Sage Corps: Intern Abroad with a Startup

I spent this past summer interning in Madrid with a biotech startup, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I made in college so far. Sage Corps placed me somewhere I could explore the commercial side of biotech, which is exactly the direction I want my future career to go, and I don't think I could have gotten that kind of exposure anywhere else, let alone abroad. The internship itself was awesome. I was trusted with meaningful projects, got exposure to how the leadership team operated day to day, and walked away with a much clearer sense of how a small company actually functions behind the scenes. What set Sage Corps apart for me was how much support came alongside the placement. I had one-on-ones and check-ins throughout the program, so I never felt like I'd just been dropped in a new country and left to figure it out alone. At the same time, Sage Corps still gave us a real taste of Spain: living in Malasaña with the rest of my cohort, a tour of the Bernabéu, a day trip to Toledo, and a cooking class where we learned to make traditional Spanish dishes. My favorite part was probably the Madrid city center tour, where our guide pointed out Moorish architectural influences on certain buildings and explained how far different cultures actually reached across the peninsula. If you're considering Sage Corps, my honest take is that you'll come away with a legitimate internship on your resume and a summer abroad you actually enjoyed living through. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

This was my second time interning with Sage Corps! My first was in Sydney, Australia, and my most recent was in Amsterdam during the Summer of 2025. The fact that I chose to do the program twice should say everything about how much I value this experience. Sage Corps offers a rare mix of professional growth, real-world startup work, and cultural immersion. Whether it’s the amazing networking opportunities, the practical skills you build through your internship, or the lifelong friendships you make with other fellows, the program is truly one of a kind. I also loved being able to explore incredible cities while learning how to adapt and work in global environments. Sage Corps gave me both personal and professional confidence, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a transformative experience that goes beyond a typical internship.

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During my time in Madrid, Spain I was a data analysis intern working on data cleaning and organization as well as creation of infographics and transferring data from different CRM's. At the end of the program I truly came away with an abundance of experiences and skills and grew on knowledge and skills I previously had so immensely. Every day was filled with work and excitement and energy and things to do. I truly loved and enjoyed the hustle and the everyday movement of activities and engaging and getting to know others in my cohort.

Sage Corps is the epitome of Real. World. experience, combining career growth with cultural immersion. My two months in Lisbon as a UI/UX intern let me contribute to a startup, explore Portugal, and build lasting connections. I couldn’t recommend it more!

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Summer 2025, I had the chance to intern in Madrid with Sage Corps, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I worked at ASE Athletics, a startup in sports and education, where I contributed to real projects like competitor research, potential partnerships, and financial projections. As a finance and entrepreneurship student, the work aligned perfectly with my interests and gave me hands-on experience I could never get in a classroom. Outside of work, Sage Corps made the transition easy. From the very first tapas dinner to trips like Toledo and cultural activities like the paella cooking class, I quickly connected with my cohort and got to experience Spain in a deeper way. I arrived not knowing anyone, but I left Madrid with close friends, valuable skills, and unforgettable memories. I highly recommend Sage Corps to any student looking for more than just a study abroad.

I got to live out my "Emily in Paris" dreams as "Emma in Paris" this past summer, being a marketing intern for Paradigme Mode through Sage Corps. I had a great experience going through Sage Corps, as they took care of most of the requirements for me. For example, even getting connected with a company where I would be a good fit. I had a great time over the course of my internship! I recommend going early to travel and after to travel as well if you want to see more of the continent you're on!

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Sage Corps provided such an excellent program for my internship abroad in Madrid this past summer. Sage Corps made sure that interns were given extraordinary internship experiences that matched their likes and skills. We also were provided with numerous cohort adventures and dinners that granted us lasting friendships.

Thanks to Sage Corps, my summer internship experience abroad in Dublin was absolutely incredible! From the moment I decided to embark on this journey until the day I returned home, Sage Corps provided unwavering support every step of the way. What sets Sage Corps apart is that it's not just a matter of applying and being sent off; they truly invest in your success. The entire Sage Corps team diligently worked to match me with a startup that aligned with my interests and skills. Through their comprehensive program, I gained both the technical expertise and the interpersonal skills necessary to thrive in a startup environment overseas. Whether it was assistance with flights, accommodations, or general travel inquiries, there was always a Sage Corps Representative ready to assist me. Even when I landed in Dublin, the program managers and city managers were just a text away, ensuring that I never felt alone in my adventure, despite being thousands of miles away from home. And even after the internship program concluded, Sage Corps continued to support me, helping me refine my resume and connecting me with their vast alumni network. Thanks to Sage Corps, I approached each day at my internship with unwavering confidence, knowing that I had the skills and support system to excel. This newfound confidence empowered me to fully immerse myself in both my work and the vibrant city of Dublin. I can honestly say that I couldn't have imagined a more enriching way to experience living and working abroad. Sage Corps not only provided me with an internship opportunity but also instilled in me a sense of capability and independence that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors.

