I think internships are extremely useful! I went through a lot in high school and college trying to figure out what exactly I wanted (or didn't want to do). Now, I have a number of interns and some of them have gone on to graduate school in physics. Others have decided that physics isn't for them and have decided to do computer science or math. I try to give them a chance to have a self contained meaningful project.

Do any of you have any suggestions for remote interns? I tried it once and though both the student and I were motivated, the time difference was a killer. Also, I rely a lot on random interactions with my interns. I think it would require a lot more structure to pull it off...