---
title: Village Virtual Impact Lab
description: Join a global team to tackle real NGO projects, gain valuable skills, and enhance your portfolio in this immersive 16-week internship experience. Apply now for the September 2026 cohort.
image: https://content.gng.org/hubfs/village-students.png
---
[Skip to main content](https://content.gng.org/village#main-content)
[](https://gng.org/)
[Who is this for?](https://content.gng.org/village#paths) [How it works](https://content.gng.org/village#how) [Alumni](https://content.gng.org/village#stories) [FAQ](https://content.gng.org/village#faq)
[Apply now →](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIgbhlj4C7r88JhYS5IvjYlIGsYu2hCwm8yIRwJf7YpBNobQ/viewform)
VILLAGE VIRTUAL IMPACT LAB
# The fellowship that gives you a story *only you can tell*
Work collaboratively with a global team of fellows. Deliver real work for a real NGO. Leave with the portfolio, skills, and cross-cultural experience that admissions readers and employers remember and value.
[Apply now!](https://content.gng.org/village#apply) [Is this for me? ↓](https://content.gng.org/village#paths)
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
16 weeks in a professional global workplace.
- Work with peers from around the world to deliver real work products for non-profit partners
- Get training and support from experienced coaches
- Join weekly live sessions every Saturday, from anywhere
- Build your resume/CV, portfolio, and professional network
**Time commitment:**4-6 hours per week
**Format:**Fully virtual workplace
**Program Fee:**$3,500 USD, financial aid available
Who this is for
## How can Village help you reach your goals?
Preparing for university applications
You’ve worked hard and have big ambitions. What you don't yet have is the specific, globally collaborative experience that admissions readers at top universities are now explicitly asking for.
Building your career portfolio
You're at university or about to enter the job market. You want more than a course or simulation. You’re looking for a real-world work experience that gives you a portfolio, a reference letter, and validated skills you can put in front of any employer.
Ready to do something that matters
You’re curious about the world and want to work on something that has a real-world impact. You want to collaborate with people with different life experiences and you want to contribute to an organization that needs your support.
Proven impact
## Global Nomads delivers high-impact programs based on years of experience
200+
Youth alumni to date
35+
Countries represented to date
95%+
Program completion rate
25+
Years Global Nomads has operated
What makes this different
## Global teams. Experienced coaches. Actual projects. *Real-world impact.*
Global teams
Over 35 countries represented to date
Your teammates come from different countries, cultures, and life experiences. You’ll learn cross-cultural collaboration skills in a professional setting.
vs. other virtual internships: typically individual work, limited collaboration, one context
Real stakes
An NGO that uses what you build
Your work product is put to use by the NGO that briefed your team and is waiting for your output. You’ll collaborate on a project with a real client, real deadlines, and real implications.
**vs. practice environments:** simulated briefs for simulated clients
Guided & Supported
Coaching and coordination from Global Nomads staff
Build leadership experience through practical training on essential professional skills, along with hands-on coaching and support from experienced staff throughout the program.
**vs minimal supervision for entry-level work: **lack of support, entry-level work
Mission-driven
Work that serves the world
Village partners are NGOs working on real-world challenges around the world. You’ll deepen your understanding of communities beyond your own and make meaningful contributions to the NGOs mission.
**vs. corporate externships:** company projects, commercial outcomes
Alumni voices
## Global Nomads alumni carry their learning into college and careers
Nour Akkoush
Global Nomads Alum 2025 · USA/Jordan
> "My experiences made it easy to connect, communicate, and collaborate across cultures without hesitation. The skills — communication, leadership, and adaptability — played a big role in securing international scholarships in one of the most competitive fields to get funding in."
[Read Nour's full story](https://gng.org/2026/04/24/alumni-spotlight-communication-in-medicine/)
Currently Medical student, accepted into multiple international scholarship programs.
Samuel Goodness Iffu
Global Nomads Alum 2025 · Nigeria
> "Through Global Nomads, I began to understand that real, lasting change comes from listening first. Co-creation has become a core part of how I design and implement my work."
[Read Samuel's full story](https://gng.org/2026/04/16/global-nomads-alumni-spotlight-advocate-for-climate-justice/)
Currently Climate and mental health advocate, leading international programs.
Sophia Bispo
Global Nomads Alum 2022, 2023, 2025 · Brazil
> "It was my first professional experience, and I could not have started this journey in a better place. I expanded my understanding of global issues and began developing an essential \[career\] skill: listening deeply to people."
[Read Sophia's full story](https://gng.org/2026/05/01/alumni-spotlight-sophia-bispo-communication/)
Currently Pursuing a masters degree in journalism.
Dina Dwairi
Global Nomads Alum 2026 · Jordan/Canada
> "Global Nomads has \[connected\] me to a global network of youth. Before \[this program\], I really felt like I had to create change entirely on my own. To my past self I’d say: you’re not alone. You’ll meet so many incredible, amazing people on this journey."
[Read Dina's full story](https://gng.org/2026/07/16/alumni-spotlight-dina-dwairi-on-environmental-advocacy/)
Currently Climate justice advocate, pursuing a masters in environmental studies.
