Virtual Global Internship in New Zealand
The international experience that gives you the most complete cultural and professional experience from home.
Remote work isn’t the future way global business will function – it’s the present. With a virtual internship in New Zealand, work on projects for an international organization from your home base while adding a global perspective to your professional work experience. Apply your academic studies to real-world projects, gain hands-on experience, expand your skill base, and learn what it’s like to work remotely across time zones and cultures. Through comprehensive support every step of the way, this program is specifically designed to ensure your success. With guided modules on building your self-brand, working remotely across cultures and owning your career, you will improve your communication, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills while building meaningful professional relationships.
What to Expect:
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Language: English
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Average Courseload: 140-230 contact hours U.S. credit is available
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GPA Requirement: 2.5
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Visa Requirements: NONE Required!
Highlights:
- Earn a Working Virtually Across Cultures digital micro-credential and up to 3 credits!
- Flexible schedule - complete your desired hours over 6 weeks
- Build your self-brand and learn to network remotely through guided modules.
- Work through internship successes and challenges with peers and mentor in structured seminars.
Internship Placements
Biology & Ecology - Virtual internships available in
Below are a few sample Biology & Ecology - Virtual placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with Biology & Ecology - Virtual internships
Geospatial Science Research Intern
Gain experience with a prominent New Zealand university research department in geospatial science, ecosystem management, and spatial ecology. You’ll develop your skills in the areas of data acquisition, development, maintenance, mapping, and basic geospatial analysis.
Conservation Research & Data Analysis Intern
Investigate at a university research institute in New Zealand and learn about the impact of climate change and on calcifying taxa, especially coralline algae and corals. This work will support planning for shallow reef systems in the years to come. Data-based research can be used to make species-specific predictions of their responses to ocean acidification and warming, as well as quantifying reef growth under climate change.
Business & Economics - Virtual internships available in
Below are a few sample Business & Economics - Virtual placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with Business & Economics - Virtual internships
Business Analyst at a Data Science Company
Let your communication skills and knowledge of Excel shine while you gain professional experience at a company in New Zealand. You’ll conduct structured market research and analysis and produce basic graphic design, such as putting together pitch decks for product and research presentations.
Fundraising Intern for a Mental Health Charity
Work closely and help the CEO at a mental health charity in New Zealand. You’ll prepare fundraising applications and compliance, as well as support development of corporate partnerships, help research, and track grant funding.
Business Intern at a Not-for-Profit Charity
As an intern at this New Zealand charity, you’ll be providing business and marketing support, helping the CEO with marketing strategies and delivery of projects, including business analysis, data entry, financial processing support, and compliance work.
Education - Virtual internships available in
Below are a few sample Education - Virtual placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with Education - Virtual internships
Education Assistant at an Early Childhood Center
Work in an early childhood education center in New Zealand that focuses on infants to 5-year-olds. You’ll assist the team and contribute to creating learning experiences, programs, researching skills through play and activities, health and safety, and learning objectives while taking part in weekly and monthly meetings with the team and school.
Engineering - Virtual internships available in
Below are a few sample Engineering - Virtual placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with Engineering - Virtual internships
Mechanical Engineer at Turbine Company
Interns at this turbine performance company will review the existing knowledge and data of post-stall performance and explore ways to improve how the machine runs and captures energy. You’ll explore the work done by other interns on the control system and control scheme, translating the body of data on turbine performance from field logs into control parameters, as well as recommend how to develop and adapt the control software to maximize energy capture.
Intern at Mechanical Engineering Firm
Intern at a mechanical engineering firm in New Zealand, working on project tasks like concepting, detailed engineering, CAD modeling, drafting, and documentation. You’ll support mechanical engineering projects like medical traction devices, commercial spraying units, or possibly water pumping units for developing nations.
