You've built a lifetime of stories. it's time for your encore.
A One-Month Abroad Program for Adults 55+.
Most of us only see a fraction of the world in our lifetime—often for a week or two as tourists. We can do more.
Built by the team at Sage Corps, Encore is a one-month, upscale abroad program designed for curious travelers, ages 55 and older.
Encore invites you to join a cohort of other like-minded peers to live like a local in some of the world’s most captivating cities. Encore will immerse you in local rhythms, new flavors, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. You’ll forge real connections and dive into a new culture.
Why Encore?
Live
Stay in furnished upscale apartments in the heart of a vibrant global city.
Learn
Take engaging university courses in language, art, or history.
Explore
Participate in curated, immersive group activities and cultural excursions.
Connect
Meet a group of curious, like-minded travelers and locals.
Support
Join a program with local staff to support your individual abroad experience.
Encore Barcelona Program Inclusions
Join Encore in an iconic global city with unique architecture, rich history, Mediterranean beach climate, and English-friendly amenities.
Furnished Luxury Apartment:
Centrally-located apartment building with full amenities.
University Courses:
Choose two courses taught by professors at a local university.
Weekly Group Activities:
Weekly cohort dinners and curated cultural activities.
Two Day Trips:
Explore nearby gems Montserrat and Sitges.
Logistical Support:
International medical insurance, public transit pass, city museum pass, apartment concierge and staff, and 24/7 local Sage Corps staff.
Luxury Apartment Living in Barcelona
Live like a local for one-month in the heart of Barcelona near the iconic Arc de Triomf.
Living space
- Fully furnished one-bedroom
- Outdoor balcony
- Full equipped kitchen
- A/C and heat
- Washer/dryer
- High speed WI-FI
- Weekly Cleaning
Building amenities
- Concierge
- Rooftop pool
- Rooftop community space
- Fitness center
- Co-working space
- Front desk staff and security
University Courses
Living abroad means learning about the local city, country, and culture. In partnership with our local university partner, Encore has designed customized course offerings to enhance your abroad experience. You will choose two of three courses to attend with others in your cohort. Classes run Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9:00-10:00AM and 10:30-11:30AM
We’ll also organize networking events with local adult learners who are studying English at the university. We expect that you’ll make some new local friends in the city!
This course introduces you to the fundamentals of Spanish, equipping you with essential vocabulary and everyday expressions to navigate life in Barcelona. Through interactive lessons, you'll build confidence in speaking, listening, and understanding Spanish, making daily interactions smoother and more enjoyable as you immerse yourself in local culture.
Explore Spain’s vibrant creative heritage in this course that delves into the evolution of artistic movements and architectural styles. Discover the stories behind iconic masterpieces—from Gaudí’s visionary designs to modern interpretations—and gain a deeper appreciation for how art and architecture shape the unique urban landscape of Barcelona and beyond.
This course will take you on a journey through Spain’s fascinating past, from its Roman and Moorish influences to the rise of the Spanish Empire and beyond. Through engaging discussions, site visits, and interactive activities, you’ll explore key historical events, cultural landmarks, and the customs that have shaped modern Spain.
Encore Barcelona
Itinerary Highlights:
October 1-31, 2025
Culture
- Sagrada Familia Church Visit
- Parque Guell Visit
- Flamenco show
- Local Food Market Visit
Cohort Trips
Monserrat
Sitges
Community
- Private University Courses
Weekly Cohort Dinners
- Wine, cooking, and mosaic art classes
Program Fee
Price includes fully-furnished luxury apartments with amenities, university courses, weekly group activities and two group daytrips, weekly dinners, international medical insurance, city museum pass, public transit card, and 24/7 local staff support.
One-bedroom Apartment with Balcony
- $14,900 USD Single Occupancy (King bed)
- $10,800 USD Double Occupancy (King bed or twin beds if available)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the team behind the Encore program?
Our experienced team includes local experts and seasoned program managers who ensure your time abroad is seamless and enriching. Encore was built by the team behind Sage Corps, a college abroad program that has sent students to live and work abroad since 2013. Our team is committed to ensuring you have an immersive and authentic abroad experience.
Matt Meltzer
Founder & CEO
A passionate world traveler, Matt’s personal experiences studying abroad in Spain and working abroad in Argentina after college were transformative for his first career as a litigation partner at Kirkland & Ellis, LLP where he represented global companies in disputes and internal investigations. Matt graduated cum laude from Northwestern School of Law in 2007 and summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with degrees in International Relations and Spanish in 2003.
In 2013, Matt left Kirkland & Ellis to launch Sage Corps and pay it forward: sending college students to gain immersive abroad experience. Now, with the launch of Encore, Matt hopes to inspire “students” of all ages to travel, explore, and live across countries, cultures, and continents.
When he isn’t helping people go abroad, Matt spends his time with his wife, three kids, and Australian labradoodle in suburban Chicago.
Alex Smith
Spain Program Manager
Alex is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, but has lived in Spain for more than 8 years.
Alex first traveled abroad when she was 19 to Delhi, India, with a group called Writers without Borders. The experience sparked a hunger for more knowledge, and the following year, she went on to study for a semester in Granada, Spain. After graduating with a business degree from the University of Kentucky, Alex returned to Spain to complete her master’s in bilingual education.
Alex is committed to helping people broaden their horizons and meet their professional goals through international experience.
