internen

Internen is the plural form of the Dutch noun intern, referring to people who participate in an internship or on-the-job training. The term is used in the Netherlands and Flanders to describe learners who gain practical work experience under supervision, often as part of a study program or early career development. Interns can come from universities, vocational schools, or recent graduates seeking hands-on exposure in a field.

Internships span many sectors, including education, healthcare, industry, government, and non-profit organizations. They typically have a defined duration—ranging from a few weeks to several months or up to a year—and are structured to provide learning goals, supervision, feedback, and sometimes an assessment or diploma credit. Tasks assigned to interns are usually related to the field of study and designed to complement academic knowledge with practical skills.

Compensation and status vary by country, sector, and program. Some internships are paid, others are unpaid or provide only a travel allowance or stipend. In many jurisdictions, internships may be governed by education agreements or labor regulations to ensure safe working conditions and educational value, and to clarify whether interns are employees or trainees for legal purposes.

Beyond the workplace, the term intern can sometimes be encountered in broader discussions of talent development and workforce planning, highlighting the role of structured learning experiences in preparing newcomers for professional roles. In Dutch, the adjective form for internal matters is generally inter­ne, not internen, which is used specifically for people acting as interns.