Quick answer: For many Dutch students, an internship in New York is the ultimate internship in America: a fast-paced work environment, top companies in finance, media and fashion, but also high costs (averaging 1,800 to 2,600 dollars per month for housing and living expenses). With a J1 visa, solid preparation and a realistic budget, an internship in America in New York is absolutely achievable. At InternshipFinder.co you always start with a free intake call to see whether New York is the right fit for you.

New York has topped the wish list of Dutch students looking for an internship in America for years. The city is the financial heart of the world, a breeding ground for media and marketing, and home to thousands of international companies that welcome interns every year. At the same time, New York is also one of the most expensive and intense cities to live and work in. In this article you will find out exactly what to expect from an internship in America in New York, from visa to housing and from applying to daily life.

Why choose New York as your internship city

New York offers a unique mix of industries. Wall Street attracts finance and economics students, Madison Avenue has been the center of advertising and marketing for decades, and the fashion and media world is concentrated around Manhattan. The tech sector is also growing fast in the city, with more and more start-ups and scale-ups hiring international interns.

For your résumé, an internship in New York is a strong asset. Employers back in the Netherlands recognize the name and know you have been able to work in an environment with a fast pace, international clients and tight deadlines. You also learn to network at a level that is less common in the Netherlands, giving you an edge in job applications once you return.

Visa and formalities for your internship in America

For an internship in New York, just like for any internship in America, you need a J1 visa. This visa is sponsored by a designated sponsor organization and requires, among other things, a confirmed internship placement, a training plan (DS-7002) and proof of sufficient financial means. Expect a processing time of eight to twelve weeks from the moment your internship is confirmed until you can actually depart.

A common mistake is starting the visa application too late. Because the US embassy in The Hague sometimes has waiting times for interview appointments, we recommend starting your preparation at least four months before your desired start date. Read more about the steps on our page about the J1 visa.

Arranging housing in New York

Housing is without doubt the biggest point of attention for an internship in New York. Rents are among the highest in the world. A room in a shared apartment in Brooklyn or Queens quickly costs 1,200 to 1,800 dollars per month, while a room in Manhattan is even higher. Many interns therefore opt for internship housing specifically set up for international students, often shared apartments with other interns.

When arranging housing, pay attention to your commute to the office. The subway is cheap and extensive, but some outer boroughs require a commute of more than an hour one way. Preferably choose a location close to a subway line that runs directly to the financial or business district.

Budget and cost of living

Besides rent, you should factor in the following monthly costs during your internship in America in New York:

• Groceries and food: 450 to 650 dollars per month
• Public transport (MetroCard): around 132 dollars per month for unlimited rides
• Health insurance, mandatory for J1 holders: 80 to 150 dollars per month
• Going out, sports and leisure: 200 to 400 dollars per month

All in all, you quickly reach 1,800 to 2,600 dollars per month in total costs, depending on your lifestyle and housing situation. Many internships in New York are paid, which helps cover part of these costs, but it is wise to keep at least 2,000 to 3,000 dollars in savings on hand for the first few weeks.

Applying and finding your internship

New York companies expect a tight, American-style application. A one-page résumé, a short and punchy cover letter and an active LinkedIn page are the bare minimum. Networking plays a bigger role than in the Netherlands: many internship positions are filled through referrals and university alumni networks.

Start applying early, preferably four to six months before your desired start date. Large companies in finance and consulting often work with fixed application rounds that can close as much as six months in advance. Smaller companies and start-ups are more flexible and respond faster to individual applications.

Daily life and cultural differences

The work culture in New York is direct, fast and results-driven. Interns are expected to show initiative: waiting to be told what to do is not the norm. Workdays often start early and lunch breaks are short, sometimes even eaten at the desk. This requires adaptability, but also delivers an enormous amount of learning experience in a short time.

Outside of work, New York is a city that never stops. From Central Park to Brooklyn, from world cuisines to Broadway: there is always something to do, though of course that costs money too. Many interns choose budget-friendly weekend activities, such as free museum evenings or walks around the city, to keep costs somewhat in check.

How InternshipFinder.co helps you

Organizing an internship in New York from the Netherlands is quite a puzzle: visa, housing, application process and budgeting all need to line up. At InternshipFinder.co you always start with a free intake call, where we look together at your field of study, preferences and budget. We then match you with suitable internship companies, guide you through the J1 visa application and help arrange suitable housing. Read more about the possibilities on our page about internships in America.

An internship in America in New York is intense, sometimes overwhelming, but without doubt one of the most valuable experiences you can gain as a student. With the right preparation, you will get the most out of it.

Plan your free intake call via internshipfinder.co