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After paying an arm and a leg for the cost of college, you’re probably wondering, “Why would I now pay for an unpaid internship that’s completely remote?” It’s a fair question, and we hear you! But there are some extremely valuable reasons to complete a virtual internship and professional development program through an organization like AIFS Abroad. 

Here are some of the key benefits of our virtual internship program you may not have thought of, and why it’s worth the cost: 

A guaranteed remote internship with an international employer 

In today’s changing and challenging global environment, finding work experience during your university studies or after graduating can be a struggle. Whether you’re applying for that first job with no previous work experience on your resume, switching career fields, or simply trying to network on your own — we’ve all been there. 

It’s really all about who you know. Doing a remote internship with AIFS Abroad means the cost will include access to our employer network of over 3,000 connections in a range of career fields, including business, marketing, fashion, STEM, communications, design, and more! We’re confident that you will find a company you love that is eager to onboard an intern remotely. 

Once enrolled in the program, our dedicated team will do all the hard work for you, contacting an employer that aligns with your academic and career goals and scheduling the interview!

An international professional work experience 

Fun fact — less than 1% of US university graduates have international work experience. Not only will a virtual internship show potential employers that you are able to focus while working remotely, but also that you are able to overcome communication barriers specific to the country of the company you worked for. This will surely set you apart from the other resumes in the stack.

Professional development and career coaching 

Where do we really shine in our virtual internships? Making sure you shine as a candidate. The cost of an AIFS Abroad remote internship includes our award-winning career development program, designed to prepare our interns for the global workforce. 

After enrolling, you’ll work with dedicated members of our team, who will review your resume and cover letter with you and help prepare you for your interview. You’ll take the Clifton StrengthsFinders Assessment to find out your top five strengths and receive support from Gallup-certified coaches to learn how to utilize them in the workplace. 

Virtual networking and cultural events — aka FUN! 

AIFS Abroad sets our virtual interns up with some fun international events and activities. First, there’s the virtual welcome orientation, where you will meet and network with other intern program participants. 

Then, throughout the program, you’ll enjoy our virtual cross-cultural events. Our overseas staff will take you on virtual activities such as an art tour in Florence, a cooking class featuring classic Spanish dishes, and more! 

Network with people from around the world 

Even, and especially, in a virtual internship, networking is so important. A remote internship with an international organization such as AIFS Abroad allows you to connect with professionals who you probably would not have the chance to meet otherwise. How many people do you know with LinkedIn connections in London or Costa Rica? You soon could! 

Learn new skills 

Work has changed, and so are the skills that employers value. A virtual internship will strengthen your skills in digital literacy and cross-cultural communication, showing employers that you’re independent, hard-working and ambitious. For extra credit, if you choose to intern with an international bilingual company, it will even boost your language skills! Hear from a few of our virtual interns about how their remote internship impacted their skillsets here.

Don’t wait around for a job to appear! Make it happen by applying to AIFS Abroad’s virtual internship program today.

We know that money can be a struggle for many people during and after college, but a virtual internship with AIFS Abroad is your ticket to a remote experience with an international company in your field, without the cost of actually buying a plane ticket. It’s worth it!