One of the problems with unpaid internships is the system favors the wealthy: if you can't afford (via "[your] family and [your] own funds") to buy your way in,

One of the problems with unpaid internships is the system favors the wealthy: if you can't afford (via "[your] family and [your] own funds") to buy your way in, you won't get "first-hand knowledge about how the international system works". From the article: "I am from a developing country," says Sabine, "and I know of many people from my university who would have loved this opportunity but could probably not afford to do it." Populism aside; 1%-er arguments aside—from an organizational perspective, you're missing out on talent who can't pay. (From the other side, I laughed a hiring manager off the phone in college who told me their internship [in Manhattan] was unpaid. You may be selecting for "passion", but the best* talent knows their worth.) (* Not saying I'm the best, but I had other options, as will anyone reasonable.)