Offered through Sage Corps, the Sage Corps Lisbon Internships program is an approved UW affiliate program. On this 8-week summer program, you will have an educational internship experience with a global startup company in Portugal's capital and tech hub - Lisbon - that will help develop your professional and cultural skills and provide personal and career awareness.
Sage Corps offers internship placements - open to students of all majors - in the following areas: Sales & Business Development, Marketing, Software Development, User Experience & User Interface (UX/UI), Graphic Design and Data Analytics. Learn more about the types of Sage Corps internship placements here.
You will be working closely with both IAP and Sage Corps on this program. You can access the program's main information page through the Sage Corps website for Lisbon to learn more about the internship placements, housing, excursions and activities, and location.
Increase Career Readiness: Develop professional hard skills and entrepreneurial mindset to improve employability
Develop Global Competency: Integrate cross-cultural perspectives to thrive in a global environment
Build Inclusive and Diverse Network: Build a network of professionals and peers from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds
Promote Personal Growth: Strengthen independence, critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.
Sustainability
We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.
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Eligibility
3.0 cumulative GPA
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Good academic and disciplinary standing
At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution
Advising Location
Program Structure
Provider
Subjects
Sage Corps offers internships at startup companies open to students of all majors.
This summer internship program provides you with the opportunity to spend 8 weeks interning in Lisbon, Portugal.
You will be required to confirm your participation on this program prior to receiving your specific internship placement. The timeline for receiving your internship placement varies and some students on your program may hear earlier than others.
After you've been accepted to the program, you will be asked to complete pre-departure tasks including an online skills academy, revise your resume, and prepare for an interview. Staff from Sage Corps will help you understand what to focus on in this process. After completing these tasks, you will have the chance to interview for the internship placement you've been matched with. It is likely that you won't be informed of your placement until after you've arrived in country or right before departure. As with all study abroad experiences, flexibility and open-mindedness are key.
Alongside your internship, you will take an online course, IS-523 Culture & the Global Workplace (3 UW-Madison credits). This course includes internship reflection and academic consideration of cross-cultural relations in the global workforce. You will interact with other UW-Madison students doing internships in various fields around the world.
SOHE Students: You should request International Studies 523 (IS 523) as the course equivalent for your internship course and connect with your academic advisor once your credits from abroad transfer. Your advisor will make the appropriate substitution for your required major internship.
Lisbon, Portugal's capital city and hub, is located on Portugal's western Atlantic coast. Gaining attention as a hub for expats, Lisbon has welcomed a new wave of digital nomads and remote workers in recent years. The city's maze of historic cobblestone streets, abundant cheap eats, and oceanside views make for a picturesque and affordable summer destination.
Cost of living varies widely by location. Be sure to consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.
Housing
UW-Madison students are required to live in Sage Corps'provided housing for the duration of their program. Sage Corps offers single, fully-furnished rooms with private bathrooms in a residence. You have access to shared kitchens for cooking, as well as amenities such as a WIFI, gym, laundry and work/study areas. Weekly room cleaning is included. Sage Corps' housing has front desk reception.
Program Considerations
In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.
For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.
How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.
We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.
Lisbon is a large city. Internship placements will be throughout the city, meaning that commuting times could vary widely from walking distance to 30 to 60 minutes on public transit.
Excursions and Activities
Sage Corps organizes group activities for students in Lisbon, including three group dinners, a walking tour, visits to local sites, cooking classes, and a full-day excursion.
On-Site Support
In addition to the Lisbon Program Manager who guides students through the internship placement process, two local Sage Corps City Managers assist students while in their program location.
Orientation
We expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an approved program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
Visa
A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for this program. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Non U.S. Passport holders may have different visa requirements. Ask your Study Abroad Advisor if you have any questions.
Students who are studying abroad in the Schengen Area in the term prior to their internship (ex. spring semester before a summer internship) should consult an Intern Abroad Advisor regarding visa options before applying.
For students planning personal travel to the UK, be aware that U.S. citizens need to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). If you are planning on personal travel to the UK, we encourage you to get your ETA before leaving the U.S. It can take up to 30 days to process your application. The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you are not a U.S. citizen, check the ETA travel authorization web page to determine if an ETA or another visa is required.
