Finding the right internship can be overwhelming for students who want more than just work experience. Many are searching for opportunities that help them grow, explore new cultures, and build professional connections that last well beyond graduation. That is why the NSCS x Sage Corps Scholarship is so important. It provides financial support that allows students to intern with startups around the world while building skills and gaining real-world experience in global settings.
For members of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, opportunities like Sage Corps demonstrate the true benefits of NSCS membership. Beyond academics, students gain career readiness, mentorship, and the chance to grow as global leaders. These internships highlight the characteristics of a student leader such as adaptability, resilience, and collaboration.
This year’s scholarship recipients have taken their skills abroad and discovered what it means to learn, adapt, and thrive in new environments. From Madrid to Sydney to Lisbon, these collegiate scholars are showing how global internships can shape both careers and personal growth.
Ronnae Spivey, Madrid
Internship: IKON
Ronnae’s internship at IKON has given her an inside look at how a creative and immersive business operates. She has enjoyed seeing how different teams collaborate to create unique experiences and how much thought goes into customer engagement.
“Getting to know my colleagues on both a personal and professional level has made the experience so meaningful,” Ronnae shared. “Even when things do not go as planned, keeping an open perspective allows for growth, flexibility, and the chance to see things in a new light.”
Noah Wagner, Sydney
Internship: Zonely
In Sydney, Noah has been interning with Zonely, a startup that focuses on community engagement. His work has included building the company’s website and app infrastructure, creating content tailored to local audiences, and using analytics to increase engagement.
“Working with a startup like Zonely has pushed me out of my comfort zone and given me new knowledge about marketing and business development,” Noah said.
Outside of his internship, Noah has been enjoying everything Australia has to offer. “From kangaroos to snakes, Sydney has given me an experience of nature that I will never forget.”
Lauren Kuhn, Remote
Internship: LingoCulture
Lauren, a senior at the University of Maryland Global Campus, has been interning remotely with LingoCulture, a startup that offers one-on-one French lessons with native-speaking teachers. As an Operations and Product Development intern, she has worked on GDPR compliance, created an employee instruction packet, and supported curriculum development.
“With the fast-paced nature of a startup, every week brings something new,” she explained. “Everyone is friendly and open to ideas, which has made this a great first internship experience. I now have a better understanding of what companies expect and can confidently describe my projects in the future.”
Mark O’Brien, Lisbon
Internship: Rydoo
Mark’s internship in Lisbon with Rydoo has blended professional development with cultural discovery. At work, he has found a company that values transparency and teamwork, which has helped him form authentic connections with his colleagues and supervisors.
“I have been able to explore Portugal with the friends I have made in my cohort, and those experiences have been just as rewarding as the skills I am building,” he said. “The most valuable part has been learning more about myself and my ability to adapt to new environments.”
Why It Matters
For students who are searching for internships that offer more than a line on their resume, the benefits of joining NSCS go far beyond recognition. Programs like Sage Corps show how internships abroad can help students gain professional skills, cultural awareness, and a deeper sense of purpose.
These scholarship recipients represent what it means to be collegiate scholars. From the lessons they are learning in startups to the friendships they are making around the globe, their stories show the power of investing in student opportunities abroad and the lifelong value of NSCS membership.
