This past summer, I interned in Lisbon with Sage Corps. I'd like to start off by giving a shoutout to André Maurício, as he was so helpful as a city manager, especially when I was under the weather. Other than that, I didn't have the best experience. Internship-wise, I was working only with two other employees that were in a romantic relationship. This was a tough situation, and I didn't feel that I could communicate with them. There was a power imbalance as this was the entire company. Though many startups are similar, there were too many factors that added up to make it just a terrible experience. They hadn't had an intern before, and it showed. At the end of the internship, after previously-signed contracts and many difficulties, my food stipend was even reduced. My commute was an hour longer than I was told, and at SageCorps they do not give you funds for transportation. I did not receive much help while expressing my concerns from SageCorps, and had to stick with it. I did my very best, and was incredibly upset when one failure I had resulted in an entire stipend cut in half. My apartment was infested with silverfish, of which I did not receive help from SageCorps for either.

I loved the city of Lisbon and my city manager André, but would not recommend this program for the expensive price that it is and the low support you are given.

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.

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 came back again should show just how much I value this program. Sage Corps truly is the best gift you can give yourself as a student: a chance to grow professionally, explore the world, and form lifelong connections. From the real-world startup experience to the amazing networking opportunities and the friendships that last long after the program ends, Sage Corps offers something you simply can’t get in a classroom. The cultural immersion, living and working abroad, pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me confidence I’ll carry into every future opportunity. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone who’s ready to take on a transformative challenge.

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!

This past summer, I interned abroad with SageCorps, and the experience was both professionally rewarding and personally transformative. I worked with POiN, contributing to data analytics and other areas to enhance the company, and was given meaningful responsibilities that directly impacted the company. Beyond the professional side, living and working in a new culture taught me adaptability, collaboration across differences, and gave me a global perspective I’ll carry forward. The SageCorps community also made the experience richer, providing support, mentorship, and friendships that will last long after the program. I returned with not only stronger skills and experience but also more confidence and independence. I’d recommend SageCorps to any student looking for meaningful international work experience combined with cultural immersion.

This program gives you tangible experience to showcase, and it will broaden your perspective on how business intersects across cultures. Sage Corps is unique in how it allows you to learn so much in so little time. Working with a startup allows you to contribute meaningful work from day one while also learning from founders, investors, and local ecosystems. Additionally, working abroad teaches far more than just professional skills.

From day one, I was hands-on at my startup placement in Madrid, not just making coffee runs. I researched, designed, launched campaigns, crunched data, and even helped host a startup data challenge. On top of that, I learned to navigate a new culture, built cross-cultural communication skills, and made friends and mentors around the world. It’s fast-paced and intense, but you grow a ton personally and professionally.

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, and right by a metro station, which made it incredibly easy to travel around Paris. 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 still keep constant communication with those in my cohort, and can confidently say that I made some of my best friends while abroad. I would recommend Sage Corps to anyone looking to enhance their career and spend a summer learning about themselves and their industry.