Your International Sports Career Starts Here
Step into the ultimate two-week experiential challenge across Europe's top sports hubs. As part of the Beyond Sports Innovation Cup, you’ll collaborate in elite, track-specific teams in Sports Management or Sports Science to tackle real-world industry problems, conduct hands-on field research, and learn directly from top European sports executives. Pitch your strategy live to a panel of expert professional judges, build genuine confidence, sharpen your cross-cultural leadership, and bring home a resume-defining project that proves you can innovate on a global stage.
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Duration
Tuition
2 Weeks
$3,995 - $4,295
Session Dates
Portugal + Spain:
May 21 - June 4, 2027
France + Germany:
June 6 - June 20, 2027
Internship Placements
• Sports Management
• Sports Science
Priority App Deadline
December 15, 2026
Internship Description
Every placement is tailored to align with your career goals. Programs average a minimum of 40 accrued internship hours with on-site staff support.
The Beyond Sports Innovation Cup
The Beyond Sports Innovation Cup is an intensive, two-week experiential internship challenge designed for ambitious student-athletes in Sports Management- and Sports Science-related fields.
Divided into elite track-specific teams, you’ll tackle real-world industry problems, conduct hands-on field research, learn directly from top sports executives, and develop a comprehensive strategy—all within 24 total hours of targeted working time spread across your two-week internship.
At the end of the program, you’ll present your solution live to a panel of expert professional judges working across elite sports organizations. This internship puts you and your team fully in the driver's seat of solving the sports industry's top challenges.
The Challenges
Portugal + Spain:
Sports Management Track: Reimagining the Matchday Experience
Euroleague Basketball and UEFA Champions League matchdays are world-class spectacles—but fan engagement is evolving fast. Your mission is to design an end-to-end modern matchday experience that drives fan immersion, maximizes venue activation, and captures the next generation of global supporters.
Sports Science Track: Next-Gen Endurance Performance Strategy
Elite endurance performance is built on the margin of tiny gains. Your mission is to architect an integrated high-performance protocol for marathon runners or road cyclists—synthesizing load management, recovery windows, physiological optimization, and race-day execution to push human limits safely.
France + Germany:
Sports Management Track: Elevating Fandom in European Women's Leagues
Women’s sport in Europe is experiencing unprecedented growth, yet securing consistent, long-term audience retention beyond major peak events remains a key strategic hurdle. Your mission is to design an innovative fan engagement strategy tailored to top European domestic women's sports leagues, such as soccer's Frauen-Bundesliga or Première Ligue, rugby's Élite 1 Féminine, or basketball's Ligue Féminine.
Sports Science Track: Female Athlete Training & Recovery Strategy
High-performance training models have historically been designed around male physiology, leaving a critical gap in female-specific athletic optimization. Your mission is to create an integrated training and recovery protocol engineered specifically for elite female athletes—synthesizing hormonal cycle tracking, load management, targeted nutrition, and injury risk mitigation to maximize elite performance.
How It Works
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Guided Research: Attend exclusive, curated guest lectures with business and marketing specialists and sports scientists, coupled with behind-the-scenes site visits to gain immersive market context.
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The 24-Hour Sprint: Work in small, focused teams of 3-5 fellow interns over the course of your two-week internship, capping your collaborative build time at 24 total hours.
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The Pitch: Deliver a live presentation to an expert panel of sports industry leaders, receiving real-time defense questioning and expert feedback.
*Final Challenges and teams will be defined closer to the program's departure date.
Sample Daily Schedule
8:30 AM | Breakfast at the Hotel
Mornings start bright and full of energy! Enjoy a delicious breakfast provided right at your hotel. Fuel up with coffee, fresh juice, pastries, and local favorites—the perfect energy boost for the day ahead.
9:30 AM | Morning Working Session
Head out to your designated working hub via a quick walk or local public transport. Your morning will consist of a dedicated working session with your team, plus a guest lecture from an industry expert or site visit to one of the city's professional clubs.
1:30 PM | Group Lunch Break
Enjoy a classic mid-day break to recharge! Return to the hotel and take time to escape the heat before your afternoon routine begins.
3:30 PM | Afternoon Sports Training & Workouts
Head over to the gym for a session with your fellow interns. All students receive full gym access throughout the program to maintain their fitness routines. (Interested in training with a local team? Let us know during your interview—depending on your sport, practice sessions can be arranged 2 to 3 times per week.)
6:00 PM | Evening Free Time & Social Activities
Enjoy the long summer days with fun activities alongside your internship cohort or exploring the city on your own! Activities could include visiting museums, shopping, renting bikes, or relaxing at a park or the beach. Your on-site Beyond Sports staff will be accessible to help you connect to different activities in each city.
8:00 PM | Dinner on the Town
Immerse yourself in Europe's late-night dining culture. Head out with friends to local restaurants to explore authentic local and international cuisine.
Some group excursions will take place in the afternoon and replace independent free time. This daily itinerary is crafted to give you a sample day as a Beyond Sports intern.
