Customized Online Internships & Virtual Exchange Program

While I was initially reluctant to complete a virtual internship experience, I am glad that I chose to do so via Evolve Abroad. From the start my mentor, Shayle, was incredibly supportive and it was an overall amazing experience.

As a global communications student with an interest in international development, Evolve Abroad’s “Era of Sustainable Development” program was a brilliant combination of learning about the challenges of sustainable development via coursework and working with an organization on the frontlines of sustainable development projects. Prior to the program you work with Evolve Abroad to determine your interests and goals regarding your internship and career and they place you with one of their partner organizations to complete work directly related to gaining experience and knowledge in your field and area of interests. They reviewed my internship placement match with me as soon as it was made to double check if it was what I was looking for, which was incredibly reassuring. Shayle and Natalie frequently checked back over the course of my internship to make sure I was getting on alright with my work and if I needed assistance. They also analyze your strengths and weaknesses at the start of the program and work with you on overcoming those weaknesses as part of your career development throughout the program. For instance, I worked to develop my network and networking skills with Shayle.

I interned with Action Change and while there was certainly a challenge to adapt to the virtual workspace, I was well supported by Evolve Abroad’s team and my coworkers at Action Change. The work you do is incredibly fulfilling, especially the more you learn via the online course in sustainable development with your intern cohorts. I learned a lot and ultimately feel as if I accomplished far more than I set out to do.

I was able to work with the Two Oceans Aquarium and their turtle rehabilitation division. I was able to analyze the data they had collected over the years to help them better find, feed, and heal sea turtles. I was also able to attend their online classes about marine life and conservation. I also helped with graphic design to create some informative posters about sea turtles. I would also connect with the other students who had various other fields of study a few times a week to hang out online and play trivia games with. All the people I interacted with were so kind and friendly. I felt so welcome and valued. I was also enrolled in an online course about environmental sustainability. This was an amazing class where I learned so much about the world, people, and resources. Sadly, I was not able to go to South Africa due to COVID, but I would have had an amazing and safe accommodation just minutes from the beach. Evolve Abroad is an awesome program that truly wants to help people make connections, develop skills, and have fun.

I think Evolve Abroad is an amazing organization and the course I took was truly life-changing. I had a great time learning with students from Canada, the USA, and South Africa and with my lovely teacher Natalie. The course was something that opened my eyes and made me realize that the clock is ticking. If you are hesitating about taking the course, well don't, there is simply no reason to. Taking the course will mean for you to meet new people and learn so much about the world and its issues. I believe everyone should have an opportunity to know about the SDGs and about everything else that I have learned in the course.

I loved every moment of my online internship, it was a completely invaluable experience and I am so happy I had the opportunity to do it. My mentor and course facilitators were second to none, they provided me with incredible support and insight throughout my entire programme, which is what really made this experience so unique. Another amazing aspect of these internships is being able to connect and talk to people from all over the world, this was really great when it came to discussing our course material and doing our reflections as you get to hear other peoples opinions and how their lives differ to others in different countries.