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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. 

General Questions

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We offer three distinct programs for students seeking global, professional experience:

  1. Summer Internship Abroad – An 8-week internship with a startup in an international city.
  2. Start! Consulting Program – A 2-week, team-based consulting program abroad.
  3. Remote Programs – Flexible, project-based internships and consulting opportunities completed virtually.

Application Process & Eligibility

We review applications on a rolling basis as soon as each program cycle opens. Once you apply, you’ll receive a confirmation email right away and our team will follow up shortly after. We encourage you to apply early, as spots fill quickly.

You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is submitted. Within a few business days, we’ll contact you if you’ve been selected for an interview. Applications, interviews, and offers are all handled on a rolling basis.

We take a holistic approach when reviewing applications. We look at prior experience, skills, extracurricular involvement, leadership, GPA, and a clear understanding of our program. Students from all majors and years are welcome. 

Note: Sage Corps is not a fit for students who graduated more than one year ago.

No. While some language skills may enhance your experience, all of our startups operate in English, and company leaders are fluent.

Parents and guardians can visit our Parents Page for more details, or reach out to our team directly.

Cost & Funding Your Program

Sage Corps is more than just work experience. It’s a comprehensive career development program designed to prepare you for today’s global economy. Whether you join us for an internship, a short-term consulting project, or a remote program, your fee covers:

  • Access to the Sage Corps Skills Academy (soft + hard skill training)
  • Pre-departure support and orientation
  • Cultural event programming during the program
  • 24/7 staff support
  • Housing and international medical insurance for in-person programs
  • Lifetime membership in our global alumni network

A $1,000 deposit secures your spot and is applied toward your total program balance. Once received, you are officially enrolled and our team can begin pre-departure preparations and the internship matching process.

Please note that deposits are non-refundable. 

Yes. Many students use scholarships or grants from their universities or external sources. Sage Corps also offers a limited number of need-based scholarships each year. For details and resources, please see our Funding Page.

Logistics

Yes, for all of our abroad programs. Housing is part of your program fee. Accommodations vary by city, but students typically live with their cohort in shared student housing or apartments. Detailed housing information is provided for your specific location before departure.

Daily meals are not included in the program fee. Most housing has a shared kitchen so you can cook, shop locally, or eat out at nearby cafes and restaurants.

However, Sage Corps does organize a few group dinners during the program, which are included in your fee and provide a chance to connect with your cohort.

No. Students are responsible for booking flights to and from their host city. Sage Corps provides recommended arrival times and airport transfer instructions before departure.

Visa requirements depend on your passport and program location. Some students can enter on a tourist visa, while others must apply in advance. Students are responsible for securing their own visas, though Sage Corps provides supporting documentation and guidance. Always confirm current entry requirements with the consulate of your destination.

Yes. International medical insurance is included in the program fee for in-person programs. Students should also maintain their personal health insurance coverage at home.

Support & Safety

Before: Students complete pre-departure training and receive city-specific information tailored to your program type. 

During: Staff provide on-site orientation, cultural programming, and 24/7 emergency support. 

After: Students get resume guidance, career coaching, and lifetime access to the Sage Corps alumni network.

Student safety is our top priority. Housing is vetted for security, orientations cover local safety practices, and staff are available 24/7 in case of emergencies.

Parents and guardians can visit our Parents Page or contact our staff directly with questions. We also provide key program details and emergency contacts before departure.

Academics & Career Outcomes

Yes. Our academic partner, Trinity, offers students the opportunity to earn credit while completing a Sage Corps program. The best part is that this credit is transferable* and available at a fraction of the cost of most university tuition. 

*Note: Transferability depends on your home university’s pre-approval. We recommend checking with your academic advisor or registrar’s office before committing.

Sage Corps programs provide hands-on experience, transferable skills, and cross-cultural competence, all highly valued by employers. Whether through an internship, a consulting project, or a remote program, students gain practical work experience and build a professional network of startup leaders, peers, and alumni.

All participants join our 1,500+ member alumni network after their program. Alumni connect at events, share career opportunities, and support each other through mentorship and professional networking.

8-week Summer Internship Abroad Program

After you enroll, our team reviews your background — including your major, skills, involvement, and experience — and helps you polish your resume. We then match you with a startup role (e.g. marketing, business development, data analytics) in your chosen city and arrange an interview. If you receive an offer, you are expected to accept. We guarantee placement for every enrolled student who completes our training and interview prep. 

While you won’t select your exact company, your preferences and goals play an important role in the matching process. Our team works to connect you with companies whose projects align with the hard skills you’re looking to develop. Every student in our 8-week program interviews with at least one company we identify as a strong fit.

You’ll share your goals with your program manager, and we’ll use that input to guide your match. Ultimately, the companies decide who to make offers to, but if you’re accepted into the Sage Corps program, we guarantee you an internship placement.

