UMassD Student Affairs Global Experience (SAGE)

The Student Affairs Global Experience (SAGE) Program is an innovative partnership between UMass Dartmouth’s Division of Student Affairs, Vineyard Offshore, and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). SAGE immerses high school and university students in the rapidly expanding offshore wind industry through hands-on learning in the U.S. and Europe. Designed to develop a diverse, skilled talent pipeline, the program blends global experiential learning with professional training, cultural immersion, and interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental science, engineering, and business. Through career exploration, mentoring, academic credit opportunities, and international networking, SAGE prepares students to become globally minded leaders ready to shape the future of clean energy. 

With the support of Vineyard Offshore and MassCEC, SAGE is pleased to offer the following international experiences: 

• Portugal – Spring 2026
• United Kingdom – Summer 2026
• Denmark – Spring 2027 

Spring 2026 Portugal Experience Program

Overview

The Portugal Experience Program is structured as a one-week international experience that connects Southeastern Massachusetts students to the global offshore wind industry. Participants will gain exposure to renewable energy sites, engage with industry leaders, interact with Portuguese students and institutions, and explore cultural and historical aspects of Portugal.

Travel to two cities

Students will travel to two Portuguese cities, Porto and Lisbon, to experience both industry operations and cultural contexts, strengthening their academic, professional, and personal development.

Porto: A coastal city and a hub for renewable energy innovation and offshore wind development.

Lisbon: The capital city, providing opportunities for academic collaboration, cultural exploration, and engagement with government and industry stakeholders.

Important dates

Application deadline: February 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Application decision: February 9, 2026
Acceptance/consent: February 16, 2026
Q&A Zoom sessions: February 23, 2026
Travel dates: March 14 – 21, 2026

Portugal Experience Program itinerary

Prior to departure, students will participate in an orientation that will include details regarding logistics, accommodations, and transportation.  

Travel dates: Saturday, March 14, 2026 – Saturday, March 21, 2026

• Day 1: Depart from Boston Logan to Porto. Check into hotel. Depending on arrival time, group orientation, city walk, and dinner. Evening meeting to review the week's itinerary.
• Day 2: Breakfast. Morning visit to Windfloat Atlantic wind farm. Lunch. Afternoon activity: cultural immersion, community service, or museum visit. Dinner and evening reflection session.
• Day 3: Breakfast. Morning visit to Ocean Winds facility. Lunch. Afternoon discussion with university and high school students on renewable energy and cultural perspectives. Dinner and optional shopping/free time. Evening reflection.
• Day 4: Breakfast. Check out of Porto hotel. Optional shopping or local exploration before departing for Lisbon. Travel to Lisbon then check into Lisbon hotel. Casual walking tour and dinner.
• Day 5: Breakfast. Morning visit to Arcela Wind Farm. Lunch. Afternoon guided historical walking tour and museum visit. Dinner and evening debrief.
• Day 6: Breakfast. Morning visit to Serra de Todo o Mundo wind farm. Lunch. Afternoon student exchange/connection with local university and/or high school students. Casual city exploration and dinner. Evening reflection session.
• Day 7: Breakfast. Check out of hotel. Depart for airport and return to the United States.