Frequently Asked Questions
General
What does AIESEC mean or stand for?
AIESEC is an acronym for “Association Internationale des Étudiants en Sciences Économiques et Commerciales”. Originally founded in 1948 by in 7 European countries as an organisation to build a bridge between the countries and cultures after the World War II, today AIESEC is a largest student-run organisation providing leadership and internship opportunities, AIESEC is an organisation that crosses boundaries and cultures, and our global community acts as such.
AIESEC is funded through our core exchange programs, sponsorships and donations. As a non-for-profit organisation, all our revenues are used to keep AIESEC running. We operate as a multinational organisation: AIESEC has a global headquarters in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, while there are also 125 national branches around the world. Our national office consists of the full-time national board who manage and provide strategic direction for 15 local offices in France. At a local level, our volunteers lead, manage and coordinate the activities of their local operations of AIESEC with alignment to national and global directions.
AIESEC is an acronym for “Association Internationale des Étudiants en Sciences Économiques et Commerciales”. Originally founded in 1948 by in 7 European countries as an organisation to build a bridge between the countries and cultures after the World War II, today AIESEC is a largest student-run organisation providing leadership and internship opportunities, AIESEC is an organisation that crosses boundaries and cultures, and our global community acts as such.
AIESEC is funded through our core exchange programs, sponsorships and donations. As a non-for-profit organisation, all our revenues are used to keep AIESEC running. We operate as a multinational organisation: AIESEC has a global headquarters in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, while there are also 125 national branches around the world. Our national office consists of the full-time national board who manage and provide strategic direction for 15 local offices in France. At a local level, our volunteers lead, manage and coordinate the activities of their local operations of AIESEC with alignment to national and global directions.
Internships
What is the difference between Global Talent and Global Citizen programmes?
Global Citizen is a volunteer programme, which lasts between 6 to 8 weeks abroad. Often, the accommodation and food are provided, while the volunteer impacts society and creates a cross-cultural connection.
Global Talent is a professional internships abroad, which last between 6 to 18 months. The purpose of the programme is to explore the foreign work environment, culture, while working in a professional environment and gaining skills for the future career.
Global Citizen is a volunteer programme, which lasts between 6 to 8 weeks abroad. Often, the accommodation and food are provided, while the volunteer impacts society and creates a cross-cultural connection.
Global Talent is a professional internships abroad, which last between 6 to 18 months. The purpose of the programme is to explore the foreign work environment, culture, while working in a professional environment and gaining skills for the future career.
Do I need to become a member of AIESEC to apply for an internship?
No, you do not have to become a member of AIESEC to go on an internship. However, being a member while applying for the internship is more beneficial for you as a candidate, as you will understand the internal processes and projects of the organisation and even develop your contact network with the countries you are planning on going to.
No, you do not have to become a member of AIESEC to go on an internship. However, being a member while applying for the internship is more beneficial for you as a candidate, as you will understand the internal processes and projects of the organisation and even develop your contact network with the countries you are planning on going to.
Do I need to cover my own insurance, visa and flight tickets?
Yes, you are responsible to obtain your own flight tickets. Being insured is a requirement for going abroad with AIESEC, thus you will be responsible to get an insurance prior going abroad for the whole duration of your internship. AIESEC will assist you with obtaining your visa, however it is your responsibility to obtain the visa and pay for it on your own.
Yes, you are responsible to obtain your own flight tickets. Being insured is a requirement for going abroad with AIESEC, thus you will be responsible to get an insurance prior going abroad for the whole duration of your internship. AIESEC will assist you with obtaining your visa, however it is your responsibility to obtain the visa and pay for it on your own.
When is the deadline to apply for an internship abroad?
Both Global Citizen and Global Talent are a year-round program, and you can take it at any point in time. The duration of the Global Citizen volunteering internship is 6 to 8 weeks. The duration of the Global Talent programme is from 6 months, though many internships can last until 1 year.
Both Global Citizen and Global Talent are a year-round program, and you can take it at any point in time. The duration of the Global Citizen volunteering internship is 6 to 8 weeks. The duration of the Global Talent programme is from 6 months, though many internships can last until 1 year.
What support will AIESEC give me during my internship?
- Support in the internship search
- Access to the internship database
- Support in the cultural preparation for the internship
- Logistical support for obtaining visa and insurance
- AIESEC representative will assist you throughout the duration of your internship
- Reception activities and social integration into the organisation in the country of your destination
Does AIESEC offer scholarships for travel or program fees?
AIESEC does not offer discounts or financial aid for our exchange programs. It is possible to use outside aid and scholarships to pay for your internship or volunteer program; however, this should be discuss with your benefactor.
AIESEC does not offer discounts or financial aid for our exchange programs. It is possible to use outside aid and scholarships to pay for your internship or volunteer program; however, this should be discuss with your benefactor.
Why can’t I volunteer in some countries (France, UK, Australia, Canada, etc.)?
Due to the nature of AIESEC’s programs, we create internships by working with companies to supply talented individuals for specific tasks or projects that are needed. Because of this, countries with a high cost of living are normally unable to support international volunteers without financial backing. Additionally, many western countries do not offer visas for volunteers.
Due to the nature of AIESEC’s programs, we create internships by working with companies to supply talented individuals for specific tasks or projects that are needed. Because of this, countries with a high cost of living are normally unable to support international volunteers without financial backing. Additionally, many western countries do not offer visas for volunteers.
Is housing/food/transportation covered during my Global Citizen or Global Talent program?
All Global Citizen programs provide you with free housing during your experience and some projects may offer you free meals, transportation, or living stipends. Please be prepared to fund the majority of your time abroad as the only guaranteed amenity it living arrangements so things like clothes, transportation, and weekend trips are on you. Global Talent programs are not guaranteed to provide free housing, but the programs will arrange housing for you. The payment you receive from your internship should be enough to cover rent and daily living expenses. All of these details are case-by-case but will be made known to you when you are applying to specific projects.
All Global Citizen programs provide you with free housing during your experience and some projects may offer you free meals, transportation, or living stipends. Please be prepared to fund the majority of your time abroad as the only guaranteed amenity it living arrangements so things like clothes, transportation, and weekend trips are on you. Global Talent programs are not guaranteed to provide free housing, but the programs will arrange housing for you. The payment you receive from your internship should be enough to cover rent and daily living expenses. All of these details are case-by-case but will be made known to you when you are applying to specific projects.
Who will I be working with during the application process?
As the world’s largest youth-operated organization, we have trained volunteers working In Toulouse ready to help you match to the perfect project or internship. These volunteers are AIESEC Toulouse members and current students that do AIESEC work for the love of our mission.
As the world’s largest youth-operated organization, we have trained volunteers working In Toulouse ready to help you match to the perfect project or internship. These volunteers are AIESEC Toulouse members and current students that do AIESEC work for the love of our mission.
How can I help in facilitating AIESEC’s exchange programs?
We open membership recruitment across the city at the the beginning of every semester. For more details on this, contact us. If you are a company, organization, or individual that would like to support our mission with a monetary, educational, or in-kind donation, please contact the Local Committee President or Vice President of External Relations.
We open membership recruitment across the city at the the beginning of every semester. For more details on this, contact us. If you are a company, organization, or individual that would like to support our mission with a monetary, educational, or in-kind donation, please contact the Local Committee President or Vice President of External Relations.
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