Session I: July 13 - July 27, 2024
Program Overview
Enjoy a pleasant summer abroad in Northern Ireland's vibrant capital, Belfast. This intensive two week program is perfect for students looking to make a significant impact through sports diplomacy in a short period of time. Students will intern for the Peace Players during the busy summer operations period and make a significant impact on the local youth. During their free time students will get to explore all of the most popular attractions in and around Belfast.
Our Northern Ireland Internship is open to both athletes and non-athletes of ALL majors!
Highlights
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Intern with our local partner organization and earn academic credit through your school
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Gain valuable hands-on experience to boost your resume
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Learn about Ireland's fascinating history and conflicts directly from locals
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Build friendships with other athletes from all over the United States
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Make a lasting impact on the local youth through your internship
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Discover Belfast's industrial downtown and lush countryside through group excursions
CAREER INTERESTS
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Event Management
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International Business
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Social Work
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Youth Development
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Coaching
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Communications
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Journalism
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International Relations
NEW PROGRAM FOR 2024!



Program Description
I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
Spend four weeks living in Valencia, Spain, situated on the southeastern coast on the Mediterranean Sea. Less than a four hour drive from both Madrid and Barcelona, Spain's third-largest city couples both ultra-modern architecture like the City of Arts and Sciences with the historic charm of Old Town. The city is known for its museums, shops, and long stretches of beaches. It is also the birthplace of paella, the popular Spanish rice dish.
Our interns in Valencia are fully immersed in their work environment, completing both self directed projects and assisting with day-to-day operations at their respective companies. Our SAA staff works to advise you on the options available, and match you with an appropriate internship based on your academic and professional interests. You will have ample opportunities to train while abroad, with a gym membership and time to play pick-up games with local teams. We arrange one weekend excursion for the entire group to explore one of Spain's most historic cities, and you can plan your own trips to other popular destinations such as Madrid, Alicante, Granada, and Mallorca.
Housing & Meals
Athletics Abroad
Students reside in a centrally located university residence between the historic center and the beach with their fellow Student-Athletes Abroad interns and other international students. Rooms come furnished with two twin beds, desk, dresser, linens, bath towels, closet, nightstand, and private bathroom. Laundry is available on site.
Students will receive two daily meals served seven days a week. All meals take into consideration specific dietary restrictions and needs. For lunch, students can 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 4-5x workouts per week. There will also be opportunities to play your sport abroad and train with other international and U.S. athletes.
Excursions
This program has one pre-planned weekend excursion to
All meals and transportation provided. Any other weekends are free for independent travel at the expense of the student.
Internship Information
Below are some of our selected internships to give you an idea of what is available in Valencia. Final internship placements depend on a variety of factors including your career interests and Spanish speaking ability. We are also able to work with students interested in a custom internship. Contact us for more information or questions about available internships!
SAMPLE INTERNSHIPS
Sports Club/Federation/Non-Profit - Sports Management, Business, Communications
Students will be teamed up with other SAA participants and work as consultants for a local sports organization. Students will engage in a number of tasks from research to design to proposals, all with the intent of overcoming various challenges that the organization may be facing. Some of their projects involve brand awareness, digital marketing plans, content creation, event planning, and community management. Through this internship students will learn about the many intricacies involved in organized sport in Spain.
Sports-Tech Startup - Marketing, Economics, Computer Science
Students may work alone or with other SAA participants for an emerging sports-tech company in Valencia, a well-known startup hub in Spain. Some of their daily activities may involve brand positioning, market expansion, financial auditing, and conference preparation. Through this internship students will learn about the challenges small startups face and how they compete to come out ahead of their competitors in a saturated marketplace.
Sports Performance Center - Exercise Science, Sports Medicine
Students will shadow professional therapists who work with both athletes and non-athletes on personal training, nutrition, rehabilitation programs, and sports-specific training. Through this internship students will discover new tools and methodologies they will have an opportunity to put into practice under guided surveillance of their supervisor. Due to the high demand, this internship is limited.
Clinical/Research - Psychology, Healthcare
Students who are interested in completing a clinical or research internship are able to work with professionals and academia around Valencia in various specialties, gaining hands-on experience in the medical field. A strong base of Spanish is highly recommended. Due to the nature of this customizable experience, this internship is limited.
Please note: This is not a comprehensive list of the internships we have available in Spain.
Program Rates
Program Cost: $3,995
Included:
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Housing in a shared residence hall
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Breakfast and dinner, daily
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Airport transfers on arrival and departure day
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Internship placement and set-up
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One weekend excursion
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Gym membership
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Practice opportunities with local teams (depending on sport)
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International Health Insurance
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SAA Program T-Shirt
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Local Support Staff 24/7
Not Included:
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Roundtrip airfare to Valencia, Spain (VLC)
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Passport and associated fees if you do not already have one
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Lunch, daily
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Souvenirs, optional entertainment expenses
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Additional weekend travel
Enrollment Process
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
Interested in more information? Have a question? Fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch shortly!
