Expand Your Horizons in the United States

The Dutch2USA Internship Program helps students enrolled in Dutch HBO and WO institutions gain valuable professional experience in the United States. The program supports motivated students who are ready to take on the adventure of living and working abroad. Applicants are responsible for securing their own internship, while Dutch2USA helps make the opportunity more accessible through financial support.

About the Program

An internship in the United States allows you to grow professionally, experience a new culture, and build confidence, independence, and an international network. More than 200 students have already participated and taken an important step in their careers through this program.

This unique opportunity is designed for students with ambition, curiosity, and a spirit of adventure. We encourage applicants to carefully consider which type of internship or project best fits their personal interests, academic background, and long-term career plans. Your internship duration should be at least 2 months long and can be supported for up to 6 months, with a grant of up to $1,500 per month.

You are responsible for securing your own internship and housing, while we help support your journey financially. Finding your own internship is an integral part of the experience, helping you develop valuable skills such as pitching yourself, networking, and navigating the application process. We encourage applicants to carefully consider which type of internship or project best fits their personal interests, academic background, and long-term career plans. You are welcome to apply even if you have not secured an internship yet — we encourage you to submit your application.

During your time abroad, you will gain valuable work experience and be exposed to new ideas, ways of working, and people. You will build confidence, create lasting connections, and broaden your perspective in ways you may not have expected. If you are ready, we are ready to help make it happen.

Apply Here
Apply Here

What the Grant Includes

Financial support designed to help make your U.S. internship experience possible.

Monthly Stipend
Up to $1,500 per month (up to 6 months)

Up to $12,000 in total support

Travel Support
$1,000 reimbursement

Exclusive Events

Exclusive invitations to selected NAF events throughout the year.

J-1 Visa Support
Costs and logistics included

Health Insurance
Included if the visa is provided through Dutch2USA program

Free NAF membership

One year of free membership of the NAF after you graduate.

Join the Alumni Network

Upon completion of the program you will be member of the Dutch2USA Alumni Community.

Who Can Apply

Our program is designed for ambitious HBO and WO students and recent graduates who want to gain professional experience in the United States. Eligible internships can be in many sectors, as long as they offer a valuable learning experience.

  • You must be 20 years or older when starting your internship

  • You are studying at, or a recent graduate of, a Dutch college or university (HBO or WO); if a recent graduate, your internship start date must be no more than 1 year after your graduation date due to visa guidelines

  • When the following applies to you: You hold Dutch citizenship or you legally reside in the Netherlands with a valid Dutch residence permit, and have attended at least 2 years of high school in the Netherlands (MAVO, HAVO, VWO, or gymnasium).

  • You can provide proof in your application that you currently receive, or have previously received, a supplementary grant (DUO).

  • Your grade average is at least 7.0/10.0

  • Your knowledge of English is sufficient

Tips For Securing An Internship

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.

1. Start Early - by researching companies, organizations, or universities in the United States that align with your field of study and interests - being specific about your goals will help you identify organizations that are a strong fit.

2. Be Targeted - Focus on companies, organizations, startups, or universities that align with your field of study, interests, and career goals. A targeted approach is often more effective than sending many generic applications.

3. Send Cold E-mails - Do not underestimate the power of a well-written cold email. Reaching out directly with a short introduction, your resume, a clear motivation, and describe the type of internship you are seeking. This approach can be particularly effective when contacting research labs at universities or smaller organizations that may not publicly advertise internship opportunities. can open doors—especially at smaller organizations or research institutions

Larger corporations can sometimes be more challenging to approach, especially if they primarily hire interns from within the United States. However, this should not discourage you from applying. If you choose to contact larger organizations, make sure your communication is professional, concise, and clearly explains your motivation for seeking an internship in the United States.

4. Use Your Network - Make use of the resources around you. Professors, career services, alumni, family friends, and fellow students may have valuable contacts or advice that can help you find opportunities.

5. Stay Persistent - Finding the right internship may take time and multiple applications. Rejections or no responses are normal. Stay consistent, keep improving your approach, and remember that persistence often leads to success. The effort is often well worth it. Securing an internship in the United States is a significant achievement, and many former interns describe it as a highly rewarding and confidence-building experience.

  • "This program has been very valuable for both my personal growth and my career plans. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I feel more independent, confident and capable of working / living in different settings and complex international environments."

    —Sibel Gokbekir, internet at The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; from TU Delft

  • “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

  • "One of the biggest outcomes of this internship is that I have become more confident in my ability to travel and live in new places. Through this experience, I proved to myself that I can handle the challenges that come with being abroad, from language barriers to cultural differences."

    —Pim Voogt, interned at Miami Restaurant Supplies; from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

  • “Because I study tourism management this was the perfect internship. I got to see how the product development of tours works and how an idea becomes reality…My expectations got exceeded."

    - Ciara van der Eijk, interned at Expedition America; from Inholland University of Applied Sciences

  • "The international experience I gained during this program is something I really value. Working in a different country and adapting to a new environment has taught me a lot, and I believe this will definitely help me stand out when applying for jobs after my studies.”

    —Laura Ernest, interned at University of Florida; from TU Eindhoven

  • “American culture is social, outgoing, and inclusive. I was quickly invited to gatherings, which helped me build a very active social life—something I’ll take home with me.”

    -Stella Rammeloo, interned at Wooden Boy Productions; from Amsterdam University of the Arts - Netherlands Film Academy

  • "This internship challenged me to demonstrate leadership in research and adapt to new environments. Immersing myself in a different country and culture, which was an invaluable learning experience."

    — Okan Ghedri, interned at Massachusetts General Hospital; from Utrecht University

The Story Behind

The Dutch2USA Internship Program is made possible through a unique collaboration between the Golden Fleece Foundation (GFF) and the Netherland-America Foundation (NAF).

The program was launched in 2017 and is an exclusive project of the NAF and is financially supported by the GFF. This program offers talented Dutch students the opportunity to significantly enhance their career prospects by gaining valuable international work experience in the United States. It focuses exclusively on students who would not be able to realize the dream of such an international internship without financial support.

The founder of GFF, John Padget, is a passionate believer in the transformative power of an international internship and is convinced that everyone deserves the chance to experience it.

For the NAF, this program is truly at the heart of its mission: strengthening the ties between the US and the Netherlands by creating meaningful opportunities for exchange and connection.

John Padget - Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Founder of the Golden Fleece Foundation

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.