Asia: Business and UN SDGs
8. Journalism, Research, Writing, and Editing
No surprises here—internships focused on writing and research can be effectively completed online.
Is there a better way to harness the opportunity of working and learning from home? Research, writing, and editing enjoy a natural transition to an online platform, making journalism and creative writing some of the best fields for remote internships. Gain experience while gaining in cultural knowledge and bolster potential future opportunities by collecting international contacts. This experience will help you succeed in a competitive industry.
- Recommended program: World Endeavors Virtual Journalism Internship
9. Data Analysis and Website Development
Web development and programming are another two popular types of virtual internships, given the online-centric work. Dive into the world of data processing, analysis, statistics, or learn the detail-oriented work of website development. Get lost in your projects while learning invaluable communication skills that will help you in your future career, whether you decide to work for a company or break out on your own.
- Recommended program: World Endeavors Virtual Web Design Internship
10. Public Health
Healthcare internships have also made the transition to online programs. Remotely assist established public health efforts in communities abroad, or help with research that may one day influence public health models. Even with travel unavailable to many, there are opportunities to make a difference, all while exploring career possibilities and boosting resumes. Be sure to ask about the potential for a practical on-site component later on, depending on which branch of healthcare you’re most interested in.
- Recommended program: CareerDC Online Internships in Australia
3 remote internship features to look out for
Remote internships are awesome, but make sure you’re choosing ones that are high quality. Get the most out of your online internship experience by selecting one with these essential components:
1. Mentorship
Search for remote internships that provide a built-in mentorship model, in which you are paired with a Project Supervisor and maybe even a Country Site Director. Sessions with personal mentors ensure that you develop strategies to build your skills and references.
2. Culture
Interactive Cultural Workshops, or the opportunity to hold discussions with locals, can help supplement what is lost when an internship is completed remotely. Gain an understanding of your host organization by expanding your knowledge of the country as a whole. See if you might be interested in traveling there later on, and gain valuable connections that may someday open doors for you—you never know!
3. Experiential Learning Models
Choose a provider that offers additional support in the form of guidance, time for reflection, arranged check-ins, and add-ons like language classes or built-in Cultural Workshops. All of this helps round out the remote internship experience and helps add meat to your resume. Focus on more than just the work; focus on personal development too.
There are tons of online internship opportunities—find the best for you!
The right types of virtual internships will give you the work experience you need!
Remember, the best fields for remote internships will help foster a foundation for a longer relationship with an organization abroad.
For those who complete an immersive remote internship and develop real interest in the field or destination, there is always the option of visiting that location at a later date to follow up on the work completed or to see these valuable projects in action.
Try a remote internship and build a solid foundation for future travel and exploration that may one day lead you far from your home.
Browse ALL Online Internships on GoAbroad.com
This article was written with help from Kaya Responsible Travel. Kaya Responsible Travel offers volunteer and internship placements on over 150 sustainable community development and environmental initiatives in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Kaya’s new remote internships bring the world to you, harnessing a vast network of international contacts, a foundation in experiential and cross-cultural learning, and years of experience placing students on meaningful projects.
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