The Netherland-America Foundation - Dutch2USA Internship Grant (NAF)

Dutch2USA Internship Grant (NAF)

You receive a monthly stipend (a fixed monthly payment) of 1,500 USD (about 1,380 EUR) for up to 6 months while you intern in the United States. You also get a one-off travel reimbursement of 1,000 USD (about 920 EUR). If you need it, you can request a refundable housing deposit of 1,000 USD, which is taken back from your final month's stipend. The grant includes health insurance through the J-1 visa, and the Netherland-America Foundation (NAF), a private non-profit, helps you arrange that visa. It is aimed at Dutch students who need money to make an internship abroad possible.

Who can apply

• Where you go: You have already lined up your own internship at a US organisation that meets J-1 visa rules. An ESTA-only placement does not count.
• Study level: You study at a Dutch HBO or WO institution (university of applied sciences or research university), or you graduated no more than 1 year before your internship starts.
• Age: You are at least 20 years old when the internship begins.
• Nationality or residence: You are Dutch, or you legally live in the Netherlands with a valid residence permit and attended at least 2 years of Dutch secondary school (MAVO, HAVO, VWO or gymnasium).
• Financial need: You receive or have received the supplementary grant (aanvullende beurs) from DUO, the Dutch student finance body.
• Grades: Your grade average is at least 7.0 out of 10.0.
• Language: Your English is good enough to work in the US.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.

How to apply

Once your internship is secured, you apply online through the NAF's Submittable portal. There are four deadlines each year: 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December. If your application qualifies, you have an interview with a selection panel about your motivation and finances, and you hear back shortly after.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is cut narrowly. You must be a Dutch student with DUO financial support, a grade average of at least 7.0, and an already-secured US internship, so the eligible group is small. If you clearly meet those conditions and have your placement lined up, your prospects are good. Finding a J-1-compliant internship yourself is the hardest step, so start early and apply well before your start date.