Maria's Intern Experience: USA to the Netherlands
What brought you to intern abroad and apply to this internship?
My journey began when I completed my exchange year. I spent my final semester of my studies on Erasmus in Spain and finished up in Germany as an Au Pair. Before I left back to Florida, I started to look for career opportunities in my field and I came across the Netherland-American Foundation, who support exchange between the USA and the Netherlands. I applied for their USA2Holland program and was accepted, and then began my internship search. I knew I wanted to work somewhere that was internationally oriented, so upon research, I landed on the Leiden International Centre. I expressed my interest, landed an interview, and was offered a position. To give myself enough time to prepare, I moved over a year later.
What were the main tasks?
My internship lasted approximately 6 months. I worked on various projects such as newsletters for international and corporate audiences, drafting articles, social media content, event planning, website management, and working closely with our partners. I also had the opportunity to work at our helpdesk to welcome newcomers and guide them to a smoother transition in the country. I had previous internships, and while they did help me grow, interning at the Leiden International Centre has made me grow exponentially. I was able to take ownership of my projects and was responsible for them from start to finish.
Navigating Dutch Working Culture
While my team was mostly composed of people from international backgrounds, other units within the main organization Leiden&Partners are predominantly Dutch. Navigating the Dutch working culture was an interesting experience that led to many observations. During my internship, I participated in weekly borrels (after-work drinks) at the office, team outings, and more.
Since most of my work experience is from the States, I can only speak from what I’ve seen for myself and with my peers. Back home, people are usually friendlier on the first exchange, whereas here they’re more reserved and less surface-level. For the Dutch, sticking to who and what you know is common, but this doesn’t mean you can’t build relationships - it just takes more time. Now, my colleagues share jokes with me and have let me into their circles; it was only a matter of building trust to get there.
Another difference is in the company hierarchy. There is a distinct separation between a boss and their juniors in the States. In contrast, within the Dutch working culture, there is less hierarchy between everyone. As an intern my input was highly valued and colleagues from other units would ask me to collaborate, trusting me with their projects. Also, there isn’t much stigma around ‘work politics’. Employees feel more comfortable directly addressing topics like career advancement, departmental decisions, and workplace dynamics with their superiors, fostering a more open and communicative environment.
A key observation is that most people from the US are caught up in their work, and while being ambitious is a good trait, it often comes at the expense of their well-being, as many live to work rather than work to live. For example, some people go years without taking a proper vacation or must use their paid time off for illness since they don’t have enough ‘sick days,’ which shouldn’t be the norm.
In comparison, in the Netherlands, there is a strong emphasis on work-life balance, and while it can depend on your industry, most firms ensure that you take your time off. In fact, many people I meet receive 5 weeks per year, and taking all your holiday is not something that is looked down upon. It is common for people to also have 24, 32, or 36 work-hour contracts. I had the privilege of working Monday - Thursday for 32 hours; I can attest that it makes a huge difference when you can take time off and do as you please.
Did you experience any cultural shocks?
Yes, I have two that have stuck to me. First, regarding our weekly borrels, I was surprised to find out that they are held at work. Next to our working spaces, we have a fridge that's filled with beer and soft drinks. On Thursday we will finish the day around 16:30 and get together, and chat about all kinds of things. While work drinks are quite common in the States, it would be taboo to have them at the workplace. Here, there is a more laid-back approach.
The second one is all the cycling. In Florida, I used a bicycle mainly as a hobby, going around my neighborhood or to the nearest park, but not as a means of transportation. Living in Leiden, I cycled to and from work, as many of my colleagues do the same, even in bad weather. It was a difficult adjustment, but now I make sure I’m well-prepared just in case of rain.
How do you feel about your experience here, and what’s next for you?
Coming from the States and starting a new job in the Netherlands is one of the most exciting yet nerve-wracking things I’ve done. Even with having gone on exchanges before, this one felt different since it was my first opportunity to work in my field after graduating; the stakes felt higher. It is one thing to intern somewhere but moving to a different country for an internship is another. Navigating this change on my own wasn’t the easiest but it was something I needed to do, and now at the end of it, I can say I learned so much and that it was worth it. After completing my internship, I plan to go back to the States to look for a full-time job and continue my professional development.
Wrapping up on my time in the Netherlands, I'm glad I decided to come to Leiden and intern at the International Centre. My experience was one of a lifetime and I thank them for welcoming me onto their team. If you’re a student or new graduate looking to build on your resume, it is an amazing opportunity to consider. Living and working here has made me become a more confident individual from a personal level to a professional one. I know what I’ve learned will stick with me no matter where I go.
Do you have questions? Feel free to get in touch!
