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 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 one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had so far, both personally and professionally. Working at a startup gave me hands-on exposure to the fast-paced, innovative side of business, where I contributed to projects that challenged me to think critically and adapt quickly. Beyond the internship, Berlin itself was a classroom. The city’s unique blend of history and modern culture taught me how the past and present can coexist and shape new ideas. Exploring Berlin’s diverse neighborhoods, meeting people from across the world, and experiencing its vibrant culture gave me a broader perspective on global business and life in general. Every day pushed me out of my comfort zone whether it was adjusting to a new work culture, practicing independence, or embracing cultural differences. Overall, Berlin left me with valuable skills, lasting connections, and memories that will guide me in my future endeavors.

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!

My time abroad with SAGE Corps was both professionally and personally transformative. As a marketing intern at MiAltar, I gained hands-on experience in blogs, email campaigns, and social media outreach, while also leading meetings and contributing ideas in a small team where my work clearly made an impact. Living in Lisbon challenged me to adapt quickly, from navigating public transportation to engaging with locals, which made me more independent and confident. I also built friendships with both peers and locals, giving me a deeper appreciation for Portuguese culture. This experience pushed me to take risks, step outside my comfort zone, and grow in ways a classroom could never replicate.

My internship at Deepfile has been instrumental in shaping my future career goals. Working at the intersection of business strategy and technology gave me firsthand exposure to how startups grow, adapt, and bring innovative products to market. I learned how to analyze industry trends, communicate complex ideas clearly, and think strategically about customer and investor needs, all of which are skills that are directly transferable to careers in business, finance, and technology. Most importantly, the experience showed me the value of working in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments where I can take on responsibility early and contribute meaningfully to a team’s success. It confirmed my interest in pursuing a career that combines problem-solving, strategy, and innovation, whether in the startup world, consulting, or a larger firm focused on technology and financial services.

The Sage Corps program is the epitome of real-world experience, offering a unique chance to combine professional growth with cultural immersion. Over two months in Lisbon as a UI/UX intern, I contributed to a passionate local startup, gained hands-on skills, and explored all that Portugal had to offer. The balance of structure, responsibility, and adventure helped me appreciate work-life balance while building lasting friendships. I left more confident, skilled, and globally minded. I couldn’t recommend it more!