How it works
## What you can expect in the program
1
Weeks 1–3
Onboarding & Orientation
Welcome & Cohort Kickoff · NGO Partner Meetings & Project Briefs · Assigning Roles & Work Plan
2
Weeks 4–11
Build & Learn
Research & Discovery · Stakeholder Interviews & Ideation · Project Drafting · Mid-Point Review
3
Weeks 12–14
Deliver
Final Project Drafts · Presentations to NGO Partners · Feedback & Revisions
4
Weeks 15–16
Closeout & Reflection
Final Production · Project Handoff to NGO Partners · Reflection & Professional Storytelling · Recognition & Celebration · Transition to Alumni Network
What you leave with
## Real experience, proven outcomes.
01
An Actual Work Product
Every fellow contributes to a real deliverable that advances the missions of our global non-profit partners, building their professional portfolio along the way.
02
A Certificate
A Certificate of Commendation validates your completion of our program for universities and future employers.
03
A Recommendation Letter
We provide each fellow with a professional recommendation letter that describes the project, your role, and your work.
04
A Global Network
You’ll build lifelong relationships and a global professional network with teammates from around the world.
05
Leadership Skills
According to an external program evaluator, Global Nomads alumni consistently show statistically significant growth in every outcome we measure, including leadership, intercultural communication, collaboration, initiative, and more.
06
A Story Unique to You
You’ll have a compelling answer for colleges and employers who want to know how you’ve challenged yourself, collaborated with people who are different from you, or delivered real value in a professional setting.
Program details
## Everything you need to know
| Duration | 16 weeks, running January to May 2027 |
| --- | --- |
| Commitment | ~4-6 hours per week (2-4 hours asynchronous, plus 2 hours live every Saturday) |
| Format | Fully online: No travel, no visa, no geographic restrictions |
| Project | Real deliverable briefed by and delivered to a real NGO |
| SAMPLE DELIVERABLES | Projects may vary, but could include research reports, advocacy briefs, community engagement plans, or others |
| Fee | $3,500 USD. Financial aid, including a stipend, is available to eligible applicants. |
| Age | 16–24 years old as of January 2027 |
| Screening | Holistic evaluation based on individual skills, interests, and aptitude for learning and collaboration |
8 externally validated skills
- ✓Leadership
- ✓Empathy
- ✓Global mindedness
- ✓Adaptability
- ✓Agency & initiative
- ✓Cross-cultural communication
- ✓Collaboration
- ✓Action orientation
HANDS-ON TRAINING SESSIONS
- ✓Project Planning
- ✓Human/AI Collaboration
- ✓Research Methods
- ✓Client Interviews & Understanding Client Needs
- ✓Giving & Receiving Peer Feedback
- ✓Presentations & Public Speaking
- ✓Résumés & Professional Storytelling
Common questions
## Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to apply?↓
No. We review every application individually and holistically, for motivation, curiosity, and genuine readiness to collaborate; grades and prior experience are not factors. The application asks you to explain specifically why you want to do this and what you're hoping to get from it. It also asks what you'll bring to the team.
How competitive is it to get in?↓
Previous cohorts have had about a 10% acceptance rate. That said, selectivity is about fit and readiness, not credentials. A strong application tells a specific, honest story about why this experience matters to you right now.
Can I choose which NGO I work with?↓
Not directly. Global Nomads matches teams to NGO projects. The organization will be mission-driven, working in an area like the environment, human rights, housing, health, education, or community development. The specific NGO changes across cohort cycles, and you may not know it when you apply. You can share preferences, and Global Nomads takes those into account. The goal is to make sure every fellow is working on something genuinely meaningful.
What kinds of projects will I work on?↓
Projects vary by program cycle, but fellows always work on authentic projects with real-world application. Past projects have included a climate justice curriculum for California public schools and a leadership toolkit for emerging youth leaders at the Aspen Institute. Other teams have designed virtual events for ministries of education in Mexico. The deliverable depends on what the NGO partner needs, but it will always be something the organization actually uses.
Who will I be working with?↓
A small team of youth fellows from different countries, backgrounds, and life experiences. Each program cycle includes 32 fellows, working in teams of eight. Global Nomads intentionally builds cohorts that are diverse across gender, nationality, socioeconomic background, cognitive style, disability, and lived experience. Our programs have included participants from more than 35 countries. Experienced Global Nomads team leaders will also support you, providing structure, coaching, and accountability throughout the 16 weeks.
What does the weekly schedule actually look like?↓
Fellows participate in a live, two-hour meeting each week - usually on Saturdays - which includes training workshops and team-based work. Outside these meetings, fellows spend about 2–4 hours per week on assigned tasks.
What skills will I actually build?↓
We track eight leadership and professional competencies across every cohort, verified independently: leadership, collaboration, adaptability, cross-cultural communication, empathy and perspective-taking, initiative, global mindedness, and action orientation. You'll also participate in training sessions on research methods, client communication, presenting, giving and receiving feedback, and professional storytelling. You build these skills by applying what you learn in workshops to your real project work.
