Internship:
Sports Business
Thessaloniki, Greece
Highlights
Our Sports Business 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 weekly projects for a professional sports club based in Thessaloniki, leading up to a final capstone presentation of their work. We help students align their 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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Sports Management
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International Business
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Marketing & Design
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Finance & Accounting
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Data Analytics
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Communications & Public Relations
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Journalism
Internship Description
This internship offers student-athletes an immersive introduction to managing a professional sports team. Interns will engage in a dynamic work environment, taking on both self-directed projects and supporting the daily operations of their assigned organizations. Throughout the internship, students will gain hands-on experience and valuable insights into what it takes to successfully operate a sports club in Greece.
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Students will intern within a basketball or soccer club's Marketing or Commercial Department, working on a mix of independent and collaborative projects with fellow interns. They will have the option to address key challenges and develop innovative strategies in areas such as:
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Fan Engagement
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Brand Awareness
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Sponsorship Acquisition & Activations
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Revenue Growth
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Sustainability
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Digital Marketing
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Player, Staff, & Event Management
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For students with an interest in media or journalism, we can offer additional internship placements with a leading media company which plays a key role in the local sports and media landscape, combining professional football management with dynamic sports broadcasting.
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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. Final placements are determined by various factors such as the alignment of career goals and interests.
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: May 30 - June 20, 2025
Session II: June 20 - July 11, 2025
Tuition: $4595
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
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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:
This program is capped at 12 students. Programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
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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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