--- title: Increase Access to Work-Based Learning Experiences in Higher Education description: Discover how Virtual Internships breaks geographical barriers, expanding work-based learning opportunities with insights from Michael True. image: https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/increase%20access%20to%20work-basedd%20learning%20experiences%20(1).jpeg --- [![Logo_SignatureLogo_07202021.jpg](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/Logo_SignatureLogo_07202021.jpg.png)](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/) - [Companies](https://www.virtualinternships.com/companies/) - [Host an Intern](https://www.virtualinternships.com/companies/) - [How It Works](https://www.virtualinternships.com/companies/how-it-works) - [FAQs](https://www.virtualinternships.com/companies/faqs) - [Educators](https://www.virtualinternships.com/#) - [Universities](https://www.virtualinternships.com/universities/) - [Governments](https://www.virtualinternships.com/governments/) - [Affiliates](https://www.virtualinternships.com/#) - [Interns](https://www.virtualinternships.com/interns) - [Apply for Internships](https://www.virtualinternships.com/interns/) - [How It Works](https://www.virtualinternships.com/interns/how-it-works) - [Career Fields](https://www.virtualinternships.com/virtualinternships/career-fields/) - [Experiences](https://www.virtualinternships.com/interns/experience) - [FAQs](https://www.virtualinternships.com/interns/faqs) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/) - [About Us](https://www.virtualinternships.com/#) - [Our Mission](https://www.virtualinternships.com/our-mission/) - [Our Team](https://www.virtualinternships.com/our-team/) - [Join Us](https://www.virtualinternships.com/join-us/) - [Press](https://www.virtualinternships.com/press/) - [Contact Us](https://www.virtualinternships.com/contact-us/) [Universities](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/tag/universities) # What Geographical Barriers? Increasing Access to Work-Based Learning Experiences in Higher Education [Virtual Internships](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/author/virtual-internships) Aug 28, 2023 --- The integration of work-based learning experiences, such as co-ops, project-based learning, and internships, has become a cornerstone of preparing students for their professional journeys. However, traditional limitations tied to in-person work-based learning experiences can restrict opportunities for students based on their geographical location and industry compatibility. [Michael True](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltrue/), President of [InTRUEition](http://www.intrueition.com/) and Founder of Internship-Net, stands out as one of the Ten Most Visionary Leaders in Career Services. With a wealth of experience in the realm of internships and career development, Michael True joined us to shed light on the transformative potential of remote/virtual internships in expanding opportunities for students across diverse contexts.   ## Watch This Two-Minute Video   ## Diverse Contexts of Educational Institutions Educational institutions, from bustling urban centers to serene rural landscapes, present diverse contexts for offering work-based learning experiences. Some campuses find themselves strategically situated in what can be termed "target-rich environments," where local industries and businesses align seamlessly with the majors offered by the institution. In such cases, students benefit from internships that perfectly complement their academic pursuits. However, not all institutions enjoy the privilege of being in a target-rich environment. This poses a challenge for students seeking relevant work experiences, especially when the local industry landscape does not naturally align with their fields of study.    ## Unlocking Access through Virtual Internships The emergence of remote internships has revolutionized the landscape of work-based learning. True points out that traditional in-person internships can pose challenges when the local job market is limited or experiences economic downturns.  ### Overcoming Geographic Constraints and Economic Uncertainties Remote [experiential learning](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/universities-scale-work-integrated-learning-to-increase-pathways-to-employment) experience provides a unique advantage – the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Michael True highlights the flexibility inherent in the virtual internship model. If one geographical area experiences a decline in internship opportunities, students can seamlessly pivot to remote internships in other regions that are thriving. This adaptability ensures that students continue to gain valuable experience and skills regardless of external challenges. He cites a striking example of a Midwest institution that faced a predicament when the economy plummeted, resulting in a significant portion of organizations rescinding their ability to host interns. In such cases, [Virtual Internships](https://www.virtualinternships.com/universities/) emerge as a viable solution, offering flexibility and the ability to redirect students to global opportunities that match their career aspirations. ### Elevating the Learning Experience As a visionary leader in career services, Michael True underscores the importance of work-based learning experiences that align with educational goals. Virtual internships, while transcending geographical barriers, still uphold the value of structured learning. These experiences offer students the chance to engage in meaningful projects, collaborate remotely, and gain insights from professionals across the globe, thereby enhancing their skill set and expanding their network.   ## A New Era of Work-Based Learning with Virtual Internships In the pursuit of preparing students for the modern workforce, educational institutions are navigating uncharted territories. The traditional limitations of physical internships are being redefined by the emergence of virtual internships and remote work experiences.  