Getting to Your Program
You are responsible for arranging your own transportation to Lisbon but will be given guidelines for arrival dates and times. You should purchase a plane ticket only after your acceptance is fully confirmed by IAP and Sage Corps.
Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.
All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.
Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.
UW–Madison students can typically use their financial aid on UW–Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.
Beginning in 2026-27, the Office of Student Financial Aid will require all incoming undergraduate students to submit a CSS profile.
This scholarship list includes scholarships we know are relevant to this program. It is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Although we make our best effort to ensure the list is up-to-date, this information changes frequently, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify information. For additional scholarship information, please visit our scholarship page.
Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.
Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.
This program is offered by International Academic Programs. We have a team that works with each program. Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.
Enrollment Manager
For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.
Sage Corps offers internship placements - open to students of all majors - in the following areas: Sales & Business Development, Marketing, Software Development, User Experience & User Interface (UX/UI), Graphic Design and Data Analytics. Learn more about the types of Sage Corps internship placements here.
Once you enroll in the program, Sage Corps' team will review your major, skill set, on-campus involvement, and previous professional and leadership experiences. During this time, they will work with you to bolster your resume before sharing it with their startup network.
The Sage Corps team will work to identify a role with a startup company that they believe is the best fit, based on your interests, your skill set, and available roles with our startup partners. Most importantly, Sage Corps prioritizes 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, you are expected to accept the placement and intern there.
Students are eligible to receive a stipend that is intended to reimburse students for daily meals and public transportation. If students require a stipend for the program, Sage Corps can prioritize that when looking for their placement as not all placements are able to offer stipends.
The FEA is committed to increasing the opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships. This scholarship is great for students who are early in the planning process of their study abroad experience as the deadline is early.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
1. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. 2. Must plan to study abroad for a minimum of 4 weeks in country 3. Is committed to supporting education abroad in his/her campus community through work with the FEA and his/her campus education abroad staff upon return
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the FEA website.
Benjamin A. Gilman Int'l Scholarship Prgm
Description
The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman Internatonal Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
Award Amount
Varies (up to $5,000)
Eligibility Criteria
Scholarships available for undergraduate students who receive federal Pell Grant funding. Scholarships up to $5,000 for a semester/year in addition to a possible $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement.
The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to support a diverse range of students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad, including but not limited to: 1. Students with high financial need 2. Students studying in non-traditional countries, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand (Note: Students may not study in a country currently on the Department of State's travel warning list) 3. Students with diverse ethnic backgrounds 4. All recipients are required to carry out a Follow-on Service Project that promotes international education and the Gilman Scholarship Program at the students' home institution or in their home community.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Study Abroad Advisor for assistance with the application essays.
Feitler Family BBA Career Services Fund
Description
The Feitler Family BBA Career Services Fund (formerly known as the Career Development Fund) connects undergraduate business students with meaningful, career-oriented experiential learning to help you successfully achieve your internship and career goals. The Fund provides multiple awards (amount subject to variation) to admitted Wisconsin Undergraduate Business students on a monthly basis. A student may receive one award per academic year. Students are evaluated using the following criteria: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), internship pay, internship location, value of the experience related to career decision-making and success, student commitment to personal growth and career development. Unpaid internships will be prioritized.
The types of career experiences that would qualify for an award might include:
• Unpaid or partially paid internships • Experiential learning opportunities • Industry or company-specific workshops or events • Student treks (both individual and as part of a student organization) • Student org membership dues
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria Must be an admitted, undergraduate student in the Wisconsin School of Business BBA Program. In addition, scholarships with a financial need component require a completed FAFSA form on file with UW-Madison. Student financial aid packages can be impacted by scholarship awards. It is recommended that students contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to learn about potential impact on current aid packages. How to Apply
How to Apply To be considered for this opportunity, complete these three required steps: 1. Log in and complete the General Application on your WiSH dashboard. 2. Attach documentation confirming details about the experience you wish to use the award funds to support (offer letter with salary/hourly rate and position description for internships, receipts for travel and fees, event agendas, and/or flyers. Please include a summary of the event, dates, location, etc). 3. *Attach a resume
The Career Engagement Team will contact you regardless of outcome following each review cycle on a monthly basis. Students who accept the award will be required to meet with a career coach.