In-person interns usually work full-time (around 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday). Exact schedules depend on your host startup. Summer remote programs are also full-time but typically more flexible.

Most interns work in one of five areas: 

  • Sales & Business Development
  • Marketing 
  • UX/UI design 
  • Software development 
  • Business/data analytics 
  • Graphic Design

These versatile roles give you exposure to many aspects of a startup. Learn more about roles here.

Startups are dynamic so no two days are the same. You may work independently on assigned tasks, collaborate with your team, pursue self-initiated ideas, or even sit in on strategy discussions with executives.

Orientation prepares you for both your internship and your host city. You’ll meet your cohort, review health and safety information, and explore your new city together.

Events vary by city but usually include cultural and social activities organized by your City Manager. Examples: a street art tour in Berlin, a baking class in Paris, or a boat trip in Barcelona.

Some startups provide a small stipend to help with expenses like food or transportation. Because many partners are early-stage, stipends are not guaranteed and shouldn’t be counted on as primary funding. If offered, stipends are paid at the end of the program, provided you have completed the internship successfully.

Each city cohort typically has 20–30 students. Outside of work, you’re free to explore your city, travel on weekends, or enjoy cultural activities with your peers.

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Usually 1–2 Sage Corps students are placed at each startup, though companies may also have additional local or international interns.

Every student’s experience is unique, but most walk away with: 

  • Hard skills like data analytics, marketing, or sales 
  • Soft skills like communication, time management, and cross-cultural competence 
  • Career clarity about roles and industries they enjoy (or don’t) 
  • Networking skills and professional confidence 

Many students say the program helped them grow personally and professionally in ways that shaped their future career paths.

Yes. While outcomes depend on startup hiring needs, some students have been offered full-time positions or extended internships after their program. At minimum, all students leave with strong professional connections that often lead to future opportunities.

Exit surveys show that most students leave with unique, career-ready experiences they bring into future coursework, internships, and jobs. Many also form lifelong friendships and professional connections. Alumni have gone on to work at startups, Fortune 500 companies, consulting firms, and investment banks, while others pursue advanced degrees or launch startups of their own.

Remote Program

Our startup partners are located around the world, so you may be in a different time zone than your host company. Students typically balance flexibility with scheduled overlap for live meetings. While this may mean some early mornings or late evenings, most students find the experience rewarding and manageable.

Some remote students receive a stipend from their startup host. Because many of our partners are early-stage companies, stipends are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon as a main source of funding. Students who do receive stipends are paid after the program ends, provided that they’ve completed their internship successfully. 

Many students use scholarships or university funding to help cover program costs. Sage Corps also maintains a Funding Page with external scholarship resources. While some startups offer stipends, these are not guaranteed. If compensation is a top priority, let your Program Manager know during the matching process.

Exit surveys show that remote students leave with new skills and experiences they apply directly to future coursework, internships, and jobs. Many also form lasting professional relationships and friendships despite not being in-person.

Yes. While outcomes depend on each startup’s needs, some remote students have been offered full-time roles or continued project work. At minimum, students build strong professional connections that often lead to future opportunities.

Start! Consulting Program

Each student team is assigned a consulting project with a startup partner. Dedicated time is built into the 14-day schedule for collaboration. Students meet their startup partners at three key points: 

  1. Project Introduction – Define scope and expectations 
  2. Midpoint Check-In – Share progress and receive feedback 
  3. Final Presentation – Deliver findings and recommendations

Example: A previous team developed a go-to-market strategy for FreeGuides, a global travel platform expanding into the U.S. Project details vary by city and session.

No. Each program includes multiple consulting projects with different startups. While some projects may be assigned to more than one team, not all students work on the same project.

Before the program, students complete a skills assessment with a Program Manager to discuss experience, career goals, and learning objectives. Based on this, students are assigned to teams with defined roles and responsibilities.

Pre-Departure: Students receive housing details, airport transfer instructions, and emergency contacts. 

In-Country: Orientation, cultural guidance, neighborhood tours, and 24/7 staff support. 

Post-Program: Resume guidance to highlight consulting experience, plus lifelong alumni network access.

Students connect directly with startup professionals on their project and also participate in tours of other startups, incubators, and VC firms to expand their networks.

Students complete 10–15 hours of LinkedIn Learning modules tailored to their project. For example, marketing students may study SEO, social media, and marketing strategy. Access to the Skills Academy lasts through the program.

The Start! Consulting Program offers: 

  • Practical consulting experience 
  • Cross-cultural skills employers value 
  • Professional networking opportunities 
  • Ongoing alumni network support 

Many alumni use their projects in interviews or as portfolio pieces for competitive opportunities.

Sage Corps does not currently offer internal scholarships for the Start! consulting program. Students often use personal funding, university grants, or external scholarships. See our Funding Page for resources.

Curious to find out more? Get in touch with us today!

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