Mechanical Engineer at Construction Firm
You’ll learn about drafting and engineering in building services and electrical environments as you support the delivery of a high-quality project in New Zealand, ensuring correct processes and checks are in place. The role also involves writing operations and maintenance manuals, load calculations for mechanical wiring design, and working on AutoCAD electrical design, cable selection, and wiring drawings. You’ll get the opportunity to develop the plan to ensure the design intent is achieved during construction in line with specification.
Health - Virtual internships available in
Below are a few sample Health - Virtual placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with Health - Virtual internships
Cognitive Neuroscience Intern at University Lab
Work at a vision and cognition laboratory in the School of Psychology at a well-known New Zealand university. You’ll contribute to research on the human visual system, with a focus on the face processing system. You’ll start by assisting ongoing research and gradually developing your own project and running your own experiments. Undergraduate-level background in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, and other related fields are required.
Hospitality Tourism & Event Planning - Virtual internships available in
Below are a few sample Hospitality Tourism & Event Planning - Virtual placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with Hospitality Tourism & Event Planning - Virtual internships
Digital Strategy & Web at Tourism Company
Support a luxury tour operator in New Zealand as they change focus from international travel markets to domestic ones. You’ll conduct market research and update the website and social media platforms with new content, with the overall goal of increasing customer engagement.
Tourism Development at Private Operating Company
Gain experience in one of New Zealand’s most internationally acclaimed and award-winning tourism businesses. You’ll help with researching and developing domestic tourism initiatives. You’ll build an understanding of the operations within a successful and dynamic tourism business.
IT & Computer Systems - Virtual internships available in
Below are a few sample IT & Computer Systems - Virtual placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with IT & Computer Systems - Virtual internships
Web Development and CSS Coder at Pet Database Company
Roll up your sleeves at get involved with website development and CSS coding upgrades at this New Zealand pet database company. In particular, you’ll identify speed issues with the website and implement changes to improve speed to current standards.
Game Development at Info Tech Company
Support your new team in New Zealand to develop game-based learning activities for their HTML5 / JavaScript game editor. This work requires a solid understanding of JavaScript web technologies and game design, as well as Github and SOLID programming methodology. You’ll be researching technology and writing documentation, as well as working on experimental enhancements to the behind-the-scenes game engine.
Journalism & Media - Virtual internships available in
Below are a few sample Journalism & Media - Virtual placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with Journalism & Media - Virtual internships
Journalism and Social Media for Online Media Company
Tackle social and environmental issues in New Zealand through creating and distributing engaging written or graphic content via social channels. You’ll stay up to date with current and emerging technologies and trends in social media, design tools, and applications as you develop and expand community and influencer outreach efforts.
Journalism Intern at NZ Print and Digital Magazine
Bring your passion for writing about a variety of subjects, interviewing people, and writing questions! You’ll work on a magazine publication in New Zealand that covers local news and events, personalities, fashion, food, health and beauty, entertainment, travel, real estate, and much more. You’ll also be able to grow the company’s social media pages.
Marketing Advertising & PR - Virtual internships available in
Below are a few sample Marketing Advertising & PR - Virtual placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with Marketing Advertising & PR - Virtual internships
Advertising Intern at Digital Marketing Agency
Learn about all aspects of the digital marketing experience, including working alongside leading brands in New Zealand as you develop and implement digital strategies, research and write content, then promote it. You’ll learn about driving traffic to client websites, engaging with target audiences and building relationships through targeted campaigns, tactics, and strategies.
SEO Intern at Online Pet Subscription Service
Bring your experience with Google Adwords, Google Analytics, and Webmaster to shine in New Zealand! You’ll work on and learn about reviewing, reporting, and updating current SEO performance while also being involved in creating new content for the company’s websites.
Digital Marketing Intern at Business Consultancy
Learn more about digital marketing while you intern for a business consultancy firm in New Zealand. You’ll focus on work like increasing customer engagement, enhancing brand awareness, and marketing through meaningful content and engaging digital media channels.
