Education Internships in Lisbon

1. Brief description of the host company/ organisation and supervisor(s) ERITAGE Studio Gallery is a vibrant contemporary art space in Lisbon that champions artistic plurality and uses art as a tool for human development and corporate engagement. It is a dynamic hub where international exhibitions foster intercultural dialogue. The gallery is led by its Founder and Creative Director, Joao Marcus Cavalcanti—a former finance professional from Rio de Janeiro who transitioned to gallerist in Portugal. He has built a remarkable cultural bridge between Brazil, Portugal, and Africa through artist residencies and shared productions. Committed to social dialogue and sustainability, Cavalcanti steers ERITAGE as a space where contemporary art intersects with social consciousness, making it an incredibly inspiring environment to learn from. 2. Your job duties, contributions and accomplishments My role as a Public Relations Intern was varied. My main responsibility was social media content creation and curation. I created and scheduled engaging visual content for Instagram including photography, reels and behind-the-scenes stories to promote current exhibitions and artists, greatly increasing the gallery's online engagement. I also carried out extensive research and reporting on galleries, visiting contemporary art spaces across Lisbon, looking at curatorial strategies and producing detailed reports that fed into our strategic programming. I provided direct support during the installation and de-installation of exhibitions, including handling artworks, setting lighting and display materials, and the safe packing and storage of works. These contributions have given me a holistic view of gallery operations from the public facing promotion to the physical logistics that take place behind the scenes. 3. Difficulties encountered during the internship (if any) The internship was not without its challenges. Professionally, I was initially daunted by the physicality of the role – in Hong Kong, gallery assistants rarely engage in manual construction, but here I was drilling into gallery walls to hang installations, meaning I had to learn proper techniques from scratch. Culturally, the language barrier was sometimes tough, as many locals do not speak fluent English outside of the tourism sector. I had to use hand gestures and basic Portuguese phrases. The city’s notorious topography, built on seven steep hills, was a real workout when commuting. This was personally my first experience living in an 8 bedroom flat with 7 other flat mates which really tested my patience and communication skills on a daily basis as well as bouts of homesickness over the holidays. 4. Knowledge/ skills/ benefits acquired from the internship I have learned a great deal professionally. I deepened my understanding of the artists' backgrounds, creative processes, and thematic concerns, which greatly enriched my appreciation for Portuguese art history and its cultural context. Translating these insights into words, I had the rewarding opportunity to write articles for the gallery's official Substack account—crafting engaging narratives that bridged the artists' visions with our audience, and sharpening my ability to communicate complex artistic ideas with clarity and warmth. On the practical side, I also gained hands-on technical skills in the safe installation and de-installation of artworks, from precise measuring and levelling to correct wrapping, safe transport, and meticulous inventory documentation—skills I never imagined I would learn but now value immensely. Most notably, I developed invaluable interpersonal and adaptability skills, learning to think quickly on my feet when my supervisor assigned last-minute work, and consistently delivering quality output under pressure without losing my composure. 5. Insights into the culture and people of the destination What impressed me most about Lisbon was not just its postcard beauty but its emotional depth, a kind of poetic melancholy that the Portuguese call saudade. This bittersweet longing is in the air all over the city, most distinctly in the plaintive guitar of Fado music drifting from dimly lit taverns, but it does not weigh down the culture. Instead it coexists with an extraordinary warmth and a deep sense of community. I loved the neighborhood life, like in Alfama, where old ladies gossip across clothes-lined balconies, and in the Santos Populares festivities, whole streets become open-air banquets, with neighbors grilling sardines together. The locals taught me desenrascanço — the uniquely Portuguese ability to improvise with charm and resourcefulness. They’re not on the clock, but on the clock of the golden descent of the sun over the Tagus River, valuing human connection over relentless efficiency. Whether it’s a long coffee in a quiet pastelaria or an informal greeting from shopkeepers, Lisboetas are quietly resilient and welcoming, making me feel less like a foreigner and more like a temporary piece of their lively, unhurried story.

I had the opportunity to participate in a study abroad with Arizona State University and Absolute Internship. We spent our time in Portugal exploring different parts of the country and learning about it's deep history and global impact. It was an experience I would love to live again and has inspired a desire to explore more parts of the world!