My internship experience in Australia at an ed tech company was nothing short of exceptional. Sage Corps not only places students in dynamic work environments but also ensures that the internships provide valuable and practical learning experiences. The exposure to a start-up culture allowed me to contribute meaningfully to my host company while developing essential skills for my future career. One of the standout aspects of the Sage Corps program is the opportunity for extensive travel and exploration. During my time in Australia, I had the chance to immerse myself in the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. From scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef to exploring the enchanting rainforests, every moment was an adventure. The program's structure encourages participants to make the most of their time abroad, fostering a sense of curiosity and discovery. Lastly, being part of a cohort of students added immense value to my Sage Corps experience. The program creates a supportive community that extends beyond the workplace. The friendships I forged during my time abroad are enduring, and we continue to stay in touch, sharing our post-program journeys and supporting each other's endeavors. The sense of camaraderie fostered by Sage Corps is a testament to the program's commitment to creating a holistic experience for its participants. Highly recommended!

Though I am only a few months removed from my abroad experience, I already wish that I was back in Dublin! Every aspect of my abroad experience was absolutely perfect. This summer I had the opportunity to work with an innovative Dublin startup, while also having an incredible group of fellow interns made up of other college students from schools across America. I honestly could not think of a better way to experience life in Europe and I cannot thank Sage Corps enough for such an incredible summer!

Was able to learn so much about not only what I want for my career, but what I want in life as well. Being able to work abroad is so eye opening in the sense that I really did not understand just how much opportunity there is in the world until I actually went out and experienced it. Maybe I got lucky with the company I got placed in, because even though my position kindve deviated from my major (was in a Marketing position as a Finance major) I actually found out so much about myself and what I am interested in, and have found that I actually am quite good at marketing myself. Overall, this program has expanded my skill set, and is something that will certainly help me progress in the future of my career.

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I really loved that I was able to go abroad and got to work with people from Berlin. A lot of my friends who went on a study abroad found that they had issues meeting locals and that they stuck mostly with the other American students. It was great to have to work and talk to the people from the area and get to know them. It allowed me to have a very different experience than others who choose to go abroad. Sage Corps also have managers in each host city who help if any issues arise, and they run events. A lot of the events that I got to attend were things that I would have never had thought to do on my own or otherwise. It was also a way to get to know the other people traveling with me. The diners were especially fun since I could learn about the other's experiences in the various areas. They were also a great way to learn about the best places to visit or eat.

It was a great experience for a college student looking to get ahead over the summer! I was in the Chicago program and got to work for a startup in Merchandise Mart (one of the nicest buildings in Chicago right on the river). Here I had a great time connecting with like minding students and gaining real-life experiences.

this past summer was probably one of the best experiences i've had -- I was able to navigate a new city/culture, meet new friends, form lifetime bonds, gain invaluable professional experience, and travel around Europe. to anyone a bit hesitant on applying... watch my vlog about my time this summer with Sage Corps in Paris. if that doesn't convince you to apply, i don't know what will.

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I had a really nice time interning in Dublin with Sage Corps. The internship wasn't exactly in an area I was interested in but the startup had great people so I ended up having a very good experience overall. It was helpful to have a cohort of other Americans to live with and spend time outside of work with. We ended up traveling together most weekends and making the most of our time in Dublin. While it was a pricey experience, I got a lot out of it and it was helpful to have the whole process arranged for you.

I genuinely couldn't have imagined a more fun way to spend my summer. I had some doubts about my host company, but it all worked out so well. Working at a small company has different benefits than working at a large company—I learned so much more than I would have ever learned at a big-name brand. Additionally, had I stayed in the US, I would have been in California or Seattle and only been able to meet people working at my company. This allowed me to meet 24 immediate new cool and interesting people. It was the best of both worlds—I had the time of my life traveling around Europe with super cool people, and my job was rigorous and taught me how to code in SQL extensively. As long as you are somehow who is ok on their own and being tossed into a bit of a chaotic environment, I would highly recommend.

Never having the opportunity to travel previously, going to Barcelona was an amazing experience. I was able to learn so much about myself and new cultures while learning a lot onsite at my job. SageCorps did an amazing job ensuring everything was organized and we were safe in the country. I had the opportunity to meet new people and experience so many cool things.

Sage Corps has been sending talented young people abroad for internships with cutting-edge entrepreneurs. Face real challenges, solve real problems, and come up with solutions. During the two-week project in 2019, we work with the company's CEO, CMO and CTO, and build real and effective solutions to real problems with their guidance and advice. Outside of working hours, we will have the opportunity to live like locals, both personally and professionally. In addition, a global network will be gradually established during the weekly professional development activities. The best thing about Sage Corps is that its impact doesn't end with the end of the project. After the completion of the project, we can still feel the great benefits brought by the company: in the eyes of future employers, the unique overseas internship experience will give us more advantages. As part of Sage Corps' network, we build relationships with some of the world's top companies and startups, led by a strong team of outstanding students, mentors, business leaders, and others.

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I loved my time with Sage Corps in 2019! They connected me to a great company that provided me with the internship experience I was looking for. They also coordinated very enriching cultural immersion experiences that helped me feel more connected to Barcelona and the other members of my cohort. Sage Corps made the housing and internship-finding process seamless, and I can't recommend this program enough!

I had a great time exploring Australia, and getting to work for a startup healthcare company. I had a lot of hands on experience and more professional responsibility than a normal internship. My favorite part was having the opportunity to go snorkeling at Great Barrier Reef. Sage Corps gave us multiple opportunities for networking events, matched us up with a startup that would value our skills, took us on group dinners, and helped us get settled in a new city. Overall it was a really good experience. The only thing that I would change is how sometimes things were a little unorganized.