Quick answer: working at an American company feels different from working in the Netherlands: hierarchy is taken more seriously, communication is positively direct but rarely bluntly critical, workdays start earlier, and small talk plays a much bigger role than you might be used to. Preparing for these differences in advance helps you avoid misunderstandings and get far more out of your internship in the USA. At InternshipFinder.co, you always start with a free intake call, so you know exactly what to expect before you leave.

For many Dutch students, an internship in the USA is the first time they work in an international environment for an extended period. You speak the language and know the movies and TV shows, but the actual work culture differs in ways you might not expect. In this article, we break down the key cultural differences between Dutch and American offices, so you can start your internship in the USA fully prepared.

Hierarchy and direct communication

In the Netherlands, we are used to telling our manager directly what we think. That flat-organization feeling is far less common at many American companies. Titles matter, and interns are often expected to listen and observe first before offering unsolicited criticism. At the same time, American work culture can seem very direct and open at first glance: colleagues compliment each other quickly and openly, and feedback is often wrapped in positive language.

Pay attention to the difference between directness in tone and directness in content. Americans tend to sound enthusiastic and friendly (“great job!”, “love this idea!”), but criticism is often delivered more subtly than you are used to in the Netherlands. A comment like “this is interesting, maybe we could also look at…” can actually be a clear signal that something is not working. Learning to recognize these cues will save you a lot of confusion during your internship in the USA.

Work pace, working hours and vacation days

American offices often start earlier, between 8 and 9 a.m., and lunch breaks are shorter than in the Netherlands — frequently no more than 30 minutes, sometimes eaten right at your desk. Working overtime is considered normal in many industries, especially in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Vacation days are also much lower: while Dutch employees are legally entitled to at least 20 vacation days per year, American employees get an average of just 10 to 15 days, and sometimes even fewer in their first years on the job.

As an intern on a J1 visa, the rules of your specific program usually apply to you, but you will still notice the surrounding work mentality. Expect a faster pace, shorter breaks, and colleagues who stay in the office relatively late. This takes a few weeks to get used to, but it helps to mentally prepare for it before starting your internship in the USA.

Small talk and networking in the workplace

While Dutch people often get straight to the point, Americans place great value on small talk before a meeting truly begins. Questions about your weekend, sports results, or the weather are not empty pleasantries — they are an essential part of building relationships. Do not skip this phase: colleagues who feel they know you personally will be far more willing to help you, give you feedback, or introduce you to their network.

Networking is much more explicit in American work culture than in the Netherlands. It is completely normal to ask colleagues for a “coffee chat” to learn more about their role, or to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation once your internship ends. Use these moments actively: a successful internship in the USA is not just about your daily tasks, but also about the network you build for your future career.

Showing enthusiasm and presenting yourself

Modesty is a Dutch virtue, but in an American office, too much restraint can be misread as a lack of motivation or confidence. Americans are used to actively highlighting their achievements, both in conversations and in emails. As an intern, it is perfectly fine to talk about what you have accomplished, the skills you bring, and what you are proud of — this is not seen as bragging, but as normal self-presentation.

Try to participate actively in meetings, even if you feel unsure about your English. American colleagues generally value initiative and a proactive attitude more than perfect grammar. A simple phrase like “I would love to help with that” or “can I take this on?” shows motivation, and that stands out during your internship in the USA.

Practical tips to make the transition smoother

• Spend the first few weeks closely observing how colleagues interact in meetings and emails before taking too much initiative yourself.
• Do not hesitate to ask for clarification if a comment feels vague — in American work culture this is appreciated, not seen as a weakness.
• Deliberately make time for informal conversations with colleagues, as this strengthens both your network and your working relationships.
• Stay aware of your own directness: what feels normal in the Netherlands can sometimes come across as blunt in the US.
• Always ask for a reference or LinkedIn recommendation at the end of your internship, as this is standard practice in America.

An internship in the USA is not just a chance to gain work experience — it is also an intensive lesson in cross-cultural communication. The better you prepare for these cultural differences, the faster you will feel at home in your new workplace and the more you will get out of your time in the US. Also read our detailed guides on internships in the USA and the J1 visa for students before you submit your application.

Want to know how your internship company handles cultural differences in practice, or how to best prepare for your first day of work in America? Schedule your free intake call at internshipfinder.co and let us discuss together what will make your internship in the USA go as smoothly as possible.