FAQ

1) What does the AIESEC Exchange Program offer?

The AIESEC Exchange Program offers you the possibility to have an intense cultural experience in one of its member-countries. An internship must aim to provide the intern with: A positive learning experience. Practical skills and knowledge in a foreign environment to complement the intern’s higher educational background or field of career aspirations. Interaction with a different social and cultural environment with a view to gaining intercultural competencies. Development of theoretical and practical leadership skills. Opportunity to apply personal and professional skills, knowledge, attitudes and values to work for the organization as well as the host communities. Develop awareness and knowledge of social issues and different practices of the sending and hosting country. Opportunity to contribute to personal and professional life goals.

2) What does the AIESEC internship program NOT offer?

The internship cannot solely provide an opportunity for the intern to earn money or provide a holiday. The internship cannot act as a permanent career placement or recruitment opportunity in the host country. If the organization decides to extend the internship on a permanent basis, AIESEC will have no role in facilitating this.

3) Does AIESEC provide study abroad opportunities?

No, only internships and voluntary work abroad.

4) How does AIESEC differ from other providers of internships?

AIESEC does not define itself as provider of internships only. Rather, AIESEC offers you many different opportunities to discover and develop your potential. Although an internship abroad is an essential part of the experience you can gain in AIESEC, it is closely linked to other experiences rather than separated from them.

5) Where in the world does AIESEC offer internships?

Generally, student can apply for an internship available in any of our member countries. It should be taken into consideration that the applicant will be competing with other applicants from all over the world also.

6) What if I want another duration of internship?

AIESEC internships can range anywhere from 6 weeks to 18 months. Voluntary internships typically last from 6 to 8 weeks and are often ideal for applicants interested in going abroad during the summer. Some of exchange participants go for 2-3 internships in different countries or cities of one region to expand their experience.

Educational internships have a similar 6 to 8 week time frame during the summer, but also can be done at various times in the year for a longer period of 8 to 12 months. Management and technical internships are rarely less than 5-6 months.

7) Will I receive a salary during my internship?

It is usual for management, technical and educational traineeships to be paid relative to the country’s GDP, this means that your salary will be enough to cover your housing and living expenses. Salaries are not welcome for development traineeships as voluntary. Most of the time instead of money hosting organization provides accommodation and food.

8) How much do I have to pay for such an internship?

The AIESEC exchange program fees vary from 85 to 200 euros. Read more in Programmes overview.

9) What do I get for the contract fee?

You get an access to our database, which contains around 15 000 offers
You get a manager, who helps and guides you through the entire searching and applying process.
You get a buddy from the country you are going on a internship. This person will come to the airport to greet you and take you to your new home. Also he will take you to your new work, so you would not get lost.
You can participate in AIESEC events in your home country, but as well as in your destination country
There is always somebody if in need of help or assistance – in anything.

10) How much will the trip cost overall?

There are many factors that go into overall cost including international health insurance, visa, vaccinations (if necessary), airfare, cost of life in your host country, and many other things. For this reason the figure is hard to ball park a general figure; clearer estimates can be given after acceptance to AIESEC at the time of application for a specific internship.

11) Does AIESEC have any specific language requirement? Do I need to be fluent in X to go to an X-speaking country?

English is the international language of AIESEC. AIESEC members across the world will speak English, and the English language is the basis of a large number of AIESEC internships. Because of this, proficiency in English is required to be eligible to go on most any AIESEC internship. In Central and South America the majority of internships require proficiency in Spanish. Those in Germany often require proficiency in German. Additional language ability is an added bonus for multi-lingual applicants.

12) I’m from abroad but studying in Estonia. Can I participate in the Exchange Program with AIESEC Estonia?

Yes. The only restriction imposed by AIESEC is that foreign nationals can’t go on internships to the country in which they have citizenship, as it would not classify as a cultural exchange.

13) If I am initially accepted by AIESEC how likely is it I find an internship?

Upon your acceptance, AIESEC will work closely with you to help you find a suitable internship. If you are flexible with your country, type of work, and have good credentials it is very likely you will be successful in securing an internship with AIESEC.

14) What is the Outgoing Exchange Preparation Seminar (OPS)?

The OPS is an AIESEC seminar, which is run by experienced trainers. You will be prepared for your internship and receive useful tips and information. Furthermore, you will be able to talk to AIESECers who have already come back from their internship or share your thoughts with other people going on exchange soon.

15) Why do I have to participate in the OPS?

As an organization, AIESEC aims at increasing mutual understanding and tolerance globally and just not at exchanging students. During an AIESEC internship you shall live in a foreign culture and get to know it and its people intensely and also represent your home country accordingly.

The past has shown that a lot of interns have negative experiences abroad because they do not get to know people from the host country or because they cannot cope with its culture (culture shock). Most of the time, these people quit their internship early and feel like never returning to this country again. The OPS will help you to prepare for the internship, to make friends abroad and create a feeling of never wanting to return home again. Another advantage of the OPS is that you set your mind according to your future adventure and get to know people in the same situation as you, with whom you can share information and experiences.

We assure you that the OPS will be a lot of fun. Many past interns have reported that they became aware of the sense of this seminar only when they have arrived in their host country.

16) Who will help me in my host country?

All the internships are based on a local committee nearby, which is there to help you during your internship.

More concretely, the members of this hosting local committee after agreements with exchange participant can organize your accommodation, pick you up from the airport / station, show you around in the city and accompany you to work on your first day. In addition, they will integrate you into their activities, organize events for you and the other interns and help you get to know the people and culture of your host country. In case of any problems, there will always be someone to help you. We will keep in contact with you and support you in every possible way.

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