Introducing Scotland’s exceptional talent to the USA
We are cultivating the next generation of talent by connecting Scotland’s top university students with dynamic American businesses
We find, grow and connect transformational talent who deliver for Scotland and the USA
The Saltire Foundation USA is a not-for-profit organization with over 15 years of experience helping hundreds of students connect with and transform businesses in the US. Our vision is to inspire the next generation of talent currently studying in Scotland by providing life-changing work experience with US-based organizations.
As a registered 501(c)(3), our mission is simple: to connect dynamic US organizations with the best talent Scotland has to offer through our Saltire Internship Program. We currently have a presence in many major cities and are ambitious about expanding further.
Get involved
Each summer we deliver 9-12 week life changing internship opportunities for students in Scotland to experience working in the US.
Host a Saltire Intern
Our Internship Program connects your business with both undergraduates and graduates from Scotland’s universities. These high-potential students come from diverse backgrounds with at least three years of academic experience. We handle sourcing, recruiting, visas, travel logistics, and stipends. You provide the life changing experience!
Friends of the Saltire Foundation USA
Our programme is made possible by our generous supporters via donations, mentorship, and helping us to build lasting connections to those that can help us grow.
A global partnership that can help transform your organization
Our host organizations benefit from thinking global and partnering with the Saltire Foundation USA. By investing in talent you are investing in your organization.
Our partnership will be valued by both co-workers and customers. It demonstrates a growth mindset, openness to diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to bringing international experience to your business.
Scotland has more world class universities per head of population than any other country in the world. Bringing the best candidates from this rich educational eco- system and placing them with US organizations creates a significant point of difference.
Our interns come from diverse backgrounds and degree disciplines. Shortlisted candidates have a minimum of three years of academic experience and possess a wide range of skills that enable them to contribute to your organization’s success.
We take great pride in the quality of our candidates, and we believe you will too.
Intern insights
Learn about the Saltire Scholars Internship Program through the voices of the Class of 2024. Hear their unique stories and experiences, highlighting how the program has influenced their professional paths and ambitions.
Maggie Wu
Hyble
I had the incredible opportunity to intern at Hyble via the Saltire Foundation USA. My role was to work closely with the CEO, Craig, getting a firsthand look at the inner workings of a fast-growing tech scale-up in Boston—an experience that was equal parts exciting and surreal!
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From day one, I was immersed in leadership meetings and key projects, including developing predictive models for business forecasts. Seeing my work come to life during meetings was such a “pinch me” moment. The weekly “Hyble Huddles” quickly became a favourite part of the job. These sessions brought the team together, not just to discuss goals, but to motivate and inspire us to think bigger and push boundaries.
Naturally, I experienced a bit of imposter syndrome at first, but the warmth and support from everyone at Hyble made it easy to settle in. One of the highlights was connecting with people across different departments—their encouragement and fresh perspectives were invaluable.
This experience has been so much more than I expected, from learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship to building lasting friendships with fellow Saltire Interns. I’m beyond grateful to Entrepreneurial Scotland and the Saltire Foundation USA for this opportunity, which has shaped both my professional and personal growth in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and given me my very first experience of life in America!
Victor Penev
SharkNinja
Ever since I finished my life-changing internship in SharkNinja and the more time passes and the more people I talk with, the more I realize how impactful and great of an experience my stay in Boston was. As a Product Design Engineer intern, I found myself in a role I hadn’t anticipated, especially considering SharkNinja’s focus on home and kitchen appliances and my major in Biomedical Engineering.
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The work experience was incredible. I had the privilege of meeting many knowledgeable and supportive people, both within my team and among other interns, who helped me not only navigate the company but also embrace the American experience. Before arriving, I expected a work culture heavily focused on money and profit margins, quite different from what I was used to in Europe. Instead, I found a warm, familiar environment that felt much like what I’d expect in the UK.
Another thing that I absolutely loved during my internship was how big and diverse the USA is. There are so many people with so many background and interest that it is really easy to find a community united around the things you love, like sport, and make friends there.
Overall, I strongly encourage everyone to pursue opportunities like the Saltire Intern program. Don’t limit yourself or assume things won’t happen—opportunities are everywhere, waiting to be seized. Be brave, embrace the journey, and remember that failure is just a step along the way.
Finally, I want to express my appreciation to everyone who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make these opportunities possible. Thank you, Entrepreneurial Scotland, and thank you, Saltire Foundation USA!
Sheena McArthur
Edrington
Having recently completed a 10-week corporate finance internship with Edrington in New York City USA, I find myself in a position to reflect upon this incredible and transformational experience!
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I was introduced to the financial flows driving a global leader in the alcohol industry, whose principal shareholder is Scotland’s largest independent, grant-making charitable Trust. Edrington’s ‘giving more’ vision entails profits with purpose, and capitalises upon doing business as a force for good. My role involved one-to-one mentorship on financial systems – entailing balance sheet projections, budget allocations and return on investment projects. I further assisted with rolling trends and market depletions to communicate narratives behind data. I was delegated an individual research project, tailored to the environmental interests which I expressed in my application. My responsibilities included presenting to global teams, as well as coordinating with sustainability, procurement and marketing departments.
From the involvement I was entrusted with at Edrington, to the support provided by Entrepreneurial Scotland and the Salitre Foundation USA, my overwhelmingly positive experience far exceeded my expectations. I also had the opportunity to host, visit and travel with other Saltire Interns in the USA, as well as stay at a colleague’s family beach home for a weekend. The friendships formed ensured that this was one of the best adventures of my life.
The Saltire Intern Programme was the right place to learn, grow, and contribute, all the while thoroughly enjoying the process. I have taken a bite out of the big apple, and returned to Scotland with newfound inspiration for exciting times ahead.
Investing in
future talent
Every year we partner with incredible businesses across the US providing exceptional talent to support their ambitions – check out our partners below.