My experience abroad was something I will always be grateful for. The internship gave me valuable professional experience and allowed me to learn what it is like to work in a different country and culture. I was able to gain hands-on experience in both warehouse and office environments, which helped me better understand logistics and supply chain operations. One of my favorite parts of the program was the weekend trips around Portugal. Getting to explore different cities and places with the other students made the experience even more memorable. The people I met through the program were one of the biggest highlights, and many of them have become lifelong friends. Overall, this experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helped me become more independent, and gave me memories and relationships that I will carry with me long after the internship ended. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a mix of professional growth, travel, and an opportunity to meet great people.

This past summer I had the ultimate privilege of going abroad for a Marketing and Business Development Intern in Lisbon, Portugal. To say I had the one of the best summers of my life is an understatement, working in a city as beautiful and vibrant as Portugal was a such a rewarding experience both professionally and personally.

I signed up for an internship in a non-profit industry. Absolute Internship helped me arrange an interview with the company. They also gave us a lot of information and reminders before going to Lisbon. During the internship, Absolute Internship arranged nice accommodation and fun weekend activities for us. For example, we lived in single rooms with AC and the furniture in the room is clean and cozy. The program staff are friendly and supportive. They answered our questions throughout the program and arranged activities well. For example, we had a boat trip during Lagos trip and had meals in nice restaurants.

My experience in Lisbon was deeply meaningful because of the cultural immersion, the diversity of engagement, and the chance to strengthen my Portuguese language skills. Working alongside people from different backgrounds showed me how powerful unity and service can be. We were all part of something bigger, doing meaningful work for a kinder world built on compassion, dignity, and love.

My internship experience in Lisbon was truly meaningful and something I’m deeply grateful for. Being welcomed into a new culture, learning through real community engagement, and growing both personally and professionally made this experience unforgettable. I felt supported, challenged, and inspired every day. The warmth of the people, the cultural connections, and the chance to contribute in a nonprofit setting all had a powerful impact on me. This experience helped me grow in confidence, independence, and purpose, and I’m thankful for every moment.

I am so incredibly grateful for the amazing experience I had abroad last summer in Amsterdam! Through Sage Corps I was able to work as a data analysis intern for a startup in the area, where I not only gained professional experience, but got to work on a project in machine learning for the first time, which was something I was interested in. The highlight of my summer was definitely all of the wonderful friends I made that were in my program. I had so much fun being able to connect with so many great people, and it taught me the value of saying yes to everything. We traveled and explored together, and even though I was working a 40-hour week, I definitely felt like I was able to create those meaningful relationships and try out so many new things. Wouldn't trade the experience for anything. I really had a fantastic time and would definitely encourage anyone on the edge of studying abroad to go for it, even if outside your comfort zone. I loved Amsterdam and the Netherlands because everyone was so kind and the environment was so laid back, but being able to travel to other parts of Europe was thrilling and new for me, and I really enjoyed being able to take in different cultures. Highly recommend!

I got the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Amsterdam in the summer of 2025, and it was truly a life-changing experience. Sage Corps is such a unique program because it allows you to study abroad while also getting real-world experience by working with businesses in your host country. I was able to fully immerse myself in Amsterdam’s culture, explore the city during my free time, and simultaneously grow my business skills through my internship at a startup. I can’t recommend this program enough for anyone who wants to truly live in another city and experience it on a deeper level. Working and commuting in Amsterdam every day gave me a completely new perspective on the city, and I absolutely loved it. Beyond the professional and personal growth, I also made so many amazing friends—many of whom I still talk to regularly! If you’re even slightly considering this program… DO IT!! You’ll have the summer of your dreams, make unforgettable memories, and leave with a piece of the city in your heart forever.

Interning with Sage Corps in Lisbon last summer was a wonderful opportunity. From start to finish, everything was organized, supportive, and truly transformative. The team made the entire process seamless, from matching me with a startup that aligned with my interests to helping me adjust to a new city and culture. My internship gave me real, hands-on experience in a fast-paced startup environment. I worked on meaningful business development projects that made an impact and collaborated with founders and teams who trusted me with real responsibility. It was exciting, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. Sage Corps is an amazing program that combines hands-on startup experience with full cultural immersion. Living and working abroad taught me how to adapt quickly, communicate across cultures, and think more creatively. Along the way, I met an inspiring community of international students, mentors, and entrepreneurs who made the experience even more meaningful. I would highly recommend the program.

Sage Corps did an awesome job of supporting my experience throughout the whole process. There were multiple onboarding meetings before the summer started that gave a lot of help in preparing me for my time in Spain. While I was there, the cultural activities that were included in the program were a huge highlight. We had a tour of the Gothic quarter, wine-tasting, paella making, and several traditional Spanish dinners. Additionally, my city managers were so helpful for any questions or recommendations we needed about Barcelona. Sage Corps also provides a lot of support with your internship from the interview process all the way through, making sure you have what you need to succeed!

