Internship: Low-Tech VR, Frugal Innovation & Educational Game Design

The internships proposed in this call will take place within the ACROSS International Joint Laboratory in Hanoi (http://across-lab.org). ACROSS is currently expanding the SIMPLE project (https://project-simple.eu/), which uses Virtual Reality (VR) to raise awareness of sustainable development among youth in Lower Mekong countries.

To maximize the impact and accessibility of these educational tools, the team is launching a new “Low-Tech” initiative. The goal is to move beyond expensive, dedicated hardware (like Meta Quest headsets) and develop accessible, sustainable solutions that allow immersive learning using standard smartphones and locally constructed viewers. We are seeking excellent candidates to help us transition high-fidelity VR experiences into accessible, frugal innovations.

1. Porting VR Universes to Mobile & Cardboard (Unity/C#) The goal of this internship is to adapt the existing SIMPLE VR universes, currently running on high-end hardware, to work on standard smartphones using “Cardboard-style” viewers (https://arvr.google.com/cardboard/).

• Objectives: Optimize 3D assets and scripts for mobile performance. Implement new interaction metaphors (gaze-based or simple touch) to replace dedicated VR controllers. Ensure compatibility with the GAMA platform for simulation data exchange.
• Requirements: Strong knowledge of Unity and C#. Experience with Android/iOS development or mobile optimization is a plus.

2. Frugal VR Viewers and Tangible Interfaces This internship focuses on the physical aspect of the “Low-Tech” strategy: designing robust, easy-to-build VR viewers and interfaces that schools can construct themselves.

• Objectives: Design open-source blueprints for VR viewers based on Google Cardboard specifications but adapted for durability and local materials. Create “Do-It-Yourself” guides for teachers and students. Explore the creation of low-tech tangible interfaces to interact with the simulation.
• Requirements: Experience with CAD/3D modeling (Blender, Fusion360, etc.), rapid prototyping (laser cutting, 3D printing), and a strong “Maker” spirit.

3. Synchronous Classroom Experiences Current VR experiences are mostly one-player experiences, mostly because the hardware available is limited (6 headsets at most in the M2L2). This internship aims to redesign the gameplay to allow an entire classroom of children to play simultaneously using their own devices.

• Objectives: Analyze existing educational content and adapt the “game loop” for synchronous multiplayer usage. Design a local server/dashboard interface for teachers to manage the session and view results in real-time. Propose mechanisms for collaborative or competitive gameplay suitable for a school environment.
• Requirements: Background in Game Design, UX/UI, or Educational Technology. Interest in serious games and collaborative learning.

• An interest in Frugal Innovation, Low-Tech approaches, and Sustainability is crucial.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Autonomy and ability to work in a multicultural environment.

• Location: The candidates will be hosted full-time or half-time at the ACROSS Laboratory in Hanoi, Vietnam.
• Duration: 3 to 6 months, starting anytime in 2026.
• Support: Financial support (internship allowance), training, and working facilities will be provided.

If you are interested and would like to apply, please send a CV and a cover letter to across@tlu.edu.vn. All applications will be processed on a rolling basis (no specific deadline) and interviews will be held with the most interesting profiles.