Double the Experience: Guidebook
Basic Facts What is a Double the Experience Programme (DEP)? The Go Volunteer Double the Experience Program will give you the opportunity to volunteer in two different countries in East Asia, providing you the challenge and experience of two diverse cultures, all while developing yourself and making a positive impact on individuals, communities and organizations. Being a more difficult experience, the EPs who wish to take part in this program are required to take a ‘matchability’ test, on top of the normal MRB requirement, in order to assess their suitability to go on a double exchange.
Where can interns go on exchange? The programme focuses on East Asia, so country selection is limited to this region. Countries include China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia.
When can interns go on exchange? As the programme requires a minimum of 12 weeks availability, it can only be undertaken during the summer (late-November to early-March).
What is the cost? The programme costs $900 for two exchanges. Accommodation may be provided at no or low cost. Airfares and insurance not included.
What is the process? The process is similar to the normal GCDP process except for one aspect. After MRB, DEP candidates must take an additional Double the Experience
‘matchability’ test to determine capability of doing two exchanges. Upon successful completion of this test, intern proceeds through process as normal. Additionally, the intern will be raised on myaiesec.net twice and will have two TNIDs. During matching, the intern will have to be matched twