START! PROGRAM MAYMESTER IN BERLIN
Spend your Maymester in Berlin consulting for a venture capital firm or global startup. The Start! program is a short term abroad program where you work with a team on a consulting project for a startup or VC fund. You’ll gain global experience without interfering with your summer schedule. Explore Berlin with your cohort as a young professional and meet other top students from universities across the country.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Spend 14 days abroad in May working with other Sage Corps interns on a consulting project for a venture backed startup or venture capital fund
Enjoy included cultural activities such as a city tour, Berlin TV Tower visit, a river cruise and a street art tour plus a full day excursion to Postdam Caste.
Take part in professional events such as talks with venture capital investors and meetings with entrepreneurs on your visit
Take advantage of free time built into the itinerary to explore your host city
Earn 3 academic credits (subject to home university pre-approval)
Gain unique global experience that will make you stand out in future job interviews
STARTUP CONSULTING PROJECT EXAMPLES
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Startup Consulting Projects
During your Start! program you are assigned to small teams to work on a consulting-style project for a startup. All majors and years in school can participate. You will have dedicated time to work with your group on the project, including a scheduled practice session before your final presentation to the startup client at the end of the program.
Example Project
Students built a go-to-market strategy for FreeGuides, a global travel platform, to enter the U.S. market. Check out their final presentation.
How it Works
How does this program work?
- Apply on our Website – it’s free to start your application and apply in under 10 minutes.
- Interview with Sage Corps – we want to learn more about you and see if you are a good fit for the program.
- Accept Offer – Selected candidates will receive an offer to join our program. To accept, you will sign our enrollment agreement and make your initial program payment to secure your spot.
- Enroll in Skills Academy – You will start your 15+ hours of hard skill training online in your selected professional track to help prepare you for your project and broader career goals.
- Pre-Departure Process – We will prepare you to go abroad. We will book your housing and medical insurance for you. We can help advise students who need visas and recommend flights.
- Go Abroad – Arrive in your host city for the program. You will have a full schedule that includes project work, cultural activities with your cohort and our staff, and free time to explore the city.
- Join our Alumni Network – after the program you will become part of our alumni network with networking and career opportunities.
Eligibility
3.0 min GPA to apply*
Currently enrolled university student or recent graduate
All majors are eligible to apply
*If you fall below the GPA requirement you will be asked to provide an additional GPA statement.
Academic Credit
You have the option to receive academic credit for this program through our School of Record, Trinity. Students typically earn 3 credits and there is an additional cost for the transcript. Learn more.
Health & Safety
Sage Corps closely monitors all of our program locations with our students’ health and safety at top of mind. We work with our medical insurance provider, the U.S. State Department, and local government authorities alongside our in-country staff to ensure that our programs run smoothly.
Learn more about our Health & Safety protocols here.
Program Dates
Program Dates
May 2025 (Berlin)
Dec 13 – Early Bird Deadline
May 11 – Arrive in Berlin
May 12 – Sage Corps Orientation
May 13 – Start Project
May 22 – Program Ends
May 24 – Departure Day
Pricing & Inclusions
May 2025 (Berlin)
Program fee (includes housing) $3,895
Program Inclusions
- Sage Corps Skills Academy
- Resume review
- Pre-departure advising
- Program housing
- 1-day Orientation
- Cultural activities and full-day excursion during the program
- Welcome and final cohort dinner
- Consulting project for startup
- Medical insurance
- 24/7 local staff support
- An unforgettable time abroad!
Funding your Program
There are a variety of ways Sage Corps applicants typically fund their program, from university grants, external scholarships, partial Sage Corps scholarships, and parental support. Seniors and recent graduates are also eligible to participate in our Income Share Agreement and defer program payments. Learn more.
PROGRAM ITINERARY
The Start! program distills our longer 8-week full-time internship program into a 14-day program. You will not only be gaining valuable international work experience, but also get to experience your local city attending professional events and cultural activities with your group. See the upcoming program itinerary for an idea of what to expect on this program.
