Here at Sage Corps, we’re already looking forward to the summer. We’re especially excited this year because we’ve added a brand new intern abroad opportunity that gives you a taste of digital nomad life in one of Europe’s most intoxicating cities – Lisbon.
The 12-week internship is a little different from our other offerings in that interns will spend only four weeks abroad, combining the best of our remote and international programs.
WHY LISBON?
Lisbon is an extraordinary city. Its glorious year-round weather is enough to draw most to its shores, but for our interns, it’s even better. Affordable living costs, English-accessible, and oozing with history; find a better destination. We’ll wait…
You might not realize it’s one of the oldest cities in Europe, bursting at the seams with history. Nowadays, it’s a thriving business and cultural center with heavy incentives for startups and fledgling entrepreneurs – but don’t worry. It still knows how to let its hair down.
Most recently, Lisbon has become one of the central hubs for remote work, with thousands of wandering workers flocking to its colorful shores under its new digital nomad visa.
WHAT ARE THE DETAILS?
The Lisbon program lasts eight weeks, much like the rest of our internships, but is designed to accommodate students who can’t commit to a full two-month stretch abroad. Because of this format, it’s also our cheapest overseas program.
Successful applicants will start their internship at home, spending four weeks working in a similar manner to our remote interns. For the next four, they’ll be living the digital nomad lifestyle in Lisbon, one of the most remote-work-friendly cities in the world.
While in Lisbon, interns will attend cultural and business-related events to gain experience, forge connections, and build friendships with others in the program – just like those in the full eight-week intern abroad program.
Applicants can work remotely for a company in any city or for a Lisbon-based startup.
Some of the office space at Startup Lisboa, accelerator and office space.
DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE IN LISBON
More and more countries have introduced visas allowing foreign remote workers to live within their borders, but Lisbon is drawing a far greater crowd than most. It’s easy to see why.
Nomadlist.com, one of the main resources for the thousands of remote workers around the world, ranks Lisbon as the number destination for digital nomads. The scores, in line with many other outlets, highlight a wonderful quality of life, stable access to the internet, affordable living costs, and a diverse population, helping it beat out the likes of Bali, Canggu, and Chiang Mai.
If it’s your first foray into the world of remote work, there’s nowhere better than Lisbon.
The Portuguese government also thinks so, evident in the addition of its new Digital Nomad Visa or D7 Passive Income Visa. Successful Visa applicants are allowed to live and work remotely in Portugal for two years with the possibility of extending it to five years. The tax rate is set at only 15%, as opposed to the typical 25%, for the first four years, making it an enticing option for those able to move.
While that may be a little while in the future for our interns, it only helps foster the business-centric atmosphere growing in Lisbon.
A START-UP FOCUSSED CAPITAL
It’s not just digital nomads that are flocking to Lisbon. The government also introduced a D2 Entrepreneur Visa to entice startups to put down roots in the Portuguese capital. It’s geared at those from outside of the EU, making Lisbon an ideal destination for American business owners in search of a new pace of life.
The arrival of the brand new startup hub, Hub Criativo do Beato speaks volumes for the emphasis placed on startups in Lisbon. The gargantuan facility is set to be the world’s largest startup campus, beating out Station F in Paris. It’s set to open by the end of year, so there’s a good chance some of our interns could find themselves visiting or working with a company based there.
WHAT ABOUT AFTER WORK?
Members of our Lisbon cohort are spoiled when it comes to their chosen city. Sure, a startup-centric city is an amazing environment to learn in, but digital nomadism is about lifestyle as much as work.
Operating remotely, interns will be able to work from streetside cafes or top-of-class co-working spaces with other like-minded individuals.
And what streets to work on! Lisbon is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Europe.
Its hilly, vibrant neighborhoods are the result of centuries of development; Moorish fortresses, colonial-styled churches, and astounding monuments to Portugal’s Golden Age of Discovery. Portugal as a whole is often passed over for its more famous neighbor, Spain, but it has found a new lease of life in recent years, emerging as one of the most exciting destinations on the continent.
History oozes from its cobbled streets, all of which can ogled at from its comprehensive tram system – arguably the most picturesque way to travel – and the array of museums found around the harbor are some of the best in Europe. Throw in an enviable nightlife, glorious weather, and a welcoming population, and Lisbon has the whole package.
Don’t even get started on the food…pastéis de nata anyone?
The famous Portuguese egg custard pastry (pastéis de nata) is a must-try while in Lisbon.
WHY DO THE HYBRID INTERNSHIP?
Choosing a hybrid internship has multiple benefits for the right applicant. Those who are keen to head overseas for their internship and take advantage of the experience but will struggle to set aside two full months can get the best of both worlds.
The first four weeks can be spent at home, where interns can organize work around their other commitments. The second four are abroad and still expose interns to the same experiences our eight-week applicants enjoy.
Another huge benefit is that it’s a cheaper way to head abroad. As interns only spend a month away from home, the fees are considerably lower. We include housing in the program cost, as well as the events and workspace expenses over the course of the month, but you’ll cover your own food besides a welcome dinner.
Above and beyond all that, it’s also a glimpse into life as a digital nomad. Getting up and moving while staying productive is part of the lifestyle and something that work-life shifts are transforming into a necessary skill. It’s easy to work from the same desk all day in a perfect environment. But can you work from everywhere and get the balance right?
Ready to get started? Learn more about the Lisbon program or start your application here.
