FAQ
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 AIESEC Experience, it is closely linked to the other experiences rather than separated from them. We strive to provide every AIESEC member with a full AIESEC Experience.
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 AIESEC Experience, it is closely linked to the other experiences rather than separated from them. We strive to provide every AIESEC member with a full AIESEC Experience.
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 110 member-countries. Concretely, AIESEC in your home country prepares you for the internship, while the section in the host country helps you apply for visa, work permit and organizes your accommodation. In addition, they take care of you as soon as you are there, make you familiar with their culture and organize events where you get to know other interns.
The AIESEC Exchange Program offers you the possibility to have an intense cultural experience in one of its 110 member-countries. Concretely, AIESEC in your home country prepares you for the internship, while the section in the host country helps you apply for visa, work permit and organizes your accommodation. In addition, they take care of you as soon as you are there, make you familiar with their culture and organize events where you get to know other interns.
What does AIESEC NOT offer?
AIESEC does not provide internships like a factory sells its products. We cannot and do not want to grant you an internship in Sydney at Procter & Gamble from February 9 to August 9, if that is what you are looking for.Although there are internships at Procter & Gamble in our internship pool, this is not what AIESEC is all about. Rather, we demand applicants to be flexible concerning place, time and job description of their future internship. AIESEC internships do help you gain professional skills but more importantly, they are an opportunity to have an intense intercultural experience.
AIESEC does not provide internships like a factory sells its products. We cannot and do not want to grant you an internship in Sydney at Procter & Gamble from February 9 to August 9, if that is what you are looking for.Although there are internships at Procter & Gamble in our internship pool, this is not what AIESEC is all about. Rather, we demand applicants to be flexible concerning place, time and job description of their future internship. AIESEC internships do help you gain professional skills but more importantly, they are an opportunity to have an intense intercultural experience.
What requirements are there? Is there a selection process?
Key Requirements:
- Be(come) a member of AIESEC
- Be a student under the age of 30
- Have at least good English language skills
- Be Open-minded and interested in other cultures
- Pass the review board (interview/assesment center)
University marks are not considered.
Where do I find more information on AIESEC?
In the "What is AIESEC" section of this website, you find more information about the organization. You can also check out the website www.aiesec.be. If you de not find the infirmation you need, feel free to contact us via email. Alternatively, you can come by our office and talk to us - but please let us know when you want to meet.
How long do I have to be a member before I am allowed to do an internship?
It is possible to do an internship quite soon after having become a member. In such a case, we try to adapt your tasks and functions within your AIESEC local committee so you are not involved in long-term projects.
What types of internships does AIESEC offer?
AIESEC offers 2 different kinds of traineeships
- GIP: Global Internship Program
Management Traineeships
Educational Traineeships
Technical Traineeships
- GCDP: Global Community Development Program
Where in the world does AIESEC offer which kind of internship?
Generally, Belgian students are quite welcome in most of the countries and readily employed. Of course, you will be competing with students from all over the world but Belgian students have at least the advantage of speaking several languages at a high level. However, most of the internships take place in Asia and Eastern Europe. In these countries, finding an internship even of a short duration is very likely if you are somewhat flexible and have the necessary qualifications for the job. Unfortunately, there is hardly any internship available in the USA but we provide a lot of opportunities in similar countries.
Will I receive a salary during my internship?
It is usual for management or technical traineeships to be paid in a manner that allows you to buy everything you need to live in the respective country. Salaries differ very much for each internship. Most of the time, you may expect that at a minimum accommodation and food are provided while you receive only a small, if any, salary.
How much do I have to pay for such an internship?
According to the type of internship you choose, the Exchange Participation fee ranges from 195 EUR to 250 EUR. Included in the fee are:
- Administrative costs
- Costs for the Review Board
- Participation, food and accommodation for the OPS
Do I receive a refund if I cannot find a suitable internship?
If you are a bit flexible concerning place, time and job description, there should not be a problem in finding an interesting internship. You will also be able to have a preview of the database before your final decision to join. If you enter a staged recruitment process for a summer GCDP, you will only have to pay a small non-refundable amount while waiting for your results of the exams.
If you are a bit flexible concerning place, time and job description, there should not be a problem in finding an interesting internship. You will also be able to have a preview of the database before your final decision to join. If you enter a staged recruitment process for a summer GCDP, you will only have to pay a small non-refundable amount while waiting for your results of the exams.
Those who accept an internship and cancel without giving strong reasons are excluded from our program without any refund. Such a regulation is necessary if we want to be fair towards everyone and because the organization or company concerned was prepared to receive the intern.
What is a Review Board?
The RB is an interview or assesment center during which we want to find out whether you are suitable for our program. This is important because we guarantee a certain quality and certain competencies when we send students to work in our partner companies.
The RB is an interview or assesment center during which we want to find out whether you are suitable for our program. This is important because we guarantee a certain quality and certain competencies when we send students to work in our partner companies.
What is the Outgoing Preparation Seminar (OPS)?
The OPS is an AIESEC seminar of 1 day, 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 been on an exchange or share your thoughts with other people going on exchange soon.
Why do I have to participate in the OPS?
As an organization, AIESEC aims at increasing mutual understanding and tolerance globally and not just at exchanging students. During an AIESEC internship you shall live in a foreign culture and get to know the country and its people intensely. You will represent your home country accordingly. 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 had arrived in their host country.
As an organization, AIESEC aims at increasing mutual understanding and tolerance globally and not just at exchanging students. During an AIESEC internship you shall live in a foreign culture and get to know the country and its people intensely. You will represent your home country accordingly. 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 had arrived in their host country.
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 local committee 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. There is always one to help you should there be any problems. We will keep in contact with you and support you in every possible way.