The business of internships

Over the past few months, as an experiment, I have posted calls for interns. Here is my experience:

December is the time to ask for interns. This is when the students are going into their final semester at college, and have been mandated to get something outside.
Most “intern” applicants do not read the requirements listed, nor are they interested in the role. They are just looking for a stipend, and a “certificate”. The sad part is the serious players just get drowned out.
Lot of “interns”, in the tech industry at least, want to “Work Remote”. I believe an “intern” should think of “learning”, and not “working”. To be able to get anything meaningful, the learning happens through observation. So, a “remote” internship, in my view, is a dud start. But then, its just me. Because I intend my interns to learn, and not as “cheap labour”.
When posted as a “Post” on LinkedIn, the response is really small. Probably not reaching enough people. Or maybe my timing was just wrong. “Job Posting”, on the other hand, results in random spam applications. People who have no connection to the role, but are looking for a job, apply.
Once the spammers kick in, the limit (50) on the free job post hits quickly. And really there is nothing meaningful any job poster can get out of it.
The best interns ( with aptitude and serious ) come through referrals.

This concludes a major set of studies for me. Now to process these learning, and internalise the “side” effects.

What is your experience with interns ?