An online internship programme offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience of applying what they have learnt in class to the workplace. The programmes are experiential learning opportunities and are purely educational - they do not involve any work, and students do not receive any payment. Students collaborate with fellow peers with host organisations who are registered charitable organisations in the UK, Europe and across the world. Students participate in these educational experiences without the need for physical presence. 

Internships and work experience can vary globally, but in our context, an internship refers to a voluntary, unpaid work experience. It offers structured learning, often for students and graduates, allowing them to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings. So, at Online Interns, we use the term 'internship' to refer to 'work experience', which encompasses practical engagement in professional environments, utilising an experiential learning approach to help you consolidate and apply the knowledge and skills you have gained in your studies.

Online internships eliminate geographical constraints, offering flexibility and accessibility while imparting remote work skills that are increasingly valuable in today's job market. You still have to be ‘present’ for a set time each day, but this will be online - similar to the real-word hybrid working experience that has become the norm in many industries.

Depending on the programme you sign up to, you will collaborate with charities, NGOs or other organisations and contribute to solving real challenges they face. This symbiotic approach benefits both you and the organisation.

The programme is inclusive and designed for UK university or college students (18+ years of age) across all fields of study, catering to individuals who seek real-world exposure and skills enhancement. They are also suitable for graduates in the early stages of their career who are looking for experiences to enhance their CVs.

The programme is underpinned by theoretical perspectives. You will engage in daily tasks, group discussions, and practical training. This is a 10-day programme over 2 weeks. The internship timing varies; for example, our online internships in India take advantage of the time difference so that you can fit this around your studies or work and home commitments, each day will be from 8am-12pm, whereas our UK and European experiences will start later.

The internship is designed to develop your experience of cultural adaptability, group and individual skills, as well as proficiency in online and remote collaboration. For those partnering with host organisations overseas, you will learn about the differences of working internationally and understand global issues.

Our focus on professional skills development will help you to gain the key skills employers are looking for in candidates - these include oral communication, presentation skills, data gathering, report writing, and working collaboratively with others. You will not only gain these, you will demonstrate them, and these will be evidenced and supported through a certificate and a recommendation letter from your host organisation.  

Completing the online internship demonstrates practical skills, exposure to the workplace, and adaptability - traits highly valued by employers. Your certificate, portfolio, and testimonial will provide you with evidence of your internship and these skills, and set you apart in job applications.

The experiential learning approach allows you to apply your theoretical knowledge in a real-world context, enhancing your engagement in class, assignments, and coursework.

You will be assigned a dedicated mentor who will act as a coach and provide guidance, check progress, and offer personalised feedback throughout your internship journey.

Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate, a portfolio of their activity for professional development, a recommendation letter from the host organisation, and access to a network of fellow interns. We also offer in-person field trips twice a year and you may wish to take part in these - as an alumnus of the intern programme you will receive a discounted rate to join one of these. Take a look at our course page for full details.

Your investment in the online internship programme offers a remarkable return. For the programme fee, you will receive 10 carefully structured sessions, each spanning 4 hours, designed to immerse you in real-world scenarios and skill-building activities. Alongside these sessions, you'll gain access to a wealth of resources that empower you to grasp the intricacies of the challenges at hand and develop effective solutions.

Beyond the structured sessions and resources, your fee grants you exclusive access to the host organisation and a diverse network of fellow interns. Collaborate, learn, and engage with like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. What's more, you'll acquire invaluable skills in cross-cultural collaboration, remote teamwork, and online communication, which are increasingly sought after in today's evolving job landscape.  

Finally, compare our fees and contact time with an average 20-credit undergraduate university module. These are usually delivered over 10 weeks for around 2 hours per week, and typically cost approximately £1200.

The programme aims for inclusivity and provides valuable experiences at a reasonable cost. It stands as a cost-effective alternative to traditional work experience opportunities, eliminating travel expenses and our 121 mentor will ensure that you gain the skills you need. We do not provide financial assistance but occasionally we do offer discounts or scholarships in the form of fully funded places and details of these will be on our website, posted on our social media channels or included in our newsletter.

Please also check with your University or College as they may be a partner with us in which case you will receive a discounted rate or access to subsidised places, or they may have funds you can access or advise you about funding for the programme. Click here for more information.

The programme spans 10 days, providing an immersive and intensive experience that maximises your learning and contribution within a short timeframe. The internship timing varies; for example, our online internships in India take advantage of the time difference so that you can fit this around your studies or work and home commitments, each day will be from 8am-12pm, whereas our European experiences will start later.

Absolutely! The programme is designed to accommodate students at various stages of their academic journey, allowing you to leverage your existing knowledge and enhance your skills. Your university or college may even allow you to undertake the online internship and provide support for any classes you have missed, or even allow you to use some of the information in your coursework, such as a final year project. Please discuss this with your tutors.

Yes, our programme is designed to accommodate various commitments. The structure allows you to balance your internship experience with other responsibilities. As you will only be required for part of the day, you can negotiate working times with your employer so you can fit the internship around their needs.

All you need is a computer or other device with good internet access, and a quiet space free from distractions so you can focus on the internship. Our online platform is user-friendly and facilitates engagement and collaboration throughout the programme.

As an interprofessional experience, you can use your experience in many ways with the host organisation and you will be provided with an opportunity to identify challenges which align with your expertise and interests.

Yes, after completion, you'll become part of our exclusive network of interns. Access to our onlineinterns.network, social media groups, and exclusive discounts on future opportunities will continue to enrich your journey.