Agathe

Agathe Ledoux - Architecture Intern.

Agathe Ledoux, Norway
New York
Master’s Architecture
3 months internship

Agathe wanted to learn more about how it is to work as an architecture. As a part of her master program of architecture in Norway, she got an opportunity to do 3 months internship in the U.S. on a J-1 visa. She found her dream workplace in New York, where she learned everything from basic tools to the human and social aspect of the work. On top of that she could improve her English by working closely with Americans.

How did you hear of The North-West Passage?
After I got the positive response for the internship from the architecture company, they told me I have to apply for a visa J-1. They used to work with CIEE. I found the CIEE representative in Norway, where I was living at this time, and I found online the website of The North-West Passage. See if you are eligible for a J-1 visa yourself!

​How come you decided to do an internship in the U.S.?
After having spent a year in Norway to discover a new culture and to improve my English, I wanted to continue this experience in an English-speaking country. I had to do a 3 months internship as a part of my master of architecture and I knew an architecture firm in New York so I decided to go there. Read more about New York as a city to intern in.

​What was better than you expected?
I was expecting a lot from my internship in New York, and I am not disappointed. It is not better than expected, but it is exactly what I was looking for.

Why would you recommend doing a J1 visa internship in the U.S.?
I would definitely recommend doing a J1 visa internship in the U.S. Even if sometimes the company doesn't pay for it, I think it is really worth it. Somehow it has been for me an investment to enrich my experiences, both human and professional. TNWP has been actually very efficient and very quick for everything during the procedure. I highly recommend it. ​

​What are/were your expectations for the U.S. internship?
When I decided to do an internship in the U.S., I expected to improve my English by living and working with English native speakers. I also expected to visit some famous architecture projects I studied at school. 

​What was different?
It has been two months since I came to New York and it has really been like expected. I don't have a lot of time to discover around, except the weekends. However, I really like the work that I am doing and I am learning a lot, so I enjoy all the time I spend here. Also, I am surrounded by American speakers and I really appreciate it. I want to highlight this point because, in Norway, a lot of my friends were French.​