10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a J-1 Internship or Traineeship in the U.S.

By Beatrijs Bonnez, Communication & Project Management Associate, Belgian-American Chamber of Commerce

Before coming to the U.S., you probably spend a lot of time preparing. You arrange your J-1 visa, book your flight, find a place to live and get ready for your new job.

And then you arrive.

Suddenly, you have to figure everything out at once. Looking back, these are some of the things I wish someone had told me before starting my U.S. journey.

1. The first weeks will be chaotic

Your first weeks will be exciting, but probably also overwhelming. You are learning a new job, a new city, and a new way of doing things all at once. Just know that you do not need to have everything figured out immediately.

2. You will learn more than just professional skills

Your internship is about gaining work experience, but you will also learn a lot about yourself. You’ll likely become more independent, adaptable, and confident in unfamiliar situations.

3. Be proactive

Do not always wait to be told what to do.

Ask questions, share ideas, introduce yourself and show that you want to contribute. Initiative is often appreciated, especially in U.S. workplaces.

4. Networking matters

Crucially, networking does not have to mean meeting the most important person in the room.

Start with a conversation, whether at a networking event or at a social one. Ask questions, stay in touch and follow up because you never know where a connection might lead.

5. Experience the U.S. outside of work

Your internship is important, but it’s not the whole experience.

Explore, travel, and try new things. Meet people outside your workplace. Some of your best memories will happen outside the office.

6. You will make mistakes

You will misunderstand something. You will probably have an awkward moment. You might make a mistake at work.

That is part of learning how to live and work in a different environment.

7. Stop comparing your experience

Someone else might have the perfect apartment, an amazing social life or a packed travel schedule, but your experience does not have to look like theirs to be valuable.

8. Stay connected to home

Moving to the U.S. does not mean leaving your network behind.

Stay in touch with your friends, family and professional contacts back home. You are building an international network, not replacing your old one.

9. Ask people for advice

You are surrounded by people who have already figured out things you are trying to understand.

Be sure to ask questions. Most people are happy to share their experiences, you just have to ask. For me, the BelCham Brights really helped me make friends and build a community. I may sound biased, since I also organize the events and gatherings, but in the end, a lot of the people I met through BelCham Brights have become genuine friends, and that made my experience in the U.S. feel much more like home.

10. You do not have to make every day count

There can be pressure to see everything, meet everyone, and make the most of every moment.

But some days will simply be normal and that’s okay.

Your J-1 experience is not measured by how much you accomplish every day. It is measured by what you learn along the way. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Your J-1 experience is bigger than your internship

A J-1 internship or traineeship gives you professional experience in the United States. But it can also teach you independence, adaptability and confidence.

Prepare as much as you can, but leave room for the unexpected.

Because sometimes, the things you did not plan for become the things you remember most.