AIESEC
Programs and Reviews
AIESEC, the largest student-run organization, has been running programs in more than 100 countries for 60 years. AIESEC programs allow students to make a positive impact on the world around them while gaining valuable work experience. These youth leadership development programs help students become better global citizens. There are a wide range of internships types available all over the world!
Reviews
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Although AIESEC Internships are a minimum of 6 weeks, I had the opportunity to travel to India for 2 weeks under AIESEC. Prior to leaving, I had someone contact me from India to make sure that I knew who was going to pick me up and where I was going to be picked up. Everything went as planned; when I landed in Delhi, all I had to do was make a call with the person to confirm location and no issues came up.
They also made sure that I had housing and made sure that everything was okay throughout my time abroad.
I had the chance to meet many interns from all over the world who were currently in India for their own internship and was in awe to see all of them living together and the bonds that were created.
Two weeks in India was far too short. Next time I go back, it will be for at least 6.
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In the summer of 2011, I went abroad to Budapest, Hungary to teach kindergarten kids English through a not-for-profit organization called AIESEC. As a quick introduction, AIESEC is the world's largest student run organization in the world and it's in over 110 countries. This experience started off as an excuse to experience the real college life, but ended up being so much more. I didn't care what I did; I just wanted to get away from New York for a while. In Hungary, I was picked up at the airport by a few of the students in this organization. I was assigned a "buddy", who was responsible for making sure I knew how to get a phone, train ticket and directions to the work place. The first week I was in Hungary, I had the biggest culture shock. Going into this internship, I wasn't prepared for the culture shock because I thought I had already experienced all that I could in New York. The first week, ended up with me going to work, going back to the hotel, and just moping around being homesick. However, the students of the AIESEC committee in Hungary would constantly ask me to go out to socialize and explore the city. in the end, I gave in and started to open myself up to the city. I ended up loving the city and the people! AIESEC had over 20 interns from other countries so I had a chance to meet people from France, Bulgaria, New Zealand, Iraq and so many more. I developed personally throughout this whole experience because I realized that I was really centered on New York. I had so much pride in my city that I wouldn't even give Hungary a chance. I also learned how to take care of myself. As for the work place, my boss was very kind. She offered all the assistance she could with accommodation and meals. Although I have been tutoring in New York for almost 3 years before this internship, I found it really difficult teaching little kids English when they barely knew Hungarian. Professionally, I learned how to adapt to a completely new environment and culture as well as problem solving. I gained so much from this experience, that I came back to New York and joined AIESEC. This summer, I will be going to Brazil to do a marketing internship with an NGO Company.
"Exchange isn't just a year in your life. It's a life in a year."
Well in my case, a life in two months. Through AIESEC's GCDP program, I was able to do something I'm really passionate about: teach and to do something I've always wanted to do: travel. To top that off, I've established a global network -- both professionally and personally.
Basically, I held several workshops on cultural sensitivity in middle/high schools in Linz, Austria under the Colors of the World program. During free times, I would hang out with local AIESEC members and my co-interns, and together, we explore the beauty of their city (and nearby cities).
6 months after the experience, I can still feel the "hangover" from it. Going on exchange was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made in my college life. I had the time of my life. And what's really amazing about it is this -- you can have it too. Sign up now!
P.S. Go to AIESEC University of the Philippines Diliman! You'll be sure to have a friend there -- me! :)