Internship:
Sports Performance
Thessaloniki, Greece
Highlights
Our Sports Performance Internship offers a unique opportunity for students to gain immersive international experience while continuing to train for their sport, develop lasting friendships with fellow interns from across the U.S., and enjoy a life-changing experience abroad.
Interns can choose to complete a Coaching and/or Physical Therapy internship, exposing them to various methodologies in the context of athletic performance. In addition, students can take on an independent project to deepen their understanding of the field. We help students align these projects with their career goals in order to gain hands-on experience that will boost their resumes.
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Internships are available to both athletes and non-athletes of all majors. This internship is particularly catered to students with the following career interests:
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Coaching
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Youth Development
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Sports Management
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Exercise Science
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Sports Psychology
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Nutrition
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Education
Internship Description
Students can choose from one of the following internships, or combine both for a holistic experience in ensuring their athletes are physically and mentally prepared for competition. Our local staff will guide students through the placement process and provide on-site support throughout the duration of the program. For students seeking academic credit, we will work with them to meet university requirements. The average internship credit accrued for this program is 60 hours.
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Coaching Internship:
Students will collaborate with a local club’s Youth Development and Academy Departments to manage and expand their summer basketball, soccer, volleyball programs and/or all-sports youth camp. This internship is open to all students, regardless of their background in the sport, offering a variety of ways to contribute. Additional responsibilities may include organizing team-building or mindset activities, or other daily administrative tasks. ​​​​
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Physical Therapy Internship:​
Students will have the opportunity to shadow professional therapists who work with both athletes and non-athletes in areas such as personal training, nutrition, rehabilitation, and sports-specific conditioning. Throughout the internship, students will be exposed to new tools, techniques, and methodologies in physical therapy and fitness. Under the guidance of their supervisor, they will have the chance to apply these new skills in a practical setting, gaining hands-on experience in real-world rehabilitation and training environments.​
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Independent Project: Students have the option take on an additional independent project to deepen their understanding of the field. Example projects include:
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Off-season performance & nutrition plan (e.g. manual or video drill library)
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Injury-prevention protocol & load management strategy
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Research on innovative technologies
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Volunteer coach onboarding & training manual
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Viability plan for a new offering or service
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Case study on the impact of your organization's methodology on athlete development
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A pilot program for mental health practices
Life in Thessaloniki
Lodging & Meals
Students will reside in a centrally-located university residence with fellow interns and other international students. Each accommodation includes:​
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Breakfast & dinner, daily (dietary restrictions accommodated)
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Twin bedroom with essential furnishings: bed, linens, bath towels, closet, dresser, desk & nightstand
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Private bathroom
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Laundry, available weekly​
After enrollment, students will complete a housing questionnaire to help our local team match them with the most suitable roommate, based on their preferences and needs.
Sports Abroad
Students will be given access to a centrally located gym, allowing them to maintain their individual fitness routines with 4-5 workouts per week.
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In addition, students will have opportunities to engage with local sports teams and participate in training sessions alongside U.S. and international athletes, depending on their sport and location.
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Our team is committed to supporting each student’s athletic goals. We will work closely with students to craft a personalized training plan, based on availability, which can be discussed during the interview process.
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We will ensure the best possible facilities that a location can offer.
Excursions
One weekend of the program includes guided excursions led by SAA staff, with all lodging, meals, and transportation provided. The additional weekend is free for students to organize their own independent travel.
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Students will enjoy an overnight trip to Halkidiki, a stunning beach town on the Aegean Sea just south of Thessaloniki. Here, they can snorkel in crystal-clear turquoise waters and unwind on pristine white-sand beaches. Following this coastal retreat, students will embark on a challenging half-day hike through the lush landscapes of Mt. Olympus, offering a mix of adventure and breathtaking scenery.
Program Details
Dates:
Session I: June 5 - June 26, 2026
Session II: June 26 - July 17, 2026
Tuition: $4795
Included:
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Housing in a shared residence hall
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Breakfast & dinner, daily
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Round-trip airport transfers (on arrival & departure days)
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One weekend excursion
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Gym membership
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Sport-specific training opportunities (varies by sport)
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International Health Insurance
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SAA Program T-Shirt
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Internship placement & set-up
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Additional professional development opportunities
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Full pre-departure support & orientation
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Local Support Staff 24/7
Not Included:
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Roundtrip airfare to Thessaloniki, Greece (SKG)
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Passport/associated fees, if applicable
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Lunch, daily
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Snacks, souvenirs, & optional entertainment expenses
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Card fees associated with tuition payments (ranging from 3-5%, varies by card). Card fees can be avoided by paying with a US Checking Account.
Payment:
​If accepted, a $250 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance will be paid in installments. Exact payment dates and amounts are outlined in registration. ​
Capacity:
Programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Each session is capped at 20 students.
Admission Process
1. Apply
Fill out a free application form. We are looking for students who are invested in their professional and personal growth.
2. Interview
Applicants selected to move forward will receive an email to schedule a 20-minute phone interview with our admissions team.
3. Register
If selected, you'll receive the link to register for your program. A $250 deposit is required to reserve your spot.
Questions?
Schedule a call with our team or check out the additional resources on our website!
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