What is AIESEC, and what is its mission?

By developing individuals, we contribute to the development of our communities with an overriding commitment to international understanding and cooperation.

AIESEC is the world’s largest student-based organization spanning over 90 countries and over 800 universities.  AIESEC is dedicated to building international understanding and cooperation by providing young people with the tools and opportunities to become globally-minded, responsible leaders and connecting them to organizations worldwide for international internship experiences.    

AIESEC believes individuals should look for opportunities to build their global network, expand their view of the world, and gain leadership skills. We believe individuals should use their leadership skills and a global perspective to increase international understanding and cooperation. Our belief is that if large numbers of individuals were to act in this way, it could be a solution to a more secure and peaceful world.

AIESEC provides practical training and experience by offering the opportunity for students and recent graduates to:

• Apply for paid international internships in business, technology, education, and community development
• Gain professional skills and leadership experience in a global setting
• Join a global network of members, alumni, corporations, universities, foundations, and non-profit organizations in over 90 countries
• Expand their view of the world by participating in AIESEC’s events, conferences, and other activities designed to help young people gain new perspectives on global issues and culture

Why should I do a traineeship?  What is the AIESEC Experience?

The "AIESEC experience" is something truly unique.  Unlike other exchange programs, you will not be a part of a group of Americans, so you will have no bubble to insulate you.  Instead, you will be immersed in the dynamic local AIESEC community.  The members of the local chapter are the most globally minded college-aged youth in the country, and they are eager to share their culture and learn about yours.  Local “AIESECers” will engage you in conversations about world issues as diverse as confronting the HIV/AIDS pandemic or implementing Corporate Social Responsibility.  Plus, there will be other AIESEC interns from all over the world active in the community.  Often times interns are accommodated together in a house; I've heard stories of 16 students from 12 different countries living together -- imagine the cultural revelations that take place in the kitchen, let alone the rest of life!  Family stays are also common, providing a further level of immersion.  AIESEC interns take frequent trips to regional attractions with local AIESEC members, and many AIESEC interns stay in the country a few extra weeks to travel with friends they've made during their stay.  This dynamic community gives you both the comfort of having a social network and the excitement of expanding your cultural horizons.

What kind of traineeships are available through AIESEC?
What special programs exist within the AIESEC network?
Can I get immediate access to the traineeship database?
Which countries have especially abundant traineeship opportunities?

Please see Opportunities

What are the steps to apply for a traineeship?
What application materials are needed?
What is the timeline for applying to traineeships?

Please see The Process

What level of involvement is expected of students going abroad through AIESEC?

We feel it is important for you to identify with AIESEC as a local and global organization before you go abroad on a traineeship.  When you share the international AIESEC culture with those you meet abroad, it provides an effective bridge to learn more about your ethnic and cultural differences.  

The only required AIESEC involvement is participation in a weekend retreat (free of cost) to give AIESEC orientation and cultural preparation. The retreat will be held April 21-22, 2007. However, we encourage you to attend other events through the semester for you to get to know AIESEC. If you are not already, please request to be put on AIESEC Yale's mailing list.

What is the likeliness that I will be accepted to a traineeship?

Given the high demand for American students to fill international positions, and the relatively low supply of American students wishing to work abroad, we have been very successful at matching students to their desired positions.

It is more difficult to match to countries in Western Europe.  Some of these traineeships require advanced business skills and experience, which undergraduates don’t possess.

For details on countries that have traditionally been easier to match with, please see Opportunities.

What are the language requirements for traineeships?

The working language of AIESEC internationally is English, so you will be able to communicate with local AIESEC members wherever you travel.  However, some traineeships have language requirements, which will be listed in the job description. 

Often times AIESEC trainees who are not familiar with the local language are able to acquire a working knowledge of the language quickly.  AIESEC trainees that have some background in the local language praise the work immersion experience as the best way to develop greater fluency.

What are the costs?

There is a $45 fee to apply to AIESEC traineeships.  This fee goes toward upkeep of the online database systems and training of the Local Student Process Coordinators.

There is a $455 matching fee, which is billed when you have been accepted to a traineeship and you have confirmed your participation.  This fee goes toward your AIESEC orientation and cultural preparation (i.e. a free weekend retreat), assistance with VISA processing, and logistical support (e.g. airport pick-up, housing arrangements, local bank account, etc.).

Some students have been successful in receiving fellowship money to support AIESEC traineeships. 

Keep in mind that most traineeships provide a salary, and that all traineeships should provide you with at least coverage of housing and food expenses.

I’m confused by an e-mail requesting $45 to browse the database. What’s up?

Once you apply to the Exchange Program, you will receive an e-mail requesting the $45 payment before you gain access to browse traineeships.  However, we will grant you access to browse the database, deferring this payment until you begin applying to traineeships.