Xavi Aleixandre
Barcelona City Manager
Xavi was born in Barcelona and has lived, studied, and worked in the city for his entire life. An industrial designer by training, Xavi offers a unique local perspective in his role as Sage Corps’ City Manager for our Barcelona program. Students of all ages love learning about his local favorites in and around the city.
What is the enrollment process?
We understand that going abroad for one month is a major investment of time and money. We
want to make sure that we help you make the best decision for you and our curated community
of other like-minded travelers. To do that, we ask you to fill out an initial registration form so that we
can get to know you better and understand your goals and expectations for your Encore
experience. If we aren’t confident that we can deliver the experience you want – we will tell you
up front.
All interested participants must:
- register on our website
- Schedule a video chat with Encore Staff – we want to make sure that you are a good fit for
our cohort and we are a good fit for you! - Receive email offer to join an Encore cohort
- Sign enrollment agreement and make initial payment
- Schedule first call with assigned Encore program manager
We accept registrations on a rolling basis until all thirty (30) spots are filled in each cohort. Once accepted,
you’ll have an individually-assigned program manager who is available to talk through any and
all of your questions and pre-departure planning. You’ll also access our online pre-departure
portal with all the information you need to prepare to live abroad.
Do I need to speak the local language?
No prior local language knowledge is required. Language classes are also included in the program.
Can I opt out of the university courses?
Yes, you can skip the university courses but we cannot discount those courses out of the
program fee because the university enrollment is based on the entire group’s participation.
Can I opt out of the apartment housing and find my own?
We strongly advise against this for multiple reasons. First, the housing includes various group amenities and some activities that you would miss out on. Second, for health and safety reasons, we would not be able to manage any issues with the landlord that may arise on-site. Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to develop closer relationships with the Encore cohort.
How nice are Encore Barcelona apartments?
Your time abroad should be immersive and authentic. That said, you don’t need to suffer the common pitfalls of staying in a “European” apartment building that is 200 years old with spotty internet, limited hot water, and no elevator. We want you to be well-rested and feel comfortable at home during your time abroad. Our furnished one-bedroom apartments come with many luxuries you may have back home – and perhaps even some amenities that you’ll demand when you return stateside. The Barcelona cohort will stay in a new building built in 2023 that has a gym, rooftop pool with sweeping city views, a communal work space, front desk security and a concierge at your disposal! Each apartment has high-speed WIFI, a full kitchen, and a balcony. Enjoy!
Is this program suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely! Encore offers a supportive, inclusive community that welcomes solo travelers, couples, and friends. Our pre-departure online orientation will connect you with the other participants and we’ll allow plenty of time in-country for you to meet in person – all with the support of our local staff.
What if I have a medical issue arise while abroad?
All participants have international medical insurance coverage included in the program fee. It covers pre-existing conditions up to $100,000, $0 deductible, and all medical evacuation costs. Our local staff will help coordinate any doctor’s visits in-country.
What is not included in the program fee?
Your international airfare, your daily meals and independent individual activities are not included. Your apartment will have a fully-furnished kitchen so that you can grocery shop and cook as much as you’d like. We also strongly recommend that you get travel insurance – trip cancellation or interruption insurance just in case you have some unforeseen plans changes after you commit to our program and pay the program fee. We have a strict refund policy (outlined in your enrollment agreement).
Do I book my own flight and do you pick me up at the airport?
You will book your own flight to Barcelona. We will have someone greet you at the airport and help direct you to a taxi. This way you do not have to wait for others in the cohort to land and you can efficiently get to the apartment building where we will have other staff member awaiting your arrival along with the apartment building staff.
I’m 55 and my mom is 80 - are we both good candidates?
Maybe! The better question is whether you are curious to explore new cultures, open-minded to meet new people, and willing to step out of your comfort zone (with professional support at your side!) We do suggest that participants have the physical ability to carry a bag of groceries, and otherwise walk up to 30 minutes per day within urban settings. That said, we can work with anyone who requires accommodations.
Will there be activities planned for me every day?
No! This is not a jam-packed tour for tourists. We want you to take your time in the city, and really soak in the sights and sounds. Sitting at a cafe where the staff is not trying to turn over tables is itself a worthwhile and memorable experience. That said, our program offers significant structure so that you are set up to really make the most of your time abroad. After the initial orientation days, weeks 2-5 will include university courses Mon-Weds mornings and mostly free afternoons and evenings. We will schedule one weekly group dinner, and a handful of curated cultural activities, usually on Thursdays. We will also take two group day trips outside the city during the program. Friday afternoons through Sunday night are completely free to allow you to explore other cities for a few days if you’d like. Your on-site concierge and our staff can otherwise make suggestions for individual places to explore. Your included public transport pass and city-wide museum pass offer an easy afternoon activity – on us!
What are the program payment terms program/cancellation policy?
All participants must sign an Encore enrollment agreement which includes the cancellation/refund policy. Because we have limited spots in each cohort and we must book the apartments, university courses, and group activities many months in advance, we require an initial non-refundable payment at the time of enrollment of $5,000 per person. The balance of the program fee will be due 60 days prior to the program check-in date. Thereafter, the entire program fee is non-refundable, as we will not be able to replace your spot in the program so close to the program check-in date.
We strongly encourage all participants to purchase an individual travel insurance policy that covers travel disruption, travel interruption, or “Cancel for Any Reason.”