Internships are evolving, and with the rise of remote work, hybrid internships are quickly becoming the new normal. These flexible placements combine the best of both worlds – allowing interns to gain in-person experience while enjoying the freedom of remote work.
Whether you’re a student hoping to gain international experience or a recent graduate looking for flexibility, hybrid internships offer a modern and balanced approach to professional growth.
What is a Hybrid Internship?
A hybrid internship is a work experience that blends remote and in-person work into one experience. Instead of alternating between office days and home phases, hybrid internships with Roots Interns typically involve distinct phases. For example, spending four weeks on the ground with an organization, followed by four weeks working remotely on the same projects.
This style of internship will allow interns to gain valuable in-person insight and cultural understanding to build a variety of transferable soft skills, which are becoming increasingly important. Especially since the pandemic, many companies and NGOs have shifted towards flexible working models that blend online and in-person engagement. A hybrid internship reflects this reality – offering you the chance to develop both virtual working and on-the-ground experience.
Why are Hybrid Internships becoming so popular?
The rise of hybrid internships mirrors the global shift towards more flexible ways of working. Companies and organizations have realized that collaboration doesn’t always require being in the same physical room, but face-to-face experience still plays a vital role in building relationships, confidence, and cultural understanding. This allows interns to engage directly with projects and communities during their in-person phase, and then continue to contribute remotely by applying what they have learned with a thorough understanding of the organization and its mission.
For students and professionals, hybrid internships provide the chance to experience real-world impact in-person while developing professional independence through remote work. You will build a versatile skill set that includes both digital communication and hands-on teamwork, which will prepare you for your future employment.
Benefits of a Hybrid Internship
Hybrid internships provide a unique learning environment that reflects the modern styles of work. Here are some key benefits:
1. Flexibility
A hybrid internship allows you to balance structure and freedom. You will have time on the ground to connect with the team and experience daily life on the projects, followed by a remote phase where you can continue working from anywhere. This structure lets you manage your own time while still feeling part of a team.
2. Deeper understanding of the project
Spending a period of time in-person at the start of your internship gives you valuable context as you will see how projects operate, meet the people running them, and understand local goals and challenges. This exposure will directly enhance your remote work later on as you will approach online tasks with a clearer sense of purpose, impact, and connection to the team’s mission.
3. Network opportunities
Hybrid internships allow you to build relationships in-person and online. The time spent on-site helps you form genuine professional experience while remote collaboration keeps those relationships active long after you have returned home.
4. Skill Development
By working both physically with the team and digitally, you will develop your communication, adaptability, and time management skills. You will also learn how to navigate being part of an international team and take initiative in independent work.
5. Accessibility and inclusion
Hybrid internships make international experiences more accessible and inclusive. By offering both remote and on-the-ground elements, they suit a wider range of schedules, budgets, and personal circumstances.
6. Cost-effective
Hybrid internships can significantly reduce travel and accommodation costs, while still providing a meaningful international experience. This makes them an affordable option for interns looking to gain experience abroad without committing to long-term travel.
Challenges of Hybrid Internships (and How to Overcome Them)
While hybrid internships offer flexibility, they do come with a few challenges such as:
- Communication gaps between remote and in-person teams
- Time zone differences when working across countries
- Feeling disconnected from colleagues or project work
How to overcome these challenges:
- Schedule regular check ins; weekly meetings help maintain structure and connection
- Use collaboration tools; platforms like Google Workspace keep communication smooth and transparent
- Set clear expectations; clarify your working hours, responsibilities, and goals to avoid confusion.
How to Find a Hybrid Internship
Finding the right hybrid internship starts with knowing what kind of experience you’re looking for. At Roots interns, we help you find hybrid internships that combine on-the-ground experience with remote work by connecting you with an organization that specializes in meaningful and flexible placements.
Here’s how to get started:
- Explore hybrid opportunities with Roots; browse our current internship listings to see which roles include both in-person and remote phases
- Complete the Match Me form; tell us about your skills, interests and availability – and then we will help you find a placement that suits your learning objectives
- Highlight your adaptability; when applying, emphasize skills like self-motivation, communication, and digital literacy
- Prepare for both phases; once matched, Roots will support you through both the on-the-ground and remote parts of your placement, helping you make the most of each stage
What to expect from a Hybrid Internship Experience
A hybrid internship can vary depending on the organization, but a typical week might include:
- In-person phase; attend team meetings, assist with field work or community projects, shadow mentors, and engage directly with the team and beneficiaries
- Remote days; complete digital tasks such as research, communications, social media management, or project reporting
Even while working remotely, interns are encouraged to take part in team calls, brainstorming sessions, and any other relevant tasks to the assigned internship projects.
Is a Hybrid Internship Right for You?
Before applying, take a moment to think:
- Do you thrive or have experience in independent, self-led work environments?
- Would you want to experience the best of both travel and professional development?
- Are you excited by the idea of combining hands-on-impact with remote independence?
If the answer is yes, then a hybrid internship could be the perfect fit for you!
Explore Roots Intern’s current opportunities and find your hybrid match to experience a flexible, globally connected placement.
This blog was written by Faye Johnson