At Virtual Internships, our unique platform ensures intelligent, rapid matches between students and companies, providing access to real global internships at exciting, global companies. We go beyond just placements, offering training and support before and during the internship to equip students with the skills they need to excel.  It's a future-focused approach to education that transcends borders and empowers students on a global scale. No other platform can be both tangible and scalable for universities like Virtual Internships. [![Find Out More](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/26293027/12034113-95cf-49c0-bf8e-8af00d7553cf.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/26293027/12034113-95cf-49c0-bf8e-8af00d7553cf) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fbreak-geographical-barrier-in-higher-ed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fbreak-geographical-barrier-in-higher-ed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528304.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/twitter-color.png?width=24&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fbreak-geographical-barrier-in-higher-ed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fbreak-geographical-barrier-in-higher-ed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on pinterest](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/pinterest-color.png?width=24&name=pinterest-color.png)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fbreak-geographical-barrier-in-higher-ed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on email](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fbreak-geographical-barrier-in-higher-ed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail&body=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fbreak-geographical-barrier-in-higher-ed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) [Universities](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/tag/universities) ## Similar posts Interns ### [Missed Out on Summer 2023 Internships? Here's When Summer Internships 2024 Will be Open](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/when-summer-internships-will-open) Discover when to apply for summer internships in 2024 and beyond. Find key dates, and application deadlines and explore remote internship... Lam Hoang Oct 11, 2023 Universities ### [Using Experiential Learning Methods to Prepare Graduates for the Future of Work in the AI Era](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/future-of-work-in-ai-era) Explore the changing landscape of the job market in the AI era and how universities can equip graduates for success through experiential learning. Lam Hoang Aug 24, 2023 Universities ### [How BSU Overcame Accessibility Problems in Internship Programs](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/overcame-accessibility-problems-in-internship) Explore the transformative impact and empowering experiences that Bridgewater State University students gained through Virtual Internships. Lam Hoang Aug 18, 2023 ![Vi](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/Landing%20Page/vi-lite.png) As featured on: ![BBC](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/BBC%20Logo.png) ![Business Leader](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/Business%20Leader%20Logo.png) ![EdTechX](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/EdTechX%20Logo.png) ![Forbes](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/Forbes%20Logo.png) ![Inside Higher Ed](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/Inside%20Higher%20Ed%20Logo.png) ![TechCrunch](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/TechCrunch%20Logo.png) ![The PIE](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/The%20PIE%20Logo.png) ![The Times](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/The%20Times%20Logo.png) ![Times Higher Education](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/Times%20Higher%20Education%20Logo.png) - [Companies](https://www.virtualinternships.com/companies/) - [Educators](https://virtualinternships.com/universities/) - [Interns](https://virtualinternships.com/interns/) - [Our Mission](https://virtualinternships.com/our-mission/) - [Our Team](https://virtualinternships.com/our-team/) - [Join Us](https://virtualinternships.com/join-us/) - [Press](https://virtualinternships.com/press/) - [Blog](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/) - [Contact Us](https://virtualinternships.com/contact-us/) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/virtualintern/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/virtualinternships/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/onlineinterns) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtual-internships) - [Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@virtualinternships) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/VirtualInternships) © 2024 Virtual Internships. All right reserved. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.virtualinternships.com/policies/privacy) - [Terms of Service](https://www.virtualinternships.com/policies) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=4951673&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Virtual Internships", "url" : "https://blog.virtualinternships.com/author/virtual-internships" }, "dateModified" : "2024-01-24T04:20:59.409Z", "datePublished" : "2023-08-28T16:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Increase Access to Work-Based Learning Experiences in Higher Education", "image" : [ "https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/increase%20access%20to%20work-basedd%20learning%20experiences%20(1).jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.virtualinternships.com/break-geographical-barrier-in-higher-ed", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/Logo_SignatureLogo_07202021.jpg.png" }, "name" : "Virtual Internships" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : [ "The integration of work-based learning experiences, such as co-ops, project-based learning, and internships, has become a cornerstone of preparing students for their professional journeys. However, traditional limitations tied to in-person work-based learning experiences can restrict opportunities for students based on their geographical location and industry compatibility.

