Global Citizen Program booklet c
Thank you for taking your first step in your AIESEC journey to changing the world! This information pack will be providing most of the essential information about this Global Citizen program. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Introduction to
AIESEC is a not-for-profit organisation that provides international exchange opportunities to students. Our offices are presented globally in over 124 countries with over 100 000 active members, making us the largest student-run organisation in the world.
AIESEC: a walk through time
Introduction AIESEC was founded in 1948 in post war Europe where a group of 7 determined young individuals saw a need to break down barriers and start to repair relationships between countries. They saw a need to change and grow so AIESEC was formed with the aim of expanding the understanding of a nation by expanding the understanding of the individuals thereby changing the world one person at a time. This core principle that AIESEC believes in was then made into our mission statement: "Empowering Young People for Peace and Fulfilment of Humankind's Potential�
Why do we do it? AIESEC has always been a firm believer that young people " are the way forward. AIESEC recognises that young people are the most valuable resource the world has and that the youth of today are the leaders, decision makers and innovators of tomorrow. How do we do it? How we do this is by offering young people the chance " and platform to develop themselves especially their leadership potential through a range of practical projects. What do we do? AIESEC as an organisation offers and facilitates volunteer " exchanges to over 125 different countries in a range of practical projects aimed at enriching and uplifting a community. Through this the student will not only develop their hard and soft skills, but also gain valuable insights into the culture, global community and themselves preparing them to be the young leaders of tomorrow.
Global Citizen Why should you go on exchange? In a world where the average young person is bombarded by the unpredictable realities of the future, we believe the solution is to develop responsible and entrepreneurial young leaders today who will push the world into a better tomorrow.
Creating a Positive Impact in the Community We believe there is nothing more noble and human than to give back to people so one of the main objectives of Global Citizen is to try and make a long lasting positive impact on the lives of many disadvantaged communities.!
Enrich Your Global Perspective Another core principle AIESEC lives by is that we are a global community and that nobody is an island. By gaining a new perspective and experiencing a culture the volunteer will be placed outside his or her comfort zone which will challenge their perceptions about themselves, their passions and what type of future they want.
Building Lifelong International Networks Connect with likeminded youth from all over globe. Once you have engaged with youth driven by a common purpose for 6 weeks in a foreign environment, you will never forget the bonds and friendships formed.
Personal and Professional Development Our exchange programs provide you with first-hand experience in teamwork as well as leadership. Stand out from the crowd by doing something different, and by gaining a unique set of skills in the process.
Global Citizen
WHAT IS GLOBAL CITIZEN ? AIESEC committees around the world set up partnerships with NGOs and other organisations to create an issue-based project. AIESEC in Sydney sends exchange participants overseas for 6 – 8 weeks to work on projects that help develop and uplift a community to new heights. Countries that we offer exchange to include (subject to change): Vietnam, Taiwan, India, Poland, Hungary, Cambodia, The Philippines, and Mauritius. "
**Please note that this list is not exhaustive, but is rather a snapshot of key locations (based on past exchange participant experiences). If you are interested in another country that is not listed above, please get in contact with a representative from our team!
What issues do we focus on?
Environment
health
education
Social entrepreneurship
culture
What are the requirements of the program? v Current undergraduate students or graduate students within 2 years after obtaining a degree are eligible v Age: 18-30 years old v Minimum exchange duration: 6 weeks v Ineligible for exchange to country of origin or a country lived in for more than 2 years
Global Citizen What are the costs? The administration fee is $700 for the cost of a single exchange (at least 6 weeks). This covers pre-departure training, personalised one-on-one support from home and hosting AIESEC throughout exchange duration, arrival support, departure support, and your individual leadership development learning program. Many other organisations offering volunteering abroad programs in similar countries have programs that last around 2-4 weeks and cost about $2,000-4,000, covering similar services that we do.
Why are we so inexpensive?
