Virtual International Programs

Study Abroad is Expanding its Boundaries – No Passport Required!

Virtual International Programs (VIP)* allow students to put travel concerns aside to develop connections with a multitude of academic organizations, businesses, faculty, and peers across the globe. Virtual programs provide students the opportunity to gain an international perspective without leaving home, extending the benefits of a global education to a broader spectrum of students by reducing barriers to access, such as cost and the ability to travel. The VIP format is cost-effective, flexible, and takes advantage of innovative technologies like never before.

Scholarships are available for students that participate on a Virtual Faculty Led Program or a Virtual International Internship for U of A credit. Please review deadlines and criteria for these funding sources carefully. We encourage all students to stay in touch with their study abroad advisors as they work through this process. 

*Virtual programs are not designed to replace the learning outcomes provided by in-person study abroad. They offer digital learning options so that students may experience international education without leaving home.

Work with an international organization to differentiate your resume, build essential skills that employers value, and grow your professional network. Participants build their digital literacy and intercultural communication skills through project-based learning, preparing themselves to adapt to a 21st century workforce.

While completing a professional project with an international business, NGO, health, or education organization, you have the option to earn U of A credit and access financial aid and scholarships. Virtual internships are open to students from all majors and can be conducted during the summer or semester in addition to your U of A course load. For example, a student may register for 12 semester hours, plus 3 virtual internship hours, for a total of 15 credit hours that are eligible for U of A scholarships and financial aid.

Credit Options

U of A Credit Work with your academic department to enroll in a U of A course that will help you make degree progress. This option is eligible for U of A financial aid and scholarships. Your Study Abroad Advisor will provide guidance for how to request credit. Scholarships are available to a limited number of students, so don’t forget to ask your Study Abroad Advisor about funding opportunities! Begin a Study Abroad Virtual Internship application now to start this process. 

Transfer Credit Many external study abroad organizations provide transfer credit for VIP programs. While transfer credit may be accepted by the U of A through the Registrar’s Office, it is not eligible for U of A financial aid or scholarships. Only programs for U of A credit allow students to access these financial resources. Complete a simple 1-Step application with the Office of Study Abroad to facilitate external VIP approval.

No Credit Students may elect to participate on an external virtual program and not receive credit. This option in not eligible for U of A financial aid or scholarships. Complete a simple 1-Step application with the Office of Study Abroad that facilitates external VIP approval.

When travel is restricted, faculty leaders may utilize on-line learning platforms to deliver their programs virtually. Interested faculty should contact the Office of Study Abroad for assistance planning and administering a virtual contingency plan for their in-person program before August 15th. The goal of a virtual faculty-led program is to ensure that U of A students can still engage in a global learning experience that allows them to make degree progress as planned. These programs utilize on-line platforms to connect with international partners, peers, and communities. Since there are no travel costs, participation fees are greatly reduced.

Many of U of A’s trusted external study abroad providers have moved their curriculum and programming on-line. These programs come in many forms, from on-line courses that helps students prepare for future study abroad; direct enrollment in overseas virtual classrooms that includes lectures, tours, and activities; or hybrid programs that give students the opportunity to take blended course loads from their home university and an institution abroad. Program dates, design, and cost are often more flexible than average study abroad courses or programs. Students will apply directly with a study abroad provider and also register their plans through a Study Abroad Office Virtual Program Application. 

Credit Options

Transfer Credit Many external study abroad organizations provide transfer credit for VIP programs. While transfer credit may be accepted by the U of A through the Registrar’s Office, it is not eligible for U of A financial aid or scholarships. Only programs for U of A credit allow students to access these financial resources. Complete a simple 1-Step application with the Office of Study Abroad to facilitate external VIP approval.

No Credit Students may elect to participate on a virtual study abroad program and not receive credit. This option in not eligible for U of A financial aid or scholarships. Complete a simple 1-Step application with the Office of Study Abroad that facilitates external approval.

University of Arkansas Virtual International Programs

The University of Arkansas Rome Center offers Virtual Internship Opportunities facilitated by the Study Abroad Office and Rome Center to work with companies in Italy. Internship placements are available in a wide variety of professions, with student support for professional development, integrated cultural learning, and mentorship. 

Virtual External Partner Programs

AIFS Study Abroad

AIFS Customize your semester curriculum by choosing courses from a global network of universities in over fifteen countries. During a time when traveling is limited, this virtual program allows you to set yourself apart and expand your global education – all from the comfort of your home.

