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Global Awareness Programme
In this time of heightened interconnectivity, whether virtual or physical, the world has become smaller, and different nations and cultures often come together to work towards a common goal. Because of this, global awareness is necessary, as students need to be aware of their civic duties – both internationally and locally – and respect and understand the diverse cultures, races and religions they will come into contact with in order to be academic and social successes.
Thus, the purpose behind the Global Awareness Programme is to create global citizens among SIM students in a move to ensure a more inclusive, just and peaceful society, whether it is in daily, mundane decisions, or actions that can make a difference in the lives of people across the globe.
Summer Exchange Programme
SIM offers exchange programmes with many partner universities worldwide, where students have the opportunity to explore diverse courses and engage in discourse with an international pool of academics.
Let us hear from two students on their Summer Exchange experiences!
Vaithyanathan Soundarya
What was your experience like?
I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship by the Office of Global Learning at SIM for completing a Financial Markets at the London School of Economics (LSE) Summer School. My experience during the London School of Economics and Political Science Online Summer School was one of the most fruitful experiences in my student journey, and the best way for my summer holidays to start off.
The presence of experienced faculty and interactive classes and lectures over the course of the programme enhanced my learning journey and improved my understanding about various subject matters and concepts that I was previously unaware of. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity as it has equipped me with newfound knowledge, skills and experiences.
What takeaways do you have?
My experience taught me the importance of not just attending lectures and classes, but to also understand the intuition behind each concept, and learn beyond prescribed readings and lecture material for a deeper understanding. I have also learnt to prioritise building skills and gathering various experiences apart from attending lectures, which enabled me to be part of a holistic journey during the programme. I am glad for receiving access to various skills and well-being workshops, which helped me enhance certain skills side-by-side while learning, as well.
During lectures and classes, we were encouraged to actively interact with professors and fellow students, which provided opportunities to connect with students from different parts of the world and be part of a global experience in the process.
Apart from lectures, skill building workshops like the Financial Modelling course offered by the school office was also extremely helpful in offering insights into real-world scenarios and desirable problem-solving and quantitative skills. This has equipped me better for the working world and motivated me to improve my quantitative skills as part of the learning process.
Kelly Ong Si Hui
What was your experience like?
Although I went into the London School of Economics and Political Science Online Summer School a little nervous, I came out completely blown away by the experience. During the three weeks, I was fully immersed in the teachings of finance.
It was a course chock-full of quality, rigorous content that surpassed my expectations for what I was about to learn at a short summer school programme. The remote learning experience was also very seamless. I appreciated how LSE always made sure that the remote students were given plenty of chances to participate, which made it feel like we were in the classroom physically with the London students!
What takeaways do you have?
My experience with the London School of Economics and Political Science Online Summer School taught me that it is indeed possible to deep-dive into a subject of an entirely new interest within a short span of time. With the right institution and lecturers, learning a new subject can be so much fun, and I daresay, a breeze. Of course, a lot of hard work has to be put in, but it is so rewarding! I came to really enjoy the grind, albeit by myself, and the teachings that were delivered through remote channels wow-ed me. It was definitely one of the best academic experiences in my life!
The focus and complexity of the material in the programme was at the level of a Masters Programme. It was precisely because of the depth of the course that I was allowed to understand finance theories, as well as how the various nuances of the theories of finance apply or do not apply in real life.
I believe all this information would put me in good stead for any job that deals with the corporate or commercial sector. Even otherwise, it has helped me grow as a retail investor looking to better manage my finances when I enter the working world!
Explore the World with AIESEC
AIESEC is the world’s largest youth-led organisation, represented by over 100 countries around the globe. AIESEC strives to achieve peace and fulfilment of humankind’s potential through engaging and developing youth to create a better future for themselves, their communities and therefore the world.
Through our experiences, we empower young people to become value-driven leaders who positively impact the world around them. We believe that leadership is the fundamental solution and it can be developed in anyone, anywhere.
Traditionally, the organisation provided youths with cross-cultural experiences in the form of exchanges through Global Volunteer (GV) or Global Talent (GT) programmes. However, due to the challenges posed by the global pandemic, AIESEC has pivoted towards enriching membership experiences through creating leadership opportunities that further empower youth. This comes about in the form of virtual events, exchanges and other opportunities.
Read about the opportunities and experiences AIESEC offers, then hear from one of our members about his time in AIESEC thus far!
Virtual Professional Programme
The Virtual Professional Programme (VPP) is one such programme. VPP is a product that provides international remote internship opportunities to young people aged from 18 to 30, and aims to give them opportunities to practise their professional skills, explore different working culture and develop future leadership at home.
Learn and skill-up with AIESEC
Boost your international career with the opportunity to attend virtual skills training workshops throughout your professional life, such as working in a virtual team, career planning and much more!
Experience with AIESEC
Develop future leadership skills at home with international remote internship with AIESEC, and apply your newly acquired skills and knowledge in a virtual environment while receiving supervision and guidance on-the-job.
Expand your global network with AIESEC
Take the opportunity to expand your global network at home through AIESEC partners. Also, make contact with likeminded youth at AIESEC networking events!
YouthSpeak Forum
Another internally-planned event is the renowned YouthSpeak Forum. This is a space where inspiration and collaboration convert into action. It brings top young leaders together with business leaders, thought leaders and experts for conversations about youth contribution to the world.
Ryan Joseph
Bachelor of Business (Logistics and Supply Chain Management), SIM-RMIT Vice-President, Branding and Marketing
Why did you join AIESEC?
I heard about AIESEC during my first year at SIM. I was intrigued by the experiences AIESEC offered to develop leadership, as well as to be part of a vibrant student community. During my time in AIESEC, I learnt the value of adding to my skill set, and also built an international network with strong friendships.
Despite exchanges being temporarily halted, my experience has been enriching and rewarding. With a focus on everything being virtual, I have had the pleasure to organise and participate in various virtual events and programmes to connect people all around the world.
What skills were you able to develop?
As the Vice President of Branding and Marketing for AIESEC in SIM, I have developed a plethora of skills, including relevant industry skills such as graphic design, video editing and market analytics. More importantly, AIESEC has helped develop my soft skills in communicating effectively and leading to achieve change.
What skills were you able to develop while you were in AIESEC? Can they be used in the future?
AIESEC provides an open platform to learn and grow to discover your strengths and weaknesses. As an international organisation, it has a global network that is recognised by various multinational companies. It is an opportunity to work in a professional and conducive environment!
Would you recommend students to join AIESEC? Why?
I would strongly recommend that everyone join AIESEC, and begin your journey of discovering leadership. If you are keen on becoming a global citizen while developing relevant skills, AIESEC is the place to be!
