We live in the digital age where many things can be done without ever leaving home: shopping, getting a degree, and now eInternships, or virtual internships. I really shouldn’t be surprised that it exists, but nevertheless I was skeptical about them. How could eInternships work? Could you gain any experience? After reading the Virtual Foreign Service’s eInternships (VSFS), though, I changed my mind.
The VSFS gives U.S citizen college students the chance to work with U.S Government federal agencies via virtual internships, such as the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Education (Ed), and the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA). EInterns do not have to physically report anywhere and do all their work on their computer. This gives them a lot of flexibility which enables them to balance both academic work and internship work. The Virtual Student Foreign Service was made by the State Department of Service as an effort to “harness technology and commitment to global service…to facilitate new forms of diplomatic engagement.”
EIntern duties vary from location to location and the needs of each project . They may be researched based, such as contributing reports on human rights, the environment, or economics. Others may be technologically orientated which may include working on websites and helping to produce electronic journals. Projects can either involve working with other states or other countries.
Starting July 2, 2013, applications will be accepted until July 20, 2013. Applicants must submit an unofficial or official transcript, a statement of interest, and a resume. In addition, after seeing all 276 projects, applicants can select up to three projects to apply to. Interviews may be conducted in August and applicants will be notified whether or not they were selected by mid-September. EInterns will begin working by the end of September.
Good luck to any that apply!
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