AIESEC is a not-for-profit and completely student run organisation. We want to give as many students as possible the chance to develop their leadership potential and make a difference. Please note: Flights, travel insurance, visas, vaccinations and living expenses are at your own cost. However, some programs do provide accommodation and food according to the job description. Please read carefully when selecting your project, and feel free to contact us if there are any concerns.
Where does the $700 administration fee go towards?
The fee covers preparation workshops and an individual development learning program both before and during the exchange. This is particularly important in providing exchange participants with the mindsets and frameworks before the exchange to help them make the most of their experience, as well as supporting the leadership development throughout the program. Exchange participants will be covered under the International SOS, which is an online emergency help system that also provides health and travel advice. We make absolutely no profit from the administration fee, and all the money is put back into our organisation to ensure we can deliver the highest quality experiences we can for more people.
Sample projects Agri-bida, the Philippines This is an environmental awareness project in Davao, The Philippines and is focused on developing globally competitive agricultural communities in Davao City. Agri-Bida envisions creating awareness and enacting initiatives that will assist marginalized communities to thrive and grow. The volunteers will also assist in the conservation of the national bird of the Philippines, the majestic Philippine Eagle. Volunteers will engage in: v Community development. You will conduct an initial survey that will allow the volunteers to understand the community’s needs and wants then they will devise an initiative tailored to the specific community. They will then devise a project proposal and pitch this to community officials and the wider community. v Business Development. Volunteers will receive hands on training in skills such as cold calling , business pitching , market research which will all be used to pitch their initiative to local businesses for support and partnerships v Agribusiness. Volunteers will meet with some of Davao’s thriving agribusiness companies to receive more hands on training and hands on experience. Volunteers will also meet the Department of Agriculture to present their initiative for further deliberation. v Fund Raising activity. Volunteers will have the opportunity to scout and find sponsors to finance their initiatives. You will also be asked to hold a fundraising event on behalf of your community where you will develop your entrepreneurial skills, marketing and creativity. v Conservation. Volunteers will assist at an eagle sanctuary to assist in the conservation, study and care of some of the most majestic eagles and birds including the national bird of the Philippines, The Philippine Eagle.
Sample projects Global Passport, Vietnam Global Passport is the current national project of AIESEC in Vietnam. We aim to provide high school students and university students with interactive English courses in a multicultural environment to gain more soft skills and confidence, to help them succeed in the future.
Volunteers will engage in: v Designing and developing content for English classes and project`s events together with other exchange participants in the team v Delivering interactive classes to your students based on selected topics together. Duration of the class: 2 hours. Number of class per week: 3 to 7 classes. Number of students per class : 10-15 v Ensuring the development of your students’ language skills by tests, class activities and constant communication. v Actively communicating with other exchange participants in sharing experiences and learnings. v Preparing reports and submitting them at the end of project in order to ensure that your experience will contribute to next batch of interns. v Actively participating in Local Committee activities: orientation day (obligatory), training (if any), reflection activities, promotion activities, events related to exchange, etc. v Representing your culture to: project participants, AIESEC members, participants of other AIESEC activities. v Providing feedback on different stages of a project in order to increase the quality of experience
Application process Apply for a consultancy chat
Create a Profile Search for Projects & Apply
• Place your application through the online form at tiny.cc/aieseccumbo. You will sit a consultancy chat with your Exchange Participant Manager who will assess your motivations for the program and support you in the searching of suitable projects and your AIESEC journey.
• Next, create a profile online at internships.aiesec.org. This is your gateway to our extensive list of exclusive projects from all over the world .
• Browse all our amazing projects and with your Exchange Participant Manager who will help guide you through and tailor your search to find the project that is perfect for you then apply .
Interview
Prepare
Exchange
• An AIESEC in the host country will then hold a one on one Skype interview with you to gauge your motivations and behaviours to ensure that you have a wonderful experience .If you pass said interview you are now required to make the $700 fee.
• You are now offically matched ! Your local AIESEC committie will now train and prepare you for the realities of volunteering in a foreign country with workshops and seminars as well as provide assitance with visas, travel insuarance and flights .
