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Sage Corps

Why choose Sage Corps?

We know your type— the independent thinker, self-starter, and creative problem solver who isn’t afraid to go out of your comfort zone. You wouldn’t be on this website trying to find a global experience— and voluntarily go to a foreign country to work with strangers— if you weren’t. We get it, and we'd love to meet you!

Welcome to Sage Corps. Sage Corps is a global career accelerator program that trains college students with hard skills and sends them to intern abroad with startup companies worldwide. We also offer virtual programming.

With us, you’ll experience more than a traditional study abroad program; you’ll gain invaluable international professional experience that will make you stand out to future employers. Plus, you'll attend Sage Corps created and led professional conferences, networking events, demo days, and speaker series held at both startup companies and larger corporations.

Interested? We thought so. Want to learn more? Head to our site and apply today!

Website
bit.ly
Founded
2012

Reviews

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Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I cannot recommend Sage Corps enough!!

Thanks to Sage Corps I had an amazing experience interning abroad! From before my departure to after my time abroad ended, Sage Corps was there helping me every step of the way. With Sage Corps, you don't just apply then get sent away. The whole Sage Corps team works to help find a start up that is right for you. You are taught the hard and soft skills you will need to work at a start up abroad. If you have any questions about flights, accommodations, or general travel, there is a team member happy to help you. Once you arrive program managers and city managers are only a text away no matter what you need. There was not one moment I felt truly alone despite physically traveling alone across an ocean. Even after your program concludes Sage Corp helps you build your resume and connects you with its extensive alumni network. Once you are a part of Sage Corps, Sage Corps cares about you and your future success. That never ends. Because of everything Sage Corps did for me before, during, and after the program, while I was there I was able to feel totally confident everyday at work and after work in a way I never felt before. I was on my own exploring a new city and taking on a new job, but I knew I was capable. This feeling allowed to me experience all my internship and the city of Barcelona had to offer. I cannot imagine a better way to have experienced living and working in Barcelona!

Default avatar
Evan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Transformative Internship Experience Abroad

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!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Kangaroo!
Pros
  • Ease of finding internship
  • Part of cohort
Cons
  • Price
Default avatar
Andrew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience in such an amazing city

It was my first time ever being in Europe, so was honestly a surreal experience. I really like how the program, although had quite a few events where all of us interns could meet eachother, was not too much and gave me the opportunity to explore the city of Lisbon on my own. Everything else about the internship was amazing from my job too the people I met/connected with through social events. The only reason I gave housing 3 stars was because of Livensa Living, they had some rude staff (even with being such a nice place) that would not be very attentive if you ever had problems. This is not Sage corps fault, but I can see them picking a new place in the future. Everything else about the program was an amazing experience!

Pros
  • Walkable city with internship near one of main city centers (everything also super cheap $$)
  • Good mix of social events versus nights on your own
  • The experience of working abroad brings with it maturity and deeper understanding of the world
Cons
  • Sometimes was hard to organize entire cohort/program together at once
  • Did not know my way around city until I explored myself / was pretty confused about transportation
  • Walks could be long sometimes (having a really hard time thinking of a third bad thing)
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Bryce
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing!

I am absolutely thrilled with my Sage Corps experience! Without a doubt, this past summer stands out as the most remarkable season of my life. I had the incredible opportunity to connect with numerous individuals in my age group who shared similar aspirations. Together, we embarked on journeys, shared our ambitions, and even cohabited, with some of these newfound companions becoming cherished friends.

This program afforded me the invaluable chance to establish international connections, and my time in Sydney was nothing short of spectacular. Witnessing diverse ways of life across the globe was truly eye-opening, enriching my understanding of the world. I am now equipped with a wealth of knowledge gleaned from this global adventure, and it has left me with an insatiable desire to continue exploring new horizons.

My initial motivation for studying and interning abroad was to discover more about myself on both a personal and professional level, and I can confidently say that Sage Corps not only met but exceeded my expectations in every way imaginable.

Default avatar
Andrea
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experince

It was a wonderful chance to make connections abound and to expand my knowledge outside of what I already have. It was a wonderful way to meet people and get to learn more about a culture that I was not a part of. I also really loved the support that the staff provided from Resume review to teaching modules to help with interviewing well. It was a great process that was made very easy by the supportive staff at Sage Corps. They work really hard to make sure you are prepared for your experience.

Programs

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Jacob Gordon

Dual-Degree studying Business Administration and Spanish at the University of Michigan. Originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan. I do not have a go to dance move, I just let the music into my soul and let it go from there.
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Why did you pick this program?