Life in Europe
Lodging & Meals
Students will reside in a centrally-located accommodation (hotel or university residence) with fellow interns. Each accommodation includes:
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Breakfast & lunch, daily (dietary restrictions accommodated)
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Shared twin bedroom with essential furnishings & linens
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Private or shared bathroom
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Laundry, available on-site
After enrollment, you will complete a housing questionnaire to help our local team match you with the most suitable roommate(s).
Fitness Abroad
Our team is committed to supporting your athletic goals. All students are given access to a centrally located gym, allowing you to maintain individual fitness routines with 4-5 workouts per week.
You may also have opportunities to engage with local sports teams and athletes, where available. If interested in sport-specific practices or trainings, please inquire during your interview process. Our team will work closely with you to craft a personalized training plan. Depending on your sport, practice sessions can be arranged 2 to 3 times per week.
Safety
Our European program destinations are carefully selected for their exceptionally high quality of life, welcoming student communities, and well-developed public infrastructure.
Situated in safe, vibrant neighborhoods with efficient, reliable public transit, our host locations allow participants to explore, learn, and live with complete peace of mind.
Beyond Sports staff host a welcome and safety orientation upon arrival and remain accessible to students 24/7 while on program.
Excursions
This program includes daily cultural activities and day trips organized and led by Beyond Sports staff. Excursions for this program may include:
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City Center walking tours
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Traditional live music & entertainment
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Cooking class
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Day trips to local beaches, watering holes and/or hiking spots
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Day trips to medieval castles and palaces
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Soccer and basketball stadium tours
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Live pro sports event
Program Details
Dates
Portugal + Spain: May 21 - June 4, 2027
France + Germany: June 6 - June 20, 2027
Note: Plan to arrive at your destination on the official start date of your session. Your accommodations are fully included and available starting Day 1.
Program Tuition
Portugal + Spain: $3,995
France + Germany: $4,295
Scholarship and fundraising resources are available. Please contact our team for more details.
Included
Eligibility
All Beyond Sports Internship Programs are open to current college students and recent college graduates (1-2 years post-graduation). Student-athletes from any competition level (NCAA, NAIA, JC, club, intramural) and any major are welcome to apply.
Capacity
Capacity is limited to 30 interns. Once the session fills, waitlist spots are assigned in order of registration.
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Accommodation
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Breakfast & lunch, daily
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In-country airport transfers (on arrival & departure days)
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Public transportation pass
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Internship set-up
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Daily cultural activities
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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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Program t-shirt
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Pre-departure support & orientation
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Post-program support & career guidance
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Local Support Staff 24/7
Not Included
Payment
If accepted, a $250 deposit is require to reserve your spot in the program. The remaining balance is paid in a series of two installments. Specific deadlines will be outlined during registration.
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Roundtrip airfare
Passport/associated fees, if applicable
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Dinner, 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.
Application Process
Priority Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
1.
Apply Online
Fill out our free online application. We look for driven students who are dedicated to their personal development and prepared to represent Beyond Sports with leadership and professionalism.
2.
Complete a Phone Interview
If selected, you will receive an email to schedule a 20-minute phone interview. This conversation is a great opportunity for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions about the program.
3.
Register & Deposit
If accepted into the program, you'll receive an email invitation with the link to register. A $250 deposit is required to reserve your internship spot. The remaining balance is paid in two installments.
Program FAQ
What is the placement process like?
Once you're enrolled in an internship program, you will be invited to schedule a Goal Setting call with your Site Director who will work with you to place you with a company that best fits your academic and career interests. Students typically learn the specific organization they are interning with around one month before the program starts.
Can I receive academic credit for this program?
Yes, you can receive credit for your internship with approval from your home university. We encourage all students to check with their university about how to receive academic credit for their internship. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure your internship meets their requirements. More information found here.
Are the internships paid opportunities?
All of our internships are are unpaid, educational opportunities focused on skill acquisition, mentorship, resume enhancement and career exploration.
Is there a language requirement?
No, there is generally no language requirement. However, some placements, primarily in Costa Rica or Spain, require local language proficiency. If moved onto the interview round, your Admissions Coordinator will discuss this with you.
Can I participate in more than one program?
Yes, certainly! Inquire about discount opportunities for participating in double-sessions in one country or dual-programs in multiple destinations. We have carefully aligned program dates to increase the possibility of further promoting your cultural immersion.
Do I have to be a current student-athlete to participate in an internship program?
No, you do not have to be a current student-athlete to participate in one of our programs. We design all of our programs with student-athletes in mind; however, our programs are a great fit for managers, former athletes, and non-student-athletes with sports-focussed interests!
Do I need a working visa?
No work visa is required. Our internships are structured as short-term educational placements rather than commercial work contracts, which means you can enter under standard visitor/tourist status. U.S. citizens currently do not require pre-arranged visas for most of our program destinations (excluding specific electronic travel authorizations like the UK ETA). Non-U.S. citizens and international students are responsible for reviewing their country’s specific entry guidelines.
Who will meet me at the airport upon my arrival?
Our Beyond Sports staff will be waiting for you at the airport in your host country destination. Once you connect with our team on the ground, our staff will be accessible for you through the duration of the program.
Contact Us
Our staff is readily available to answer your questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at your convenience.
