All You Need To Know

Application & Eligibility

  • Head over to the Apply Now page for FAQs dealing specifically with the application process.

    Still not finding what you're looking for? Then send us an email at internshipsinthevalley@vu.nl and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

  • Applications for the 2025 edition of the program are open until 15 October 2024.

  • To be eligible for our program, you must have a minimum GPA of 7.0 and meet one of the following descriptions:

    • A master’s student or PhD candidate currently enrolled at a UNL-affiliated research university.

    • Graduated from a master’s or PhD program from a UNL-affiliated research university less than one year

    Students from all fields of study are encouraged to apply. If you have a GPA lower than 7.0 but are able to demonstrate an entrepreneurial drive, please email us at internshipsinthevalley@vu.nl

About the internship

  • Yes, we require that all host companies affiliated with our program offer a minimum compensation of $3,000 a month. This is the bare minimum you need to live in the big cities across the US (and it will be tight!).

    Internships in the US are seen more as a "first job" opportunity to provide real-world work experience, rather than an unpaid training position that’s completed as part of your studies.

  • The start date, duration and monthly income of internships will vary. These aspects are made in agreement directly between you and your supervisor at the host company.

    Some companies offer summer internships with a maximum of three months. Most companies, however, will be open to internships that are longer. Keep in mind that the maximum that is allowed with the J-1 visa is 12 months.

  • We expect all accepted candidates to search for and apply to internships independently. We will offer guidance and support you step-by-step through your search. Additionally, if we see a strong candidate profile that matches an internship opportunity from one of our company partner network, then that candidate may be recruited internally.

  • To meet the criteria of the J-1 visa, your internship should offer a minimum of 32 hours per week. However, with most positions, you can expect a working week of at least 40 hours.

  • There could be possibilities to write your thesis while doing your internship. But keep in mind that in the US, interns are usually perceived as full-time interns. If you plan to base your thesis topic on the company/internship you will be doing, this must be approved by your thesis supervisor and accepted by the company before departure.

  • Potentially, but this must be determined in agreement with your university and host company. Please contact your thesis supervisor or student advisor at your faculty beforehand. If you match with a company, they may be flexible to adjust your role so that it can fit your curricula requirements.

  • The Consulate General of the Netherlands in San Francisco and the Internships in the Valley team will support you throughout your stay, in case any issues arise. We will provide opportunities to meet up with other interns from the Netherlands and invite you for periodical social activities. Holland in the Valley regularly organizes events, where you can meet other members from the Dutch community.

Visa & finances

  • No fees are involved in the application, selection and match-making process. Our matched partner companies will typically cover the visa expense.

    However, some additional costs for the visa may still apply. Further costs that will need to be covered by you are the SEVIS fee ($220), consulate appointment fee ($185), and flight ($1000+ roundtrip). Depending on your rent, you will need a minimum of $2500-3000 per month for living costs and transportation.

    Students that require financial support can reach out to us for assistance. We will try our best to help them apply for additional grants with our affiliated partners.

  • To do an internship in the US, students are typically required to have a J-1 visa. Students that are US citizens or are green card holders are exempt from this requirement.

    Internships in the Valley works together with an accredited visa sponsor to ensure a smooth J-1 visa procedure that also includes American health insurance. At the moment that you are offered an internship position by a company, we will go into the details of the visa procedure. There are few things that are good to take into consideration:

    • The visa procedure will take approximately between 2-3 months

    • To prove sufficient financial funds during your stay in the US, you should be able to prove a minimum of $1000 per internship month in your account, or show a letter/ bank statement from a parent or guardian.

  • As an international student you will have to prove your affiliation with the Netherlands. This requirement is met by being enrolled at a Dutch university.

Still have a question?

Check out the extensive FAQ document that we’ve compiled, made up of questions that have been sent to us privately, via a form, or asked during a webinar session.

*FAQ document updated on 25 January 2024