Program Details
Your Virtual Experience
The Experience
Once you apply and submit your $90 fee, you’ll have a Skype interview with your CIS Abroad Program Enrollment Coordinator to learn more about your work experience and goals so we can ensure the best-fit internship placement for you in New Zealand. We’ll also make sure you get pre-program support to ensure you’re feeling great about your virtual experience.
Online seminars are a core part of your virtual internship. CIS Abroad teaching assistants, under the supervision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, provide ongoing support, guidance, and reflection sessions that help you understand your work experience in a cross-cultural context. Modules include Building Self-Brand, Working Remotely Across Cultures, and Own your Career.
About Our Partner
HOST ORGANIZATION SUPERVISOR CHECK-INS
Look forward to “face-to-face” meetings with your host organization supervisor in New Zealand at least once a week to ensure you’re on the same page and get additional feedback and direction on your project. This will also help you practice key skills like facilitating a remote meeting and working with remote colleagues in a cross-cultural setting. Additional, daily communication with your supervisors is expected – you’re already a pro at technology platforms, so this will be second nature to you.
Itinerary
Whether you are taking this internship for credit or not, online seminars are a core part of your virtual internship in New Zealand. We have an awesome itinerary planned for you, from a cultural orientation before you start working, to how to best work remotely in the country and city you chose, to meeting our site directors around the globe, to how to make sense of it all and know what skills you gained. All in six weeks!
See below for the 7 online seminars that span your 6-week experience. Check out the Academics tab for our comprehensive Virtual Global Internship course syllabus that includes more details on each seminar.
Our course is structured around 7 main elements:
1. PRE-PROGRAM: CULTURAL ORIENTATION
You’ll participate in an online, interactive cultural orientation with CIS Abroad staff, giving you tools for success working within that culture.
2. PRE-PROGRAM SEMINAR: THE FUTURE OF REMOTE WORK
You’ll explore each of the four Remote Work modules, learning the fundamentals of working in a remote environment and across cultures, before reflecting with other virtual internship participants.
3. MENTORED, HANDS-ON LEARNING
Guided by your on-site supervisor, you’ll work on specific tasks and assignments that meet the needs of your internship organization.
4. INTERNSHIP SEMINAR SERIES: BUILD YOUR SELF BRAND
This online seminar offers an opportunity to reflect on your personal drivers, values, and how you want to be perceived as a professional entering the workforce.
5. INTERNSHIP SEMINAR SERIES: WORKING ACROSS CULTURES
To be successful in navigating both international and domestic cultural differences, you need an understanding of what culture is, how it affects your interactions with others, and what skills you must develop in order to be successful intercultural leaders.
6. CROSS-CULTURAL DEBRIEFS
CIS Abroad Site Directors will facilitate live cross-cultural debriefing sessions each week
7. CONCLUDING SEMINAR: OWN YOUR CAREER
You’ll be guided through an individual reflection to help you articulate your experience in order to increase employability.
Virtual Intern for Credit
With a Virtual Global Internship, you will work on a project for an international organization from your home base in the U.S. while adding a global perspective to your professional work experience. Apply your in-class knowledge to real-world meaningful work, gain hands-on experience, expand your skill base, and learn what it is like to work remotely across time zones and cultures.
Coursework
You will participate in the Virtual Global Internship course, developed by our Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jennifer Engel who has been teaching culture and career-oriented courses online for more than 10 years. This course is made up of 7 seminars.
Contact hours
Depending on the number of hours worked per week, each six week internship comprises a total of 140-230 contact hours. This means that you may be able to combine this internship with university coursework, a regular job, or another internship.
Credit
3 credits per six-week internship is available through our partner, Plymouth State University. To learn more about how to earn credit, please read our Virtual Intern for Credit information. Credit may also be available through your home university.
Micro-credential
All participants in this program are eligible to earn a Working Remotely Across Cultures Microcredential at no extra charge! Make sure you opt in at the beginning of the course.