I have a disability or learn differently. Is Village designed for me?↓
Yes. Global Nomads builds accessibility and universal design into its programs by default and has significant experience supporting neurodivergent learners and participants with disabilities. We designed the structure, coaching support, and asynchronous flexibility with diverse learners in mind. If you have specific accessibility needs, you're welcome to mention them in your application or when you connect with the team.
I have spotty internet. Can I still participate?↓
We designed the program with connectivity constraints in mind. The asynchronous portions accommodate unstable connections, power outages, and time zone challenges. Financial aid funding can also cover devices and internet access for participants who need it. If connectivity is a concern, please mention it when you apply.
What does the $3,500 fee cover?↓
The fee covers the full 16-week program: weekly live team sessions and workshops led by Global Nomads staff, individual and team coaching, project management support, professional and leadership skills training, and the validated skills certificate. The program is fully virtual, so it involves no travel or accommodation. There are no additional costs beyond the program fee.
What if we can't afford the full fee?↓
Financial aid is available, and at least half of every cohort participates through financial aid funding. Funding can also cover devices and internet access where needed. Cost should not be the reason you don't apply. If the fee is a barrier, mention it in the application. It won't affect how we evaluate the application.
When do applications open, and what's the process?↓
Applications for the January 2027 cohort will open in September 2026. The application includes both a written component and a short video. We review every application individually and holistically, for motivation, curiosity, and genuine readiness to collaborate. We'll notify successful applicants by early December 2026. To register your interest and get notified when the application is available, please complete the form **at the bottom of this page**.
Apply NOW
Applications for Village Virtual Impact Lab are now open! Check your eligibility and submit your application [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIgbhlj4C7r88JhYS5IvjYlIGsYu2hCwm8yIRwJf7YpBNobQ/viewform?usp=preview).
For priority consideration, please apply by **October 5, 2026.**
The final application deadline is **October 19, 2026.**
Applicants will be notified of their status by **November 16, 2026.**
To preview the application before you open the form, check out[this document](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YxJM19wQ9R7V_bZKIsK7BznmIXyyZexjVffjpn0mqA0/edit?usp=sharing).
Want to ask questions before you apply? Join our live info session:
Sept 26th at 11am Eastern Time (US), [register here](https://2yxzw.share.hsforms.com/2JuY9JIR6SlOh16IDXDeY4w).
For more on how to apply, check out our alumna Sydney’s video below!
***Video description:*** *Sydney, a young woman with fair skin, curly brown hair, and glasses, sits in front of a beige wall with a patterned window curtain behind her. After introducing the Village Virtual Impact Lab, she shares a screen recording of the Village application in Google Forms to explain each section of the application. For a text-based preview of the application, visit* [*this link*](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YxJM19wQ9R7V_bZKIsK7BznmIXyyZexjVffjpn0mqA0/edit?usp=sharing)*.*
**Global Nomads Group**
501(c)(3) non-profit registered in the USA
209 West 29th Street, Suite 224, New York, USA
EIN: 75-2750127
[f](https://www.facebook.com/globalnomadsgroup) [ig](https://www.instagram.com/globalnomadsgroup) [in](https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-nomads-group)
Village is a program of Global Nomads Group, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding among young people worldwide. Your program fee directly supports our mission to make these experiences accessible to youth regardless of background or resources.
Powered by [Global Nomads Group](https://gng.org) · [NomadVerse](https://nomadverse.org) · [Safeguarding Policy](https://gng.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Global-Nomads-Groups-Safeguarding-Policy.pdf)
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "VideoObject",
"caption" : {
"@type" : "MediaObject",
"contentUrl" : "https://content.gng.org/media-transcripts/221304141345/en.vtt",
"inLanguage" : "en",
"name" : "en Captions"
},
"contentUrl" : "https://4989596.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4989596/video_assets/221304141345/inherited/web_optimized.mp4",
"dateModified" : "2026-09-07T14:39:46.772Z",
"duration" : "PT5M22.612S",
"height" : 1080,
"name" : "2026 Village Application Instructions",
"thumbnailUrl" : "https://4989596.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4989596/2026%20Village%20Application%20Instructions.mp4/medium.jpg",
"uploadDate" : "2026-09-07T14:39:30.208Z",
"width" : 1920
}
```
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "VideoObject",
"caption" : {
"@type" : "MediaObject",
"contentUrl" : "https://content.gng.org/media-transcripts/221597695861/en.vtt",
"inLanguage" : "en",
"name" : "en Captions"
},
"contentUrl" : "https://4989596.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4989596/video_assets/221597695861/inherited/web_optimized.mp4",
"dateModified" : "2026-09-10T15:21:05.283Z",
"duration" : "PT5M12.794S",
"height" : 1080,
"name" : "2026 Village Application Instructions (1)-1",
"thumbnailUrl" : "https://4989596.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4989596/2026%20Village%20Application%20Instructions%20(1)-1.mp4/medium.jpg",
"uploadDate" : "2026-09-10T15:20:48.047Z",
"width" : 1920
}
```