With so many possible destinations it can be hard to narrow down the right city for your Sage Internship. Many students naturally jump for the heavy hitter destinations like Paris and Barcelona, but maybe you should give the Emerald Isle a chance.
Dublin might be small, but this mighty capital packs a punch well beyond its size. The natural wonders surrounding the city draw tourists from around the world. But don’t be fooled. Dublin’s best attributes have always been its people. A long and storied history filled with characters big and small, this Irish city will charm you more with its personality than its looks. The Irish are known the world over for their hospitality, their charisma, and penchant for a pub – and really, what else do you need?
Here’s why you should intern abroad in Dublin with Sage Corps.
IT’S A STARTUP’S DREAM
Ireland’s industrial landscape is currently built to attract business in droves. Tax incentives and other economic benefits make it the perfect place for a fledgling business to set up shop. It’s actually the third-best country in Europe for startups. Ireland even offers a startup VISA, bringing brilliant minds from across the world to build a base to dive into their market.
Even the big guns choose Ireland as the main headquarters for European operations. Facebook, Airbnb, Microsoft, and Twitter all have major hubs located in Dublin.
And what does that mean for you, the intern? It means you’re going to find yourself in a dynamic environment filled with passionate entrepreneurs. Internships can so easily be mundane experiences where curiosity is confined to watching the workings of a busy office floor. In Dublin, you’re going to be in the heart of a young business, getting hands-on experience, and one on one time with the people running the show. What better experience do you need?
Sage Corps cohort visiting Dublin startup hub, Dogpatch Labs
THE ATMOSPHERE
Let’s be frank. Dublin’s cityscape isn’t going to win any competitions for aesthetics. Although its time as a major British city in the Georgian era has left some stunning architecture, the city’s landscape is more defined by its grit. But what it loses in style, it makes up in pure character.
The Irish are famously charismatic. It’s rare a word is spoken in Dublin without a lacing of humor, and your potential hosts will be more than welcome to have you as one of their own while there. There’s a reason such a tiny country casts such a large impression across the world and has millions of Americans scrambling to find an ounce of Celtic heritage to display to the world.
Fun is at the core of Dublin, and fun you shall find.
IRISH PUBS
The Irish personality may be the beating heart of Dublin, but the pub is the nerve center. Even today in a much more health-centric world, the pub is the social epicenter of many Dubliner’s lives. Everyone has their “local” and it’s more than just a spot to drink (but it’s definitely also that). It’s where friends come to gossip, mates come to catch up, families come to celebrate, it’s the first date, it’s a relaxing pint after a long day.
Pub culture is different from anything you’re likely to have experienced in the US and even if you’re not much of a drinker, there’s still a spot for you there. Why else do you find at least an Irish pub in every city across the planet? Because a pub is a little piece of home for people that understand them.
Don’t be surprised if a lunchtime meeting is in your new local pub.
Sage Corps cohort visiting the Guinness Storehouse for the official Guinness Brewery Tour
IT’S PACKED WITH HISTORY
Dublin has a long and troubled history. From ancient times when Vikings prowled the countryside, to the more recent Troubles of the 20th century. It’s all played a part in developing the unique and fiercely independent character of the Irish.
Getting to spend some time exploring that history is a wonderful experience. It’s easy to explore the entire island from Dublin, and with several brilliant museums documenting both ancient and modern history, your rainy days will never be dull. One of the most interesting is the Titanic museum.
Of course, if you’re a literary junkie you’ll find teems of experiences related to iconic authors like James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, And Sam Beckett. They’ve all been inspired by Dublin in one or another, now you get a chance to live it too.
YOUR WEEKENDS WILL NEVER BE DULL
Ever seen a hurling match? What about Gaelic football? Didn’t think so. On your internship in Dublin, don’t be surprised if your workmates or new friends drag you down to the local stadium to watch some of the most popular sports. You’re in for a shock. Hurling is one of the most dangerous team sports in the world. The speed you’ll see the ball flying is terrifying. Just remember as you watch that only a few years ago, they weren’t wearing helmets.
Of course, after the game, you’ll probably be at the pub again. This time you might find a traditional Irish band playing. The iconic music sounds of Dublin fill pubs along every high street. Don’t be scared to get up and have a dance.
Sage Corps Interns at a Gaelic football match
IT’S WELL CONNECTED
Ireland has the geographical benefits of being extremely close to the rest of Europe. London, one of the world’s biggest hubs, is barely an hour away, giving you access to basically anywhere in Europe. Not that you’ll need London. Cheap flights dart across Europe from Dublin every day. If the weather is getting to you a little bit, pack your carry-on and head to sunnier climes for the weekend.
Scotland, England, and Wales are but a ferry ride away too. You could be in Holyhead, Wales in three hours by boat. From there, the UK is all yours.
These are only a few reasons why you should intern in Dublin. Frankly, diving in and finding out the rest should be half of the excitement for you. Wherever you’re placed in this wonderful city, embrace its personality and you’ll have a piece of Ireland with you forever. Start your application for Summer 2022.