During my placement in Madrid, I worked on a range of research, data, and design tasks. This allowed me to contribute to the work of a growing company while learning how startups operate in a global context. You will learn to adapt fast and will be immersed in a culture other than your own, where you will grow. Sage Corps is an amazing program that pairs hands-on startup experience with global immersion. You won't be observing other people's work; you will be at the forefront of many of the company's projects from day one. You will learn so much about yourself and about how the world works. You will build a network of international peers and mentors. You will learn to adapt fast and will be immersed in a culture other than your own, where you will grow. I recommend it because experiences abroad will accelerate your personal growth, and an internship with a startup with accelerate your professional growth.

Sage Corps was a great experience all around! The program managers and city managers were incredibly helpful and super easy to reach, and created thoughtful events that helped us connect with the city. The housing was also very clean and safe. In Paris, I was, with the help of Sage Corps, placed at an amazing company and had the opportunity to work in the world’s largest startup hub. This was not only an amazing experience, but it truly prepared me for the next step in my career development. Every intern I knew was gaining true hands-on experience and felt they were making a difference at their company. I would recommend Sage Corps to anyone looking to enhance their career and spend a summer learning about themselves and their industry.

I did the 8-week internship abroad in Berlin, Germany. I was working at The Impact Company, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting firm. I was doing marketing research and B2B marketing, as well as driving social media campaigns on instagram and LinkedIn. It was one of the best experiences of my life, from gaining insight on how a business works from the inside to finding my way in a foreign country. Sage Corps provided me with plenty of activities to do in my free time from boat tours to social nights with my cohort.

Living and working abroad this summer in Sydney was one of the most special and surreal experiences of my life. I worked as a marketing intern for a startup, but what I gained was a lot more than just marketing skills. I learned how to navigate cultural differences, work with people from diverse backgrounds, and see how business strategies can shift depending on the market. I also came away with more confidence in myself and in learning how to adapt, contribute, and grow in a totally new setting.

I had an amazing couple of weeks abroad, helping out one of the largest companies in their respective industry. This experience allowed me to explore a new country, culture and city, as well as build long lasting connections with other students who also participated in this program. This program also helped me increase my technical skills because we were able to engage with the company, as well as collaborate in a real, impactful well to help the company!

I joined Sage Corps in summer 2025 and interned at Codam College in Amsterdam, working on data analysis and data engineering. What stood out most was the support Sage Corps provided — from resume prep and mock interviews to check-ins during the program. Beyond the work, I explored Dutch culture (a highlight was visiting Zaanse Schans), made great friends, and built connections in the Dutch tech industry. Overall, it was so much more than an internship abroad — it was career growth, cultural exploration, and friendship all in one.

My time in Berlin was an incredible mix of learning, growth, and exploration. Interning at a startup gave me real-world business experience, while living in such a historic yet modern city broadened my perspective. From navigating cultural differences to building global connections, Berlin pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. The balance of professional development and cultural immersion made the experience unforgettable and deeply impactful

Sage Corps was a transformative eight-week program that takes you not only across the globe, but to the next level of your professional career. Even through you will be solo traveling to a new place, you will never be alone. There is a support from Sage Corps, your city managers, and the friends you’ll inevitable make from either people in your cohort to all the locals you meet! You will learn what it means to work in a community that differs from your own and if you love what you do or are unsure of what you want to do, imagine that feeling of exploring your skillset with other CEOs who care so deeply about their products and start-ups! If you’re hesitant, take this as a sign to DO IT!!

The past summer living and working in Madrid, Spain, was transformative, allowing me to grow professionally and personally beyond my expectations. Interning at an early-stage startup exposed me to real-world applications of strategy skills with a supportive team, and Sage Corps was integral to this successful experience! From modules to check-ins and help always a text away, I felt I had all the resources I needed to feel comfortable in this new role. Besides the professional factor, Sage Corps also provided me with a cohort and a new group of friends, whom I saw daily during my time in Madrid. From trips to the coast to dinners together, this cohort really defined my summer as unforgettable. Sage Corp fostered these friendships through cultural outings, picnics, and dinners together. Overall, I could not recommend my experience enough to others and am so grateful to Sage Corps for an amazing summer abroad!