Build your skills, and experience working across the globe, all from the comfort of your own home.
What’s on offer
This is your exclusive opportunity to take part in a four- or six-week online global summer internship programme. You will work remotely with one of over 13,000 approved host companies in one of 80+ countries on key projects within their business. The programme includes extensive skills development training and practical international work experience to help you become a career ready graduate.
You can decide whether you want to gain experience 'in' a specific country or within a specific industry virtually. There are opportunities available virtually in China, Vietnam, Canada, Spain, USA and more.
Internships range across sectors including:
- green tech and sustainability
- legal
- logistics and supply chain
- healthcare and pharmaceutical
- international development and NGOs
- engineering
- computer science.
Internship experience was the most important attribute employers look for when hiring graduates (NACE Job Outlook, 2022).
28% of students who completed their end of programme evaluation were offered an internship extension (Virtual Internships alumni survey data, 2022)
In 2023, 46% of Sussex online interns shared they have a disability.
Final year Anthropology student, Tamar Honnah, shares how her confidence grew by putting herself out of her comfort zone and asking for opportunities. Read about Tamar’s online internship experience with Thrive with Mentoring.
"The internship provided me with the opportunity to gain practical experience in my field of interest while working from the comfort of my own home. This flexibility allowed me to balance my internship responsibilities with my academic commitments, making it a seamless and enriching experience.” - Online Global Internship Participant 2023
Key information
Our programme is run by Virtual Internships.
- All programme fees are covered and you will receive a generous bursary of £1,512 to contribute towards your living costs (equivalent to the UK real Living Wage at £12.60 an hour).
- The online global summer internships are part-time opportunities, involving 20 or 30 hours of work per week (a total of 120 hours).
- You can choose from two start dates in either July or August 2025.
- All successful applicants are guaranteed an online internship placement in a career field of your choice.
- You do not need to find your own internship. The Virtual Internships team will work to match you with an appropriate organisation for you.
You will get access to:
- a dedicated internship team to check-in weekly with you and complete mid-point and end of programme coaching calls
- CareerBridge – a Global Internship Curriculum walking you through key employability skills such as communication, career management, time management and remote working
- a full end of programme report, including supervisor evaluation, student assessment and Global Career Management Plan
- a strong alumni network at the programme conclusion.
This programme has been designed to optimise your employability, and includes key elements that employers look for, such as self-reflection. In addition to the internship, you should also complete the career development aspects of the programme.
"My time with Virtual Internships was transformative. Engaging in remote work with global partners not only honed my skills but broadened my perspective on collaboration. The hands-on projects and mentorship helped me adapt to a dynamic virtual workspace. This experience equipped me with essential skills for the future of work, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a forward-looking program” - Online Global Internship Participant 2023
Eligibility
The programme is open to second (or penultimate) and final year undergraduates.
If you are in:
- year two, you can only accept either a UK Summer Internship or an Online Global Summer Internship or the Junior Research Associate Scheme
- your final year, you can only accept a UK Summer Internship or an Online Global Summer Internship.
How to apply
Applications for the Online Global Summer Internship open in March 2025.
Equality in employment
You are protected from discrimination in the workplace and through the recruitment process, and we can advise on disclosure issues and your rights in work. We have tailored resources available for our diverse student body. Find out more about your rights at work.
We offer extended appointments for students with a disability and/or long-term health condition, and care leavers.
Contact internships@sussex.ac.uk with any questions on equality in the workplace.