• Pack your bags your on your way to change the world . You are now on exchange, give 100% and be ready for a life changing experience. The host AIESEC will provide aiport pickup, logistical support as well as opportunities to connect with the culture and to other AIESECers . Your Home entity ( University of Sydney ) will keep in continous contact with you to ensure you have the best experience of your life
• Welcome home with the help of your Local AIESEC Comittie we will help you reintergrate and reflect on your amazing journey and see if you want to continue your AIESEC journey .
Return
Frequently asked questions #1 What is the refund policy? Generally, applicants do not get refunded. This is to ensure that the exchange participants who have been accepted for the projects have a genuine interest in embarking on an international AIESEC experience. Therefore, it is expected that you only apply if you are 100% sure that you want to go on exchange. Refunds may however be given out due to severe personal circumstances or medical reasons. Documentation in the form of a doctor’s certificate and letter from the Exchange Participant is required, as is other documentation depending on each situation. Exchange Participants must also show they have actively looked and applied for programs.
Is it possible to go to another country not included in your list? Yes AIESEC is partnered in over 125 different countries from all over the world. The nature of the Global Citizen program means that there are no programs available in developed countries (e.g. Japan, Germany, United States). The countries in our given list of programs are highly recommended based on past exchange experiences. Your Exchange Participant Manager will be able to provide more support in matching to these countries, however if you wish to go to another country, please speak to your Exchange Participant Manager about what options are recommended.
Is accommodation provided? Accommodation details will be provided specific for each project. There may be some programs that provide subsidised accommodation and/or host family as well as food as stated on the job description. If you are confused about anything, please consult your Exchange Participant Manager.
Frequently asked questions #2 Are there any hidden costs? The costs additional to the administration fee that you will encounter include: v Flights: The amount will depend upon where it is that you travel to. v Visa (if needed): Requirements can be checked on relevant government websites. v Travel Insurance: This is a must as we need to ensure that you are safe on one of our projects. Prices range from as low as $100 for 6 weeks. v Vaccinations (if needed): This also depends on when and where you are going. More details are available through government websites or you can consult your local General Practitioner (GP). Some projects may require an additional fee for accommodation. This is because the school or project that you volunteer is in no position to pay the high cost of hosting an international volunteer. AIESEC still believes in making an impact to the poorest communities so we endeavour and push on. There are some projects like this in Vietnam and Cambodia and the fee is around $100 for 6 weeks. Overall to cover all costs we recommend that you save $1500 for Asian countries and $3000 for European and South American countries.
Can I receive University Credit Points for an AIESEC exchange? Not every university or faculty currently offers this. We are working very hard with our relevant universities to get our exchange participants university credit but as of now only select universities and courses offer credit. Please check with your Exchange Participant Manager regarding your university. Some universities and faculties may offer financial subsidies to a select number of participants. Please check with your Exchange Participant Manager for your situation.
Frequently asked questions #3 Who will help me in my host country when I’m overseas? All exchanges are based on a local committee nearby, which is there to help you during your exchange. The members of this hosting local committee organise your accommodation, pick you up from the airport/station, show you around in the city, and accompany you to work on your first day. They will also arrange cultural integration activities, organise events for you and the other volunteers and help you get to know the people and culture of your host country. Should there be any problems, there will always be someone to help you. Additionally, your Exchange Participant Manager from Sydney will keep in regular contact with you and support you in every possible way alongside your journey.
What do I do in an emergency? AIESEC works with International SOS an organisation that specialises in assisting in all emergency assistance in all situations. If anything were to happen to you (theft , natural disaster, sickness or political unrest) there is a number that you can call and an international operator from International SOS will then assist you in any way shape or form. Training and more information on what to do will be provided in your pre-departure preparation sessions.
Where can I find more information?
Visit our website: www.aiesecaustralia.org/globalcitizen Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aiesec.sydney Email us: sydney@aiesecaustralia.org