In anticipation of the uncertainty of travel and other possible matters, also to serve the students who cannot travel outside of the country for any reasons in a long run, the campus Global Learning Hub and Career Center developed “Global Virtual Internships” parallel to traditional summer abroad programs. 

EPA 192: Design and Fashion is an eight-week (June 21-Aug. 13, 2021), individual project based virtual internship which allows the student gain work experience with a vetted company based in another country. The student will also develop cross-cultural communication skills while expanding their global network.    

Custom placements (20-30 hours per week) are based on students’ experience, career goals, interests and skills, and are guaranteed to be in the career field of “creative, design and fashion.” Placements are available with host companies from around the world with the majority based in China, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, Australia, Israel, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

In addition to the internship hours, students will also engage in an online course (DES 198 Directed Group Study, 2 units, P/NP) led by Design instructor Adele Zhang to reflect on internship goals, achievements and skill development with weekly report, reading assignments, and group discussions. While all students will have an English-speaking supervisor, they will be provided access to 3-months of online language instruction in addition to career development resources and workshops.

Open to all students, UC and beyond, the enrollment period for the virtual internships is Jan. 6-April 2, 2021. For questions about the program and for registration information, please email globallearning@ucdavis.edu. 

Students will boost employability and cultural understanding, when working virtually in a setting of international partnership could be a new norm in coming years.