COMMON QUESTIONS
Here are some common questions that you may have about our programs, application process and funding.
If your question wasn’t answered here, please contact us.
Cost & Funding Your Program
Why is there a cost for this program?
This program is more than just an internship. It is a career development program designed to prepare you to work in today’s global economy. Your internship is one of the ways we provide opportunities to learn. You will have access to the Sage Corps Skills Academy, geared to growing your soft skills and teaching you new hard skills to use in your internship and future positions. We will also offer support throughout the program, organized events and you will become part of our alumni network after the program. For in-person programs, your fee covers a number of important inclusions like your furnished housing, medical insurance, included in-person events and 24/7 staff support while abroad. The total program fee is typically 20-30% less than a comparable study abroad program.
Why do I need to put down a deposit?
The initial $1,000 deposit is deducted from your total balance and holds your spot in the program. Once you’ve made this initial payment, you are enrolled in the program, allowing our team to begin pre-departure and matching processes.
Can I get/use scholarships for the program?
Yes, many of our students use some form of scholarship or grant to fund our program from their university from an external source. We also have limited need-based Sage Corps Scholarships we award.
For more information on scholarships and funding your program, please visit this page.
Is housing included? What does it look like?
Housing is included in the program fee, but will vary depending on your destination. Students usually stay with their cohort in student housing or apartments. We can provide more detailed housing information for your specific term and location.
Application Process
When do you begin to review applications?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and you are welcome to apply as soon as the application for your term opens.
The Summer 2024 8-week program application is currently open. We will notify you when we receive your application.
What happens after I submit my application?
You will see an immediate email confirmation that your application has been received. You should hear from us within three business days if you are selected for an interview. We review applications, conduct interviews, and extend offers on a rolling basis.
What qualifications do you look for in an applicant?
Our admissions team takes a holistic application review approach. Some things that we strongly consider are prior experience and skills, leadership positions in extracurricular activities and clubs, GPA, and a clear understand of our program. We accept students from all majors and years in school.
Students who have graduated from college one or more years ago are not a good fit for Sage Corps.
Do I need to speak the local language?
For some cities it is helpful. However, in all of our program locations, our startup partners operate in English, and company CEOs are conversant English speakers.
What if my parents have questions?
If your parents have questions, invite them to visit our parent’s page here.
Program Information
How does the "internship matching process" work?
Once you enroll in the program, our team will review your major, skill set, on-campus involvement, and previous professional and leadership experiences. During this time, we will work with you to bolster your resume before sharing it with our startup network.
The team will work to identify a role with a startup company we believe is the best fit, based on your interests, your skill set, and available roles with our startup partners. Most importantly, we prioritize connecting you with a role (e.g. marketing, business development, data analytics, etc.) in your chosen global city. If you interview and are offered the role, we expect you to accept the placement and intern there.
Sage Corps guarantees enrolled students who complete our online training and interview preparation requirements an internship placement in their chosen city abroad, or remotely if the student prefers. In the rare circumstance that we ultimately cannot place you in your assigned country, we can look at other cities, and as a last resort will issue a full refund.
Do I have a say in the company that I work for?
You will work with your Sage Corps Program Manager to provide feedback on what is important to you in the internship matching process. All applicants in our 8-week program will interview with at least one startup company that our team has determined is the best fit. Our top priority is to match you with your preferred role (e.g. marketing, business development, data analytics, etc.) in your chosen global city. If you receive an offer after your startup interview, you are expected to accept the offer.
How many hours a week will I be working?
You are expected to work full-time, 9 am to 5 pm, from Monday through Friday, for the duration of your in-person internship. These are subject to the hours that your startup confirms. Once you’ve gone through the matching process with our team, you will confirm your schedule with your individual startup. The remote program is full-time but typically offers mores flexibility in terms of the hours worked.
What role will I take on in the company?
Within the company, students tend to take one of five roles:
- Business development and sales
- Marketing
- UX/UI Design
- Software Development
- Business/Data Analytics
Each of these roles are very versatile and will traditionally help you get exposed to every facet of the company.
Learn more about internship example roles here.
