During a time where international travel can be unpredictable, the UT Programs Abroad Office (PAO) is providing students with opportunities to enroll in global internships through the office’s newest suite of programs, UTK Online Global Programs.
These internships allow students to gain global work experience and develop professional competencies with organizations located around the world. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused the world to become more reliant on connecting and collaborating virtually. Online global internships can enable students to develop skills that will prepare them to be competitive in the marketplace.
Being part of a global professional experience from the comfort of your own home allows for a more affordable, flexible, and unique international opportunity. UTK Online Global Programs allows students to pair their semester courses with a part-time internship or participate in a standalone full-time internship during the summer.
“As a result of the pandemic, we are trying to build opportunities for global engagement that students can access from anywhere,” said Michael Sáenz, Interim Assistant Director for the Programs Abroad Office.
“One thing that is really important right now is access. Our online global internships are affordable, relevant and impactful to a student’s career goals.” Sáenz added.
Students can apply for the CGE Study Abroad Undergraduate Scholarship for Online Programs, with an award amount of $450. This scholarship is now open for applications and can be applied towards the online program of a student’s choice.
The online global internship is a customizable project-based experience based on each student’s academic and professional objectives. Interested students can set up an appointment with a PAO adviser to discuss.
Eight UT business students are currently participating in online global internships for the spring 2021 semester. These students are involved in opportunities all around the world from Dublin, Ireland to Sydney, Australia.
“The biggest benefit to me is the real-world experience. The work I get to do is not dependent on whether I am in Australia in person or not, and I get to have a real impact on a real company. That part of this experience is awesome to me.” Said Gabe Parish, current Online Global Internship student.
For students looking to gain relevant job experience, valuable skills, and make connections the Online Global Program is a great way to make the job applications standout.
“Picking this option may seem like a lot of work on the front end, but gaining experience, contacts, and something to put on your resume is way too valuable to pass up on,” Parish added.
Online global options are available for students in all majors. To learn more about upcoming UTK Online Global Programs visit, https://programsabroad.utk.edu/. Applications are now open for summer programs.