\n

Michael True, President of InTRUEition and Founder of Internship-Net, stands out as one of the Ten Most Visionary Leaders in Career Services. With a wealth of experience in the realm of internships and career development, Michael True joined us to shed light on the transformative potential of remote/virtual internships in expanding opportunities for students across diverse contexts.

\n

\n

Watch This Two-Minute Video", "Diverse Contexts of Educational Institutions

\n

Educational institutions, from bustling urban centers to serene rural landscapes, present diverse contexts for offering work-based learning experiences. Some campuses find themselves strategically situated in what can be termed "target-rich environments," where local industries and businesses align seamlessly with the majors offered by the institution. In such cases, students benefit from internships that perfectly complement their academic pursuits.

\n

However, not all institutions enjoy the privilege of being in a target-rich environment. This poses a challenge for students seeking relevant work experiences, especially when the local industry landscape does not naturally align with their fields of study.

\n

\n

Unlocking Access through Virtual Internships

\n

The emergence of remote internships has revolutionized the landscape of work-based learning. True points out that traditional in-person internships can pose challenges when the local job market is limited or experiences economic downturns.

\n

Overcoming Geographic Constraints and Economic Uncertainties

\n

Remote experiential learning experience provides a unique advantage – the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Michael True highlights the flexibility inherent in the virtual internship model. If one geographical area experiences a decline in internship opportunities, students can seamlessly pivot to remote internships in other regions that are thriving. This adaptability ensures that students continue to gain valuable experience and skills regardless of external challenges.

\n

He cites a striking example of a Midwest institution that faced a predicament when the economy plummeted, resulting in a significant portion of organizations rescinding their ability to host interns. In such cases, Virtual Internships emerge as a viable solution, offering flexibility and the ability to redirect students to global opportunities that match their career aspirations.

\n

Elevating the Learning Experience

\n

As a visionary leader in career services, Michael True underscores the importance of work-based learning experiences that align with educational goals. Virtual internships, while transcending geographical barriers, still uphold the value of structured learning. These experiences offer students the chance to engage in meaningful projects, collaborate remotely, and gain insights from professionals across the globe, thereby enhancing their skill set and expanding their network.

\n

\n

A New Era of Work-Based Learning with Virtual Internships

\n

In the pursuit of preparing students for the modern workforce, educational institutions are navigating uncharted territories. The traditional limitations of physical internships are being redefined by the emergence of virtual internships and remote work experiences.

\n

At Virtual Internships, our unique platform ensures intelligent, rapid matches between students and companies, providing access to real global internships at exciting, global companies. We go beyond just placements, offering training and support before and during the internship to equip students with the skills they need to excel.

\n

It's a future-focused approach to education that transcends borders and empowers students on a global scale. No other platform can be both tangible and scalable for universities like Virtual Internships.

\n

Find Out More" ], "articleSection" : "Universities", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Virtual Internships" }, "datePublished" : "2023-08-28", "image" : "https://26293027.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26293027/annie-spratt-xKJUnFwfz3s-unsplash.jpg", "name" : "What Geographical Barriers? Increasing Access to Work-Based Learning Experiences in Higher Education", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "Virtual Internships" } } ```