Since the launch of the Dutch2USA grant in 2017, the NAF has awarded nearly
$900,000
to interns
The NAF has supported
130+
Dutch2USA interns to date
HERE ARE SOME OF THEIR STORIES
Kresgma Sidiq
Interned at the University of California, San Diego
Ever since I knew I had to conduct my own research on a pharmacy-related topic for my Master’s thesis, I already set my mind to doing it in psychopharmacology. Since universities in the United States offer incredible research opportunities, it was a dream of mine to do it in the US. Therefore, I am very grateful that this opportunity was made possible through the NAF, as I would have not been able to afford it. This opportunity has helped me not only learn more about psychopharmacology but also make contacts within this field, that could help me in the research field in the future.
Melvin van der Vlies
Interned at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
As a student in International Relations, I was always interested in a possible future career in diplomacy. Working for the Dutch embassy in Washington DC gave me the opportunity to delve into real-life diplomacy and experience what it is like to be a diplomat. I had the chance to participate in bilateral and multilateral meetings between the Dutch and American government, conduct research on topics relevant to the Netherlands and report the latest relevant updates within American politics back to our Ministry in The Hague.
Linda Kwakman
Interned at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School Brain Trauma Lab
The most important lessons I have learned came from my colleagues. Their work ethic is far different from that in the Netherlands, where work is often a means to an end. My colleagues viewed their work as their purpose and were extremely driven and dedicated, always going the extra mile. Although I sometimes felt like they did not take enough time for relaxation, I did find it very inspiring to witness and it also motivated me to work harder myself.
Max van Ijsseldijk
Interned at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Reflecting on my goals for the internship, I aimed to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects, enhance my understanding of advanced control systems, and establish valuable connections within the field. In my internship, I have fortunately met all of these goals and even exceeded them! I have learned so many new things regarding the robotics field.
Esra Kizilirmak
Interned at McLean Hospital (Belmont, MA)
I feel like everything is possible! There is a whole different world out there and I am excited I got to see how all the different worlds come together in science. Hopefully we can all work together to make this a better world for everyone.
Rahime Şentürk
Interned at Massachusetts General Hospital
I worked on developing mechanical platforms for biomedical applications. It has always been my interest to use technology to answer biological questions. So this internship project was perfect for my goals. My colleagues helped me a lot and we had many scientific discussions. Because of the many conversations we had, we developed good friendships too…I am extremely grateful for this experience. This was life changing.
Savas Murt
Interned at Aegon Asset Management (Chicago)
Initially, I viewed work primarily as a means to accomplish tasks and meet objectives. However, my time at Aegon Asset Management showed me that work is also about collaboration, continuous learning, and contributing to a larger purpose. Participating in the NAF program from the Netherlands to the United States for my internship experience has been a transformative journey that has significantly impacted both my future personal and career plans. I want to convey my gratitude to each and every person involved in making this exchange NAF program a reality. Your efforts have ignited a transformative spark within me.
Anna Baukje Lebouille-Veldman
Interned at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston)
This experience has impacted me greatly. Not only did I learn a lot of new professional skills, but I also grew a lot on a personal level. I gained a lot of confidence while travelling and working in a different environment with some of the biggest names in the field of neurosurgery. It has motivated me even more to continue combining this research with clinical work as a doctor and hopefully as a neurosurgeon. The connections I have built will last during my career and I was given many opportunities to develop myself. As someone who was the first in the family to attend university and whose parents did not have an income large enough to support my university degree, I admire the NAF for providing for students. I had never traveled outside of Europe before this and got to experience all of this because of the NAF.
Mohamed Saeed Al Masri
Interned at the University of California, Irvine
My time in Irvine reinforced the importance of cultural exchange and understanding in our interconnected world. This program significantly contributed to my successful application for a Ph.D. position in pharmacology. It provided me with practical experience, a valuable professional network, research contributions, and skill development. Moreover, the program clarified my career goals and led to strong letters of recommendation from mentors. It was a crucial stepping stone in my academic and career journey.
Ranya Dimna
Interned at Mauka Digital (Honolulu)
My internship experience was so much better than I ever could have imagined. I was given so much responsibility and creative freedom. We had colleagues from all over the world and I learned so many communication styles. After completing this internship I learned more about marketing, conducting competitive analysis, working on group projects and more. The Dutch2USA grant helped me in so many ways and it definitely helped me get a better picture of what I want my career to look like. I’m extremely grateful for this program and I don’t think any words can express what this experience has taught me from the very beginning up until now.
Jilke Ripping
Interned at Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School
A big difference from Dutch labs was the amount of money that the labs in the United States have. This allowed me to perform experiments that I would never have been able to perform as an intern in The Netherlands and it gave me the possibility to do my own research project without having to find my own funding for it. My main goals for this internship were to develop my independence and my communication, especially in English and I feel like I did develop a lot on these aspects. I am very grateful that I got this opportunity and the financial funding because otherwise, this internship would not have been possible!
Hind Largo
Interned at Belden (Carmel, IN)
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Dutch2USA Program, as it has provided me with a truly unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experience. I extend my sincerest thanks to all those who made this journey possible, as without your support, none of this would have been achievable. From day one at Belden, I felt a deep sense of value and respect, which has had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. The guidance and support I received from my co-workers and supervisors, coupled with their expertise and constructive feedback, have been valuable in expanding my horizons and deepening my understanding of Customer Experience. The memories and experiences I have gained during my time at Belden will forever hold a special place in my heart. Moreover, the friendships I formed along the way are treasures that I will cherish.
Erik-Jan Meulenbrugge
Interned at Massachusetts General Hospital
One of the things that I loved most about my internship was the kindness among my fellow colleagues and interns. We all shared the passion for deep learning and medical imaging. Besides the fact that we often collaborated and discussed new ideas, which helped to expand my understanding of the subject, we became a close group of friends that exist to this day…Overall, my first internship abroad was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression on me.
Tambinh Bui
Interned at the University of California, San Francisco van ‘t Veer Lab
In the future, I hope to combine clinical work with research activities as a clinician-scientist, and I truly believe this incredible research experience at UCSF has been the best possible preparation for that. I am hugely grateful for the support of the Netherland-America Foundation throughout this internship and I will work hard to one day be able to give back, and support future students like me to realize their dream.
Tren Baltussen
Interned at The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
I have always been very attracted to the United States as a country. I find its culture very intriguing and I love how open and welcoming the people are. In addition, it is home to so many universities that conduct ground-breaking research. It has just been wonderful to experience and be a part of this research community. I have made some great connections and expanded my professional network. I am definitely open for future collaborations with American scientists and perhaps a position at a research institute or company.
Tom Kerssemaker
Interned at the Traverso Lab at MIT (Cambridge, MA)
My time in the US was memorable. I have made memories and friends for life, which I will cherish forever. This would not have been possible without the support of Dekker-Padget Dutch2USA. I want to thank you very much and hope that there will be a way for me to give back someday.
Sila Algul
Interned at the HAMM Lab at the University of Washington, Seattle
To me, Seattle will always be unforgettable. I now have a third home there, with friends, colleagues, and memories that will remain with me until I visit Seattle again. This internship was an incredible journey, with both ups and downs, that I would repeat without a doubt.
Amir Abbas Chaman Baz
Interned at the Gutierrez Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital
I cannot state enough the impact the funding through the Dutch2USA program had on me to be able to go to the United States. The philosophy behind the program, connecting two worlds to learn from each other and share ideas, spoke to me on a fundamental level.
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