Internship Abroad - The Intern Group

kimdunnell

I had a business internship in Bangkok for the 15th August 2020, with The Intern Group, which has been cancelled due to coronavirus. The cost of this is around £1400, excluding flights, accommodation etc. They have refused any refunds and are offering a lifetime credit.

I applied with The Intern Group for a number of reasons. One of them being I could gain experience for my CV before the next academic year, which is when I could apply for graduate jobs. So going in August was perfect for me. If they offered dates only for next year say, I wouldn't have applied, because the experience wouldn't benefit me after I had applied for jobs.

Secondly, I was able to take my family with me. I am an undergraduate student, with a husband and a 1 year old baby. I was struggling to find Internship in my area but the Intern Group said that I would be able to bring my family. If I would be going any time other than summer, my husband would be working and therefore I cannot take my baby alone with me, forcing to leave them behind for a minimum of 4 weeks, which I am not happy to do! I would also miss part of my university course and I have a job on campus next year which I would also miss.

They are offering virtual internships, at a cost of around £2500. They are trying to get applicants to switch to this, but I cannot afford their fees, but even so, feel that I wanted this abroad experience and not to just work from home.

Bottom line, I am not sure what to do. I have explained my situation, and they just seem to want to make money in this bad situation. I am paying them a lot of money to work for free for 4-6 weeks and they won't refund my initial deposit of £800. I feel that I am entitled to this if they can not offered me the dates I chosen. 

Thanks for any help and advice, because I really don't know what to do next.