SoHE Summer Internship Scholarship
Description
Human Ecology is proud to offer internship scholarships ranging in amount from $500 to $3500 to students engaging in unpaid and/or out-of-state internships for credit. Internships abroad are eligible if done for credit via UW Undergradute Internship Credit Program.
SoHE's Summer Internship Scholarship is guaranteed for participating SOHE interns enrolled through the UW Undergradute Internship Credit Program. Other scholarships and grants received will be considered when determining the exact scholarship amount.
Scholarship Eligibility Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Student(s) must be enrolled in one of the six School of Human Ecology majors
Student(s) must have an offer for an unpaid and/or out-of-state summer internship prior to applying for the scholarship
Student(s) must have at least junior standing (54+ credits completed) at the time the internship begins
Student(s) must enroll in and complete the internship course within their major while engaged in the internship once they are given approval to do so
The internship must occur primarily in the months of June through August and provide a minimum of 150 on-site hours
The internship must reflect and enhance academic knowledge related to student’s major and discipline and meet the minimum criteria to be considered for credit
Student must not have already completed an internship-for-credit or otherwise satisfied the internship requirement within the School.
Once open, School of Human Ecology students can access the application on Wisconsin Scholarship Hub site. The scholarship application for Summer opens in March. If you have questions on the scholarship application, please contact the School’s Scholarship Coordinator at scholarships@sohe.wisc.edu. Award Amount
Varies ($1,000 - $3,500)
How to Apply
School of Human Ecology students can access the application on Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) site. The scholarship application for summer opens in March, fall opens in August, and spring opens in December. There are two rounds per cycle to allow for students to apply based on when an internship is secured for the following term. Each cycle will offer an early deadline roughly 1 month prior to the start of the term, and another when internship verification forms are due, which is one week prior to the start of the term.
L&S SuccessWorks Summer Internship Scholarship
Description
These internship scholarships are made possible through the generous donations from UW-Madison family and friends. Preference is given to undergraduate students completing unpaid internships, or those who would not be able to participate in the internship without financial support. Students who are underrepresented in their school, major, and/or industry are also prioritized.
Award Amount
Varies, up to $5,000
Eligibility Criteria
L&S undergraduate with at least one semester after the internship. Check website for additional eligibility. How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the scholarship website.
CALS Internship Scholarship
Description
Any CALS student with an unpaid or underpaid internship is eligible to apply for a scholarship up to $5,000! Applicants completing both domestic and interntional internships will be considered. As a note, students must have a secured internship by the end of April to apply and receive funding. A hyperlink to the application can be found here: https://wisc.academicworks.com/admin/opportunities/70128
Questions? Contact Paige LaPoint plapoint@wisc.eduAward Amount
Varies, up to $5000
How to Apply
Apply in the WiSH Portal by completing the General Application and indicating you are a CALS student.
CALS Study Abroad Scholarships
Description
Students must have their primary academic program in CALS are eligible to apply for scholarships specifically for CALS majors. Students must apply for the Study Abroad Scholars scholarship through IAP to be considered for these awards. Students must have also completed/submitted their study abroad application in order to be considered for a CALS study abroad scholarship.
Students who are completing the Global Health Certificate, but whose majors are outside of CALS (such as L&S) are not eligible.
Award Amount
Varies ($1000-$2500)
Eligibility Criteria
Students must have their primary academic program in CALS to be eligible to apply. Students who are completing the Global Health Certificate, but whose majors are outside of CALS (such as L&S) are not eligible. Students must have also completed/submitted their study abroad application in order to be considered for a CALS scholarship.
This scholarship is available to UW-Madison students participating in the following affiliated programs: Center for Educational Opportunity, Chancellor's & Powers Knapp Scholarship Program, First Wave, PEOPLE, or the Posse Program. The scholarship was designed to support Scholars who are engaging in study abroad or study away opportunities during the Winter Intersession and/or Summer; must be participating on an International Academic Programs (IAP) study abroad program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, Business, & the International Internship Program (IIP).
