top of page
1.png

Northern Ireland

Summer Internship Program

Session I: July 12 - July 26, 2025

Program Overview

Enjoy a summer abroad in Northern Ireland's vibrant capital, Belfast. This intensive two-week program is perfect for students who are looking to make a significant impact through sports diplomacy, but have limited time to travel abroad. Students will intern for Peace Players during their peak summer season––actively advancing their mission to promote peace and equality among local youth through sport. During free time, students will have the opportunity to explore the most popular sights in-and-around Belfast. 

​

Our Northern Ireland Internship is open to both athletes and non-athletes of ALL majors!

Highlights

  • Intern with our local partner organization and earn academic credit through your school

  • Gain valuable hands-on experience to boost your resume

  • Learn about Northern Ireland's fascinating history while immersed in the country

  • Build friendships with other athletes from all over the United States

  • Make a lasting impact on the local youth through your internship

  • Discover Belfast's industrial downtown and lush countryside through group excursions

CAREER INTERESTS

  • Event Management

  • International Business 

  • Social Work & Psychology

  • Youth Development

  • Coaching

  • Communications

  • Journalism

  • International Relations

NEW PROGRAM FOR 2025!

Overview
Santo Domingo Edited (6 of 17).jpg
34-3898e2f9-2187-4564-b29b-fbf6a5689823.jpg
27111051923_450b448818_z.jpg

Program Description

I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE

We've teamed up with PeacePlayers Northern Ireland to offer an internship that's not only hands-on, but also offers students the eye-opening experience of living abroad. This internship is all about diving into action––students will be helping out with the day-to-day operations of PeacePlayers, while also collaborating to create an impactful new event for the organization.

 

Interns will start preparing for their internship prior to departing for Belfast and then spend the first week in Ireland finalizing the event logistics for an 'American-Sports Day' at the annual Interface Games. During this internship, students will get to shadow facilitators at PeacePlayers, learning about different roles in the sports industry. The PeacePlayers team will also share the history of sport in Northern Ireland, giving students a better understanding of the the impact of their project's implementation.

 

During the week-long camp, interns will assist with event logistics and coaching and then conclude the week by debuting their own unique event. Over the course of the entire two-week program, students will have ample independent time in the afternoons to train and explore Belfast's historic sites, such as the Titanic Quarter, Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast Castle, and Botanic Gardens. â€‹

Housing & Meals

Athletics Abroad

Students reside in a centrally located apartment building between the city center and the internship office with their fellow Student-Athletes Abroad interns. Rooms come furnished with two twin beds, desk, dresser, linens, bath towels, closet, nightstand, private bathroom, and fully fitted kitchen. Laundry is available on site. 

 

Students will receive select group meals on some of the days, including daily lunch during the camp. For any meals not included, students can cook at the apartments or explore Belfast's scene of local and international cuisine at restaurants around the city.

You will be provided access to a centrally located gym in Belfast, so you can maintain your training with 4-5 workouts per week. During the camps you will be able to participate in any of the sports. 

Excursions

This program has one pre-planned weekend excursion to the northern coast to visit some of Northern Ireland's most iconic sites. All meals and transportation provided. Many students choose to extend their stay with additional independent travel through Europe.  

Internship Information

Description
Internships

THE GAME OF THREE HALVES

Since 2002, PeacePlayers Northern Ireland has been instrumental in providing an opportunity for Catholic and Protestant youth to form friendships and advocate for reconciliation and shared society. The centuries-old conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland continues to divide communities––creating religious division, prejudice, and sectarianism in virtually every facet of life. Through year-round sports programming, conflict resolution education, and leadership development activities, young leaders actively promote harmony in a historically divided community.

 

Each summer, the organization invites the community to explore culture and identity at the Interface Games, an event that follows the "game of three halves" model. During these camps, young people from all over Belfast come together to play Gaelic football, rugby, and soccer. At the conclusion of the event, they participate in a "fourth half" of interactive community relations workshops led by PeacePlayers facilitators. 

​

Through our partnership, SAA interns will lead one day of the camp, during which they'll introduce three traditionally American sports, such as baseball, softball, lacrosse, and/or football, to transcend the community's understanding of peace across borders and cultures. SAA interns will be able to share their unique experiences and expertise by connecting with the local youth through sports programming and transformative "fourth half" discussions. 

​

For this year’s program we are looking for outstanding leaders to fill the following roles:

​

  • 3-6 sport experts (baseball, softball, football, lacrosse -- others are welcome!)

  • 1-2 content creators 

  • 1-2 event specialists 

  • 1-2 psychologists/social workers

Rates

Program Rates

Program Cost: $3,295

Included:

  • Housing in a shared apartment, with kitchen

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure day

  • Lunch on camp days

  • One weekend excursion

  • Gym membership

  • International Health Insurance

  • SAA Program T-Shirt

  • Internship placement and additional professional development opportunities

  • Local Support Staff 24/7

Not Included:

  • Roundtrip airfare to Belfast, Northern Ireland (BHD)

  • Passport and associated fees if you do not already have one

  • Daily meals

  • Souvenirs, optional entertainment expenses

Enrollment Process

Enrollment

APPLICATION

Complete and submit a free online application.

INTERVIEW

Schedule a phone call with one of our staff members.

REGISTRATION

Accepted students will be prompted to register through our online platform & make their initial deposit to reserve their spot.

PLACEMENT

Students will connect with their site coordinator to ask questions and learn more about the internship & course placement process.

Contact Us

Contact Us

Interested in more information? Have a question? Fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch shortly!

bottom of page