What is a typical day in a startup like?
There is no typical day at a startup! However, you will vary between working on projects independently that are your assigned tasks, self-initiated projects, projects with your team, and additional professional opportunities with C-level executives at the company.
What goes on during orientation?
Sage Corps orientation is a chance for you to feel prepared for your internship and time abroad. For our in-person programs we get to know your cohort better, cover important health and safety information and take some time to explore your home for summer.
What are some examples of typical events?
Events will vary depending on your term and location, but they are typically a mix of cultural activities organized by your City Manager. Some events this past summer included a street art tour in Berlin, a baking class in Paris and a boat trip in Barcelona.
Will this opportunity be paid?
We ask that all startups provide a stipend for each student to help reimburse for local expenses (local transport/food). However, many are early stage startups (pre-revenue) and may not be able to provide a stipend. During your interview, you’ll be able to note your preference for compensation. We will do our best to pair you with a startup that offers a stipend. Students who receive a stipend will be paid at the end of the program.
How many other interns will be on my program?
We send cohorts of 15-35 students to each city. Outside of the work day, you and the other cohort members can explore as much as you’d like – whether that’s going out to dinner, exploring the local culture, or traveling outside of the city over a weekend.
How many interns work at each startup?
There are typically 1-2 Sage Corps students per startup, but each company may have other local or international interns that they are bringing onto the team.
Remote Program
How do the time zones affect my work schedule?
We are connected with startups around the world. There is a chance the company will be in a different time zone than where you live. This schedule affords you the flexibility to work early or late depending on location and your preference. You will need to communicate directly with your host company to work out times when you will attend live meetings. While there might be some late nights or early mornings, your impactful work will make it all worth it.
Is this internship paid?
As a part of the program, we ask startup companies to provide a stipend for students. We match students on a rolling basis, so there is a higher chance that you will intern with a paying company the sooner you enroll in the program. Stipends are paid AFTER the program ends – as a reimbursement to students.
What resources do you offer to offset the cost?
Scholarships are a great way to offset the cost of the program. In some cases, your university offers funding for professional programs and internships. Please visit our financial resources page to learn more. In addition some startups will offer a small stipend. We do not guarantee the startup you work for will be one that pays, but you can let your program manager know if that is a top priority for you.
What are some of their success stories?
We have many! But, our exit surveys show that majority of our students walk away with new and unique experiences that they feel they can bring to future endeavors, such as their coursework, future internships, or future full-time jobs. And of course, all of our students walk away with new-found, life-long friendships and professional relationships.
Have companies offered students a full-time position?
Yes! This outcome will differ based on the startup’s needs and position openings, but there are always opportunities for future connections. Some students stay on at their startup full-time.
Who are the alumni?
We have more than 1,200 program alumni, who are no working at startups, Fortune 500 companies, consulting firms, and investment banks. Others pursue further education and some even launch their own startups! You can learn more about our program alumni here.
Program Outcomes
What do past interns usually walk away with from the program?
No two interns have the same experience, and students walk away with a variety of skills and insights. Past students developed hard skills like data analytics, digital marketing, or sales. They have also developed soft skills such as interpersonal communication, time management, cross-cultural understanding, office etiquette, and flexibility. Afterwards, gain valuable insight into their career aptitude by discovering what they liked/disliked about working at a startup, and more generally, in their chosen role. Beyond these learnings, students have gained the ability to network and promote themselves to further their professional and personal goals.
What are some of their success stories?
We have many! But, our exit surveys show that majority of our students walk away with new and unique experiences that they feel they can bring to future endeavors, such as their coursework, future internships, or future full-time jobs. And of course, all of our students walk away with new-found, life-long friendships and professional relationships.
Have companies offered students a full-time position?
Yes! This outcome will differ based on the startup’s needs and position openings, but there are always opportunities for future connections. Some students stay on at their startup full-time.
Who are the alumni?
We have more than 1,200 program alumni, who are no working at startups, Fortune 500 companies, consulting firms, and investment banks. Others pursue further education and some even launch their own startups! You can learn more about our program alumni here.
