Previous Intern Experiences

The Dutch2USA Internship Grant program has supported over 200 interns in recent years, helping them gain valuable experience across the U.S. Located in many different cities in the U.S. and in fields ranging from arts and public affairs to health, business, and technology, our interns have explored countless opportunities. Browse their stories, watch their videos, and see how these experiences have shaped their careers and personal growth.

Dutch2USA Intern Nudrat Tahir

Journalism Intern RTL Nieuws New York (Fontys Hogescholen)

“I have learned so much about journalism by doing this internship. It really made me a better journalist. I wanted to learn how to make foreign news interesting for the Dutch audience and I can definitely say that I learned that. In New York City, all these cultures are blended into each other, which makes this city so vibrating. I have gained the confidence that I can actually make all my dreams come true.”

Watch also these intern videos to discover their experiences.

For more videos and photos, visit our Instagram. Through our Intern Takeovers, Dutch2USA interns share a behind-the-scenes look at their work and life in the United States during their internship.

"This grant changed my life trajectory. As the son of immigrants who sacrificed their academic careers for my future, receiving the Dutch2USA grant validated their sacrifices and allowed me to achieve goals that seemed financially impossible. I'm deeply grateful to the Netherland- America Foundation for investing in students like me."

Shania Worm

Interned at University of Illinois, Chicago; from Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen

Omar Moussa

Interned at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School Boston; from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

"Thanks to this program, I clearly have a goal in life, where I am eager to work for. Overall, this experience has not only strengthened my CV, but more importantly, it has given me direction and confidence for the next steps in my personal and professional journey."

Stefanie Sturm

Interned at Columbia University New York; from TU Eindhoven

The program taught me many practical skills, strengthening expertise in my field. This gives me a strong foundation when applying for future jobs, which I am doing at the moment. The progam made me build more confidence overall and I feel more prepared for basically anything that will happen in the future.

"This international experience has taught me a great deal and has been incredibly motivating. On a personal level, I have learned to put things into perspective more easily and have seen that different approaches and systems can be inspiring and effective in their own way. Professionally, I improved my English skills and built strong connections within this research group, which may be valuable for future collaborations. The experience has strengthened my ambition and broadened my perspective on working internationally."

Mark van Voorst

Interned at University of Michigan - Ann Harbor; from Utrecht University

Yael van den Heuvel

Interned at Massachusetts General Hospital; from Utrecht University

My internship experience in Boston has really been better than I could ever have imagined and I am just extremely grateful for all support that I have received through the NAF. The Dutch2USA grant truly can make dreams come true, and this opportunity has improved my professional opportunities in many ways. THANK YOU :)

Eliza Zantema

Interned at Stratevi Boston; from Erasmus University Rotterdam

"This program has been of great value in shaping my future plans by introducing me to a field that really excites me. Experiencing international diplomacy firsthand deepened my understanding of global affairs and motivated me to further explore the world of (international) policymaking. Through my work at the UN, I also met people from a wide range of nationalities, which enriched my experience even further. Engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds not only broadened my perspective but also deepened my appreciation for international diplomacy.

Job Veerman

Interned at Permanent Mission of the Netherlands to the United Nations; from Leiden University

This internship at the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C. has been instrumental in shaping my future career. I built a strong network, not only in D.C. but also within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague, which will be valuable for future opportunities in diplomacy and international relations.The experience strengthened my adaptability, communication, and strategic thinking skills in a high-paced environment. Living in a large, political hub like D.C. broadened my global perspective and reinforced my passion for international affairs.

Rafael Nierse

Interned at Expedition America; from Hogeschool Windesheim

Bjarne Langkamp

Interned at Netherlands Embassy in Washington D.C.; from Radboud University Nijmegen

“My internship in the United States has greatly broadened my worldview. I learned to live on my own, without family or friends around me. This forced me to start a new life in a completely different place. It improved my English skills in every way. It was also very educational to work in an international environment. This opportunity has greatly increased my passion to gain more work experience abroad in the future. I have gained more confidence in my future career and I am optimistic about the future.”

“My experience with the company was fantastic, the work aligned perfectly with what I hope to do in the future. The colleagues were incredibly friendly, and we had a great time both in and outside of work, especially during our outings together.”

Alec Schmitz

Interned at Crizit LLC; from Fontys Hogescholen

"I’ve worked in a research laboratory and my project was about creating bone marrow organoids. The PhD student in the lab were always helpful in teaching. I did this internship to gain more hands-on experience. I met so many professors and PhD students in my field, which will help me during my career."

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Your Questions, Answered

  • You are welcome to apply for the Dutch2USA grant while still exploring internship opportunities. We strongly encourage students to begin their internship search as early as possible and to carefully consider which type of internship best fits their personal ambitions and long-term career plans. Finding your own internship is an important part of the journey and helps you develop valuable professional skills.

  • Internships can take place in a wide range of fields, including business, technology, arts, public affairs, science, and education. The internship must provide meaningful professional experience and meet the requirements of the J-1 visa program.

  • The grant provides financial support to help cover part of the costs associated with completing an internship in the United States. The exact amount varies, depending on the length of internship and financial need of the applicant. See Grant Benefits section on the Program page.

  • Yes. Internships must comply with the requirements of the U.S. J-1 visa program. Interning under ESTA is not permitted. We can support you in securing your visa.

  • The Dutch2USA Internship Program differs from the Fulbright Program in several ways. Dutch2USA provides funding for internships in the United States, whereas Fulbright primarily supports degree programs, research, or academic exchanges. Research internships may also be supported through Dutch2USA, provided they meet the program requirements.

    Applications for the Dutch2USA Internship Program are reviewed by the Netherlands-America Foundation, while Fulbright applications are evaluated by the Fulbright Commission. Although both programs aim to strengthen transatlantic exchange and provide valuable international experience, they are separate initiatives run by different organizations.