If you’re interested in interning abroad in a thriving startup city, Amsterdam should be at the top of your list. Amsterdam is a powerhouse of innovation and opportunity, home to a hyper-connected hub for emerging tech and an unparalleled startup ecosystem. Amsterdam is a beautiful city with lots of history, rich culture, and unique, stunning architecture, canals, and much more. You will be able to explore a new culture, gain international experience, and even travel anywhere in Europe on weekends. International internships allow you to develop new skills in a new environment all while making lasting connections and having fun! This is a perfect opportunity to test yourself and see what’s out there, all while getting real work experience abroad.
We’ve compiled 6 reasons why it’s worth interning abroad in Amsterdam this summer.
1. Booming Startup Industry
Amsterdam is home to top incubators, massive co-working spaces that host hundreds of companies, and continues to grow into a startup leader in Europe. They have even been named the European Capital of Innovation by iCapital! There is a mountain of potential for networking and exploring different industries. Curious about what it’s like working in the startup scene? Here are 8 Things to know about Amsterdam startup life, written by a Sage Corps fellow.
2. The Dutch are among some of the happiest people on earth
Discover why the Netherlands is consistently among the top happiest countries in the world. The Dutch culture is known for valuing the quality of life, slowing down, and establishing a healthy work-life balance. It is one of the best places for college students to immerse themselves in a city that creates healthy lifestyles and a thriving startup spirit that nurtures talent and innovation.
3. Loads of free and affordable things for interns to do
While interning abroad, you have the chance to get to know the stunning and exciting city. Delicious restaurants, beautiful canals and parks, and loads of museums and shops are everywhere in Amsterdam. Check out these 3 museums during your time abroad: Rijksmuseum, a national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam, Van Gogh Museum filled with his inspirations, drawings, and paintings, and the Moco Museum, which features a permanent Banksy display, graffiti artists, and more iconic contemporary pieces. You can also explore the Amsterdam Flower Market, the only floating flower market in the world. The flower stalls stand on houseboats and it is one of the most fragrant and colorful places in the whole city.
Source: 2018 Sage Corps Cohort
4. Gain valuable experience in a new culture and work environment
Internships are standard for college students, but international internships are an impactful way to stand out. Your resume will be significantly more competitive as you have had global business experience. Interning in Amsterdam will give you the opportunity to network within your industry and make lasting international connections. By choosing to intern abroad instead of doing a standard internship at home, you showcase how hardworking and dedicated you are to pursuing success. This type of ambition indicates to your future employers that you are adaptable and able to thrive in any work environment.
5. Opportunities to explore more of Europe
Interning abroad in Amsterdam opens you to countless opportunities for adventure, from exploring the Netherlands to seeing more of Europe! In Amsterdam, you are a quick and often cheap train or plane ride away from anywhere in Europe! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and travel throughout Europe, stopping in cities like Paris or Rome. Take a weekend trip with friends from your cohort or extend your time abroad with travel after your internship program! This experience gives you the opportunity to explore and see things you never thought possible.
6. The city is safe and easy to navigate
Amsterdam ranked as the world’s fourth safest city and the safest city in Europe according to The Economist’s Safe Cities Index 2019. It is also easy to navigate, most places are within walking distance of each other. The transportation system is very efficient and user-friendly, making getting around a breeze. The city is so English-friendly that all the streets have English and Dutch signs, meaning even if you got lost, you could easily find your way back. It is a very accessible city, making it a great place for first-time expats or interns to live in.
The best part about interning abroad is learning how much you can grow if you just step out of your familiar routine. Not only can it help you figure out what kind of field you want to work in but you also meet new people and see things from different perspectives.
Learn more about our 8-week Amsterdam summer internship or apply for our upcoming August 2022 Start! program in Amsterdam.