Description
These scholarships, administered by International Academic Programs (IAP), are for students applying for or accepted to IAP programs, including international internships through the UW Undergraduate Internship Credit Program.
To apply for the IAP General Study Abroad Scholarship, go to Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH). By submitting a single application through WISH, you will be automatically matched for all of the UW General Study Abroad scholarships available that term if you meet the full eligibility criteria for the scholarship and you do not need to complete separate applications for each one. Note, some scholarships may have additional essays or other steps that will be clearly outlined in WISH.
Questions? Email scholarships@studyabroad.wisc.edu Award Amount
Varies
This competitive scholarship provides students with financial awards starting at $1,500 towards the eligible study abroad program of your choice, and the chance to share your experience with the UW-Madison community upon return. Students attending any program, except the funded Global Gateway programs, in IAP, CALS, ENGR, or WSB are encouraged to apply to become a Study Abroad Scholar. Please read full scholarship details, including eligibility requirements, and considerations on the Study Abroad Scholars page.
CALS majors must apply for Study Abroad Scholars to be considered for CALS donor scholarships. Award Amount
$1,500-$8,000
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be considered for the Study Abroad Scholars scholarship for this application round, an applicant must:
Be in the process of applying, or have already applied, to an IAP study abroad program (UW Global Gateway Programs are not eligible)
Be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate UW-Madison student
Academic merit and financial need will be considered
Submit completed application materials online by the posted deadline
Description
IAP will provide a guaranteed $1000 scholarship to students applying to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for the first time and meet the Gilman's scholarship eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time in their academic career. No additional application to IAP is needed and our staff will notify recipients after the Gilman scholarship deadline. Award Amount
$1000
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website. No additional application is needed for the IAP Gilman Incentive award. Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time.
LACIS Internship Scholarship
Description Generously sponsored by the Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies Center, the LACIS International Internship Scholarship aims to provide financial support to students participating in summer internship programs through International Academic Programs (IAP) across Latin America, the Caribbean and Iberia (Spain and Portugal). Preference will be given to current LACIS majors, or students who have enrolled in LACIS courses. See additional information and apply through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH)Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
Open to enrolled undergraduate students who have applied for international internship programs through International Academic Programs (IAP) in Latin America, the Caribbean, or Iberia (Spain & Portugal). Preference given to current LACIS majors or students who have enrolled in LACIS courses. How to Apply
Apply through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) by the application deadline
IAP WISc Scholarship
Description
This scholarship was established by International Academic Programs (IAP) to assist undergraduate student participants in the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program with building their global competence and citizenship skills, which is the core goal of the WISc Program. Each WISc Scholar is eligible to receive scholarships as follows:
1) 1 scholarship of $2500 toward participation on a short-term study abroad program duration (winter intersession, spring break, or summer), and
2) 1 scholarship of $4000 toward participation on a semester program OR 1 $6000 towards a year long program.
These scholarships can be used for students attending any approved UW-Madison study abroad program.
Award Amount
$2500-$6000
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible for student participants of the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program at UW-Madison.
Description
Sage Corps provides additional scholarship for UW-Madison students accepted into their program with demonstrated financial need. Consult Sage Corps' website for information on how to apply for these need-based scholarships. Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
Based on financial need. Consult with Sage Corps regarding specific eligibility requirements. How to Apply
Apply through the Sage Corps' website
Social, Environmental, and Economic Development (SEED) Scholarship
Description
SEED stands for Social, Environmental and Economic Development. The Authentica SEED Scholarship is a $1,500 study abroad sustainability scholarship — $1,200 toward your program cost and a further $300 once you submit a post-program report on your project — awarded twice a year to a student who turns a real observation abroad into a practical, SDG-aligned idea. It is open to students worldwide, with any program or provider — no application fee and no minimum GPA. Award Amount
$1500 $1,200 applied toward your program cost · $300 released once you submit your post-program repor
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the scholarship website.