Why Virtual Life in Wellington
Situated on the southern tip of the North Island, Wellington is the political, business, and cultural capital of New Zealand. You’ll work with the nearly 500,000 other people who live in Wellington, but the city truly feels like a close-knit community – and will be ready to welcome you in person someday! “Windy Wellington” has all the sophistication and modernity of a major city, but still has the charm, safety, cleanliness, and friendliness of a small town.
Even from afar, you’ll be in awe of Wellington’s natural beauty. Explore the volcanic, desolate Tongariro National Park by drone or see what it’s like to ride the cable car up to the space observatory or botanical gardens. Learn more about New Zealand’s history and indigenous life through the digital collection at Te Papa National Museum of New Zealand.
Live The Local Life
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Experience Wellywood
Go behind the scenes and experience Wellywood. From LOTR to the Hobbit, you’ll enjoy seeing the creativity that goes into making global box office hits.
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Watch Rugby
No experience with New Zealanders would be complete without seeing a rugby match! Put on something yellow and blue and join a virtual watch party to see the local teams play.
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Arts Scene
Wellington is also known for its amazing art scene. Get a virtual tour of “Bats Theatre” – a theatre that showcases the work of up and coming actors and directors.
What's Included
Inclusions
- CIS Abroad advising support throughout placement process and duration of internship experience
- Support pursuing university credit (optional)
- Pre-Departure and Post-Program seminars to set you up for success:
- Building Self-Brand Module
- Own Your Career Module
- Working Remotely Across Cultures Modules and facilitated online seminars throughout internship
- Daily/weekly check-ins with host organization supervisor
- Internship Placement Confirmation Guide, which lays out the project work and outcome of the remote internship
- Working Virtually Across Cultures digital credential
- Virtual La Vida Local Online Series
Site Director
Travel Tip:
About:
Helena was born and bred in Wellington, New Zealand, but a curious spirit and a former career took her to Australia and throughout Europe. Since returning to Wellington, she started “a pay it forward” social enterprise called the Steampunk Food Van that provides meals for people living on the street or in poverty. She is a passionate social entrepreneur who is forever exploring and learning new things about people, community and environmental sustainability. In her spare time, you’ll find Helena frollicking about the vast area of New Zealand that is protected national park, or enjoying a specialty coffee at one of the many cafes that are popping up.
Your Support Staff
Add-Ons
Add to your program for no extra fee!
As a virtual intern, you have the opportunity to earn a micro-credential from CIS Abroad! Having a highly visible addition to your resume or LinkedIn profile can help you stand out from other job seekers. It’s a fast-track way to identify demonstrated skills that make YOU a more valuable contributor to an organization.
Learn more about the Working Remotely Across Cultures micro-credential.
HOW TO SIGN UP
If you’re interested in earning this micro-credential, please message your instructor by the beginning of the second week of your virtual internship. In your online classroom, see the Events tab in the left sidebar menu for the exact deadline!
Dates & Prices
- Application Deadline: Apr 15
- Arrival: June 5
- Departure: July 14
- Price: $1,690 (Estimated)
CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.
Social Work - Virtual internships available in
Below are a few sample Social Work - Virtual placements undertaken by past participants. There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized. Contact an advisor to learn more!
Other countries with Social Work - Virtual internshipsResearch Analyst at Mental Health Service Provider
Assist with research that supports a busy non-profit mental health service to provide high quality care in New Zealand. Your work will include assisting the clinical team with research and analysis and supporting community education projects. Work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist and learn about the different roles of a psychologist in an organization.
Psychology Intern at Non-Profit Org
Work with a team of specialist psychologists, doctors, peer support facilitators, and helpline workers to help thousands of children, adolescents, and adults in New Zealand build resilience and recover from anxiety, depression, OCD, and phobias. Support the operation of the clinical services through online projects such as administrative activities, supporting community education projects, and assisting with day-to-day operations. Work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist and learn about the different roles of a psychologist in an organization.