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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AIESEC internship?

An AIESEC internship is a practical working and learning experience for the intern to develop academic knowledge and professional skills. Every internship should aim to provide the intern with the following:

  • 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.
  • Opportunity to work with organizations outside of AIESEC.

The internship cannot aim to:

  • Solely provide an opportunity for the intern to earn money;
  • Provide a holiday;
  • 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.

What is the duration of AIESEC internships?

From 6 to 72 weeks. You’re defining your preferences. Development and Educational Internships are usually rather short term (2-3 months) and Management and Technical Internships rather long term (6 months – 1 year or longer).

When can I go for an internship?

Internships are opened during the whole year. Based on the available internships you decide where and for how long you want to go. It is though recommended to apply for internship to AIESEC when you want to leave within the next 6 months. The minimum time for application, preparation etc. is usually 3 to 4 months.

Where can I go for an internship?

AIESEC is present in 110 countries. However, the number of internships available in a country varies strongly. Currently we mainly offer internships in South America, South East Asia, Africa and Central and Eastern Europe. These are the regions which offer you most opportunities!

How many internships can I take part in?

The number of internships depend on you. You may participate in the internship program up to a maximum period of 36 months abroad (e.g. 12×6-weeks internships, 2×72-weeks internships)

There is no AIESEC office in my city. Can I still apply for internship?

Yes. In this case contact the national team directly . After looking through your case, next steps will be defined.

I went through the descriptions of all types of internships but couldn’t find any which are suitable for my academic background. What shall I do?

In this case contact directly the national team. After looking through your case, we can see if there is the possibility for you to go for internship.

Do I need to know foreign languages?

Yes. Excellent English is required from all of our interns. We don’t need any certificates, but communication has to be smoothly. Additionally some particular internship offers might require more languages.

Will I be paid for an AIESEC internship?

Depends. You can be paid normal salary (each country has defined minimum salary, so that you could effort normal living condition – accommodation, transportation, food). You can have also smaller wages and additional benefits e.g. flat. Some internships are not paid at all but accommodation and food should be provided. More details you’ll find in particular types of internship description.

Who can apply?

  • Students and
  • Graduates at the latest two (2) years after obtaining a degree
  • Not older than 30 years old

How can I apply?

The recruitment process might vary from one to another local office (so called Local Committee). In general it consists of:

  • Student Review Board – which is interview during which we’re checking your competencies and preferences concerning the internship

What is the procedure of going for an internship?

After being selected for the exchange program the following steps need to be taken in order to go on an internship:

  • Sign the contract and pay the fee
  • Sign up to the database and create your own profile (consists of your work experience, academic background, skills and internship preferences – duration, region of the work)
  • Search for internships
  • Apply for those which you are interested in
  • Selection procedure – depends on the organization/company
  • Acceptance from the company
  • Going for an internship

Each exchange participant needs also to participate in:

  • AIESEC induction – session about the organization, its origins and activities
  • Exchange Preparation Seminar – 1-day meeting aims to prepare for internship in four (4) different aspects:
    1. AIESEC preparation
    2. Professional preparation
    3. Cultural preparation
    4. Logistics preparation

How can AIESEC support me?

AIESEC in your country is responsible for:

  • Providing you all needed trainings and sessions (AIESEC Induction, Exchange Preparation Seminar, database usage, quality policies and standards)
  • Supporting you in searching for the internship

AIESEC in the country you’re going to is responsible for:

  • Helping you with visa and work permit procedures
  • Finding you an accommodation
  • The introduction to the company when starting internship

Do I need to be active in AIESEC to go for an internship?

This depends on the Local Committee. In most cases there’s no obligation, nevertheless we highly recommend you to be involved, as this gives you much better understanding of the organization, including database trends, internal procedures, etc. It usually also makes it easier for you to get an internship.

What else can I do in AIESEC?

AIESEC provides its members with an integrated development experience comprised of leadership opportunities, international internships and participation in a global learning environment. You can find more information in other sides of Student section:

The best way to check concrete opportunities is to ask your Local Committee, as different projects and teams are working in different periods of the year and, again, vary from one place to another.

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