Internship:
Sports Performance
Valencia, Spain
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 will complete a Coaching internship, exposing them to various methodologies in the context of athlete performance in disabled sport. 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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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 will collaborate with one or more of our local partners in a coaching internship 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:
Our local partners in Valencia train athletes with diverse physical, intellectual, and developmental abilities. Interns will gain valuable experience in inclusive coaching practices and will be introduced to adaptive methodologies and assistive technologies (e.g., sport wheelchairs, communication tools) that support access to and participation in sport for all athletes.
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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 to adopt in the training regime
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Volunteer coach onboarding & training manual
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Viability plan for a new sports offering
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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 Valencia
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 on site​
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 a guided excursion led by SAA staff, with all lodging, meals, and transportation provided. On this excursion, students will spend one night in Spain's bustling capital Madrid, where they will explore the Royal Palace and Retiro Park, visit the Real Madrid soccer stadium, stroll through the emblematic center of Sol, and savor Spanish tapas. Following this city break, students will embark on a picturesque half-day hike to one of Valencia's natural watering holes.
The additional weekend is free for students to organize their own independent travel. ​Our team is more than ready to offer recommendations!
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Program Details
Dates:
Session I: June 5 - June 26, 2026
Session II: June 26 - July 17, 2026
Tuition: $4295
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 Valencia, Spain (VLC)
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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.
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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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