API Abroad

API Abroad is excited to announce the arrival of Innovation Lab! Using the UN Sustainability Goals, participants work virtually with a team of peers to develop innovative business solutions geared to address global challenges. API's Virtual Internship Program accepts applications for almost all discipline areas. Programs come with an optional excursion to exciting API locations like Spain, England, France, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. Student that complete an API virtual program will receive a scholarship to use toward a future program.

CEA Study Abroad

CEA Join CEA Study Abroad for a virtual study or internship program in Australia, Spain, Italy, Argentina, France, the Czech Republic, or the Netherlands. Students that participate on a virtual program will receive a $1500 semester discount or a $500 summer discount towards a CEA Study Center program abroad in 2021. Program prices begin at $1495 and there are course options and internship placements available for a wide variety of majors.

CIS Abroad

CIS Abroad Master remote working while adding international experience to your resume. With placements in more than 15 career fields across six countries, you’ll get relevant work experience while strengthening your intercultural communication skills. Intern career fields include art, design, business, economics, education, engineering, environmental/sustainability, fashion, health, IT & computer systems, government, sports and exercise science, journalism, NGOs and non-profit. Programs start at $1,090 for a 4 week session and $1,690 for a 6 week session.

Global Experiences

Global Experiences offers Virtuoso: Virtual International Internships with employers in twelve exciting cities in Europe, UK, Australia, and Costa Rica. Virtuoso internships are 8-12 weeks long and are offered during the summer or semester, full or part time, in a range of career fields within business, fashion, STEM, communication and more! Virtuoso programs provide an award-winning career coach and professional development program. Programs start at $1,300 USD.

FIE

FIE 10-week international internships in Britain and Ireland nurture valuable digital skills that set students apart, including the ability to work across time zones, build self-discipline, self-confidence, and the ability to operate entirely through online environments utilizing intercultural communication skills. Optional courses for academic credit allow you to contextualize the cultural aspect of your experience. A number of full tuition fee scholarships are available.

ISA Global Remote Internships

ISA Global Remote Internships available for part or full-time internship placement, or a four or eight week group project facilitated by a Professional Mentor. Work with a company in the UK, Spain, Australia, throughout Europe or Asia. Relevant majors include business, finance, tourism, fashion, education, general engineering, pre-law, marketing, communication, international business, software engineering, computer science, Programs range from $1,875-$2,450.

SAI

SAI Virtual study abroad and virtual internship programs in Italy and Spain. Programs span a variety of content areas, including business, fashion, food studies, foreign language, humanities, and social sciences. Students will have opportunities for virtual cultural engagement and receive an alumni discount on future on-site programs. Programs start at $850 for three credits.

SIT

SIT Explore new virtual programs, including language courses, thematic programs, and graduate-level certificates– all grounded in SIT’s commitment to experiential, immersive learning. Summer 2020 internship opportunities include: Counseling & Humanitarian Action in Jordan; Public Health in the Tropics of Kenya; Sexuality and Gender work in the Netherlands; Transitional Justice, Human Rights & Memory in Serbia & Kosovo. Stay on track with your academic goals, wherever you are! Apply now to get the skills you need for a future career in the global marketplace. More virtual options coming soon!

University of Nicosia

University of Nicosia Virtual programs offer students courses, internships, and research opportunities for STEM, social sciences, and humanities majors. UNIC is the global leader in blockchain education and there are many unique resume-building opportunities for students interested in technology, business, and computer science, as well as research projects in biological sciences. UNIC’s programs are under $1200 for 3 credit hours and include virtual cultural enrichment. Participants receive a scholarship towards future study abroad with The University of Nicosia Global Semesters!

USAC

USAC Explore your future career interests by working online with businesses and organizations that are based at USAC Specialty Program locations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Available career fields include digital marketing and social media management, business, event planning, electrical/control engineering, translation, social welfare/social services, ESL, journalism, research/grant-writing, and health/wellness. Students who complete a USAC Global Perspectives Program may be eligible for a program fee credit towards a future Specialty Program abroad. Virtual Internship Fee: $1390; Online Course Fee: $985 per 3-credit course.

Arcadia Abroad

Arcadia Abroad is pleased to announce Virtual Europe: Internships. Placements in Athens, Edinburgh, London, or Rome will help you gain professional experience in a global setting. Internships cover a wide selection of opportunities; from social media and web content creation, to research for business development projects, to developing communication plans and content for non-profit organizations. A digital resume workshop is also included.