I picked Sage Corps program because it seemed like an ideal opportunity to practice my Spanish speaking ability in a native environment. Also, Sage Corps being during the summer allowed me to have an abroad experience (something my business degree was not going to permit).

What do you wish someone had told you before you went abroad?

It will be over before you know it. Two months was not long enough!

What is the most important thing you learned abroad?

The most important thing I learned abroad has to be how similar we all are around the world despite different cultures. Although we all come from different lands and backgrounds, young people are similar around the world and are just as curious about your life as you are about theirs.

What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?

Do it and don't think twice.

What was the hardest part about going abroad?

The 12 hours it takes to adjust to a new land.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

I have two stories, one involves sneaking into Brazil to see the Foz do Iguacu and another involves a kid in our program getting arrested for hopping the Casa Rosada fence in Buenos Aires.

What made this experience unique and special?

My host family was incredible and an ideal living environment for the summer. I now feel like I have a second home/family in Argentina.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Take advantage of every opportunity. While you will have work responsibilities during the week, make sure to take advantage of your surroundings and travel as often as possible. Even if it means working more hours M-Th so that you can take Friday off for a long weekend.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Rachel Bernstein

Job Title
Program Director
Rachel has worked in the education arena for the last ten years. Whether teaching high school history and economics or tutoring middle and high school students, she has loved working with our world's next generation of leaders. Early in her professional career, Rachel was both a consultant and marketing professional at Accenture. She thoroughly enjoys developing Sage Corps' programming and working with Sage Corps' amazing Fellows.
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What position do you hold at Sage Corps? What has been your career path so far?

I am the Director of Programming at Sage Corps, a role that allows me to bring together my previous experiences in the corporate and education sectors. My first job was with Accenture. It was a perfect gig for me at age 22. I learned so much about the business world, about the different cities where I traveled to on a regular basis, and about myself.

After five years I realized that consulting was not the best long-term career path for me, so I took a leap of faith and became a high school teacher. Teaching was much more personally fulfilling. I loved working with great kids and helping to prepare them for their eventual roles as stewards of our world.

At Sage Corps, our Fellows have already accomplished so much in their 20 or so years. It is incredibly exciting to think about what they will achieve in the next 20.

What does the future hold for Sage Corps - any exciting new programs to share?

Sage Corps’ future is so bright! We are thrilled about the prospect of expanding to new countries in 2016. Israel, Australia, and France are on our radar. So are Turkey, Kenya, Colombia, and Brazil.

In addition, we are building out our school-year programming. We will offer both full-time programs and part-time options, which will allow students to work 15-20 hours a week at a startup and attend events that will help immerse them in the local startup community, while also taking a couple of classes.

Lastly, the size of our cohorts continues to grow. From 2014 to 2015, we doubled the number of Fellows in our programs. 100% growth from 2015 to 2016 would be amazing.

What country have you always wanted to visit?

For my whole childhood, my answers were always England and Australia. As an undergrad, I had the awesome opportunity to study and intern abroad in London. Then, a few years ago, I had a chance to spend two incredible weeks in Australia.

I want to take that excruciatingly long series of flights again to see and do more but next time will definitely include at least a week in New Zealand. For me, its amazing natural beauty and outdoor activities are the two biggest draws.

The other country that I really, really, really want to visit is Italy. I have been to every other country in Western Europe (except Portugal), but haven’t stepped foot in Italy. I can’t wait to explore Italian culture, Italy’s fascinating historic cities, and Italian food. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?

There are two main reasons why language learning and cultural immersion are important to me, to the whole Sage Corps team, and to our Fellows. Students today will not be living and working in an environment that is divided by political borders.

The more authentic international experiences that students have in their lives, the more able they will be to connect with the huge variety of people that they will encounter professionally.

In addition, I think it is very important to be pushed out of your comfort zone, both geographically and psychologically. Travel, language learning, and cultural immersion go hand-in-hand with cultural and intellectual curiosity. The bottom line is that our next generation of leaders needs to be open-minded and curious about the world.

Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the Sage Corps team.

Without a doubt, my proudest moments were with our Fellows in Hong Kong and Singapore earlier this summer. Despite major jet lag and insane heat, our students confidently engaged with venture capitalists, leaders of top accelerator programs, and driven entrepreneurs.

They impressively introduced themselves to the startup communities in both cities. They asked great questions and listened intently to the answers. They tried new foods. They navigated intimidating public transportation systems. They bonded immediately with their cohort members. The list goes on and on.

These students are embarking on the experience of a lifetime and, totally honestly, I wish I could walk in their shoes.

Professional Associations

The Forum on Education Abroad Logo
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