Meet Global Grant Recipient, Sarah Bian! Sarah is participating in the Global Internships: Amsterdam, Netherlands summer program where she's completing a software development internship. Hear about her experiences below.
I am at a software development internship at a local fintech startup in Amsterdam where I help develop an app that optimizes tuition payments, conversion rates, and wire transfers from students studying abroad at international universities. Not only do I relate intensely to the startup's goals as a student myself, but I am excited each day to learn and hone my skills in software engineering.
Amsterdam has been a wonderful place to work, and its history and people have been amazing to explore and get to know. I have never been to Europe before, and I haven't left the U.S. in many, many years. This was an entirely new experience for me, but I have loved snacking on bitterballen, hopping on trains to the Hague, biking on bridges over canals, and walking through the Rijksmuseum. My Dutch coworkers have been the kindest people, and working in a real office at a real company in the Netherlands has given me insight into the real, everyday life of a programmer. I've been able to help launch their website for the company, and now I'm helping deploy their mobile app.
We're glad you're having such great experiences, Sarah!