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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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Sophia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Summer in Lisbon With SageCorps

My summer abroad with SageCorps was incredible. During my 8 weeks in Lisbon, I gained incredible, hands-on work experience at my start-up, made friends I will know and cherish for life, and created many unforgettable new memories. SageCorps not only provides you with a worthwhile experience that allows for both professional and personal growth, but it also sets you up for success ahead of time. The access to LinkedIn Learning provided ahead of time, their resume workshops, and interview prep meetings helped me get the internship of my dreams, and I couldn't be more grateful.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't be afraid to meet new people and try new things. The second you allow yourself to step outside of your comfort zone is when you truly achieve greatness.
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Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Emma in Paris

I had a wonderful experience this past summer as a marketing intern at Paradigme Mode in Paris, France. The internship gave me a unique experience to work abroad and get professional experience I can talk about when interviewing for a full-time position. I enjoyed taking the metro to work every day and wandering around on my hour lunch break every day. Before and after my internship, I was able to travel around Europe and be immersed in new cultures! Sage Corps made everything easy and enjoyable. I felt supported by them, and if I needed anything, I knew I could get help.

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Kayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Intern in Sydney, Australia

I interned at a startup in the summer of 2024 with SageCorps. They were invaluable throughout the process, from building my resume to ensuring my safety in my host city. I could not imagine doing this if I did it without them! I had so much fun exploring the culture and at my job. I was able to gain so much knowledge from my city managers who led me on weekend activities, gave me local tips/recommendations, and made sure I stayed safe. My startup was extremely welcoming and I learned a ton from being with them.

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Aria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An amazing summer in Lisbon

This summer, I had the opportunity to intern in Lisbon as part of Sage Corps, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. My graphic design internship allowed me to work on exciting projects that challenged me creatively and professionally. I gained valuable skills, built confidence in my abilities, and worked alongside a supportive team.

Sage Corps made the entire process seamless. From housing arrangements to networking events, everything was organized to help us succeed and enjoy our time. Outside of work, Lisbon was incredible. I loved exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, enjoying its delicious food, and taking in the stunning views from the miraduoros.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Build connections. Take full advantage of networking opportunities, both within your workplace and with your Sage Corps cohort. These connections can lead to lasting friendships and valuable professional relationships.
Pros
  • Cultural Immersion
  • Valuable Professional Experience
  • Personal Growth
Cons
  • Housing was a little far
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Keegan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer Internships in Paris, France

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern in Paris, where I experienced firsthand the blend of tradition and innovation that makes the city unique. Working in a dynamic, multicultural environment allowed me to gain valuable insights into the French work culture and develop my professional skills. I collaborated with talented colleagues, tackled challenging projects, and honed my communication skills by navigating the nuances of a foreign language. Outside of work, I explored the city's rich history, indulged in its culinary delights, and embraced the vibrant Parisian lifestyle. My time in Paris was not only a professional milestone but also a personal journey of growth and discovery.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Embrace the experience fully—be open to learning, both at work and in daily life. Make an effort to connect with locals, explore the city, and practice the language. Flexibility and curiosity will make your time in Paris truly rewarding!
Pros
  • Working in a diverse and unique work environment
  • Learning and being immersed within a new culture
  • Participating in a unique startup tailored to your skills
Cons
  • Language barrier (for some)
  • French culture and gestures
  • Learning your way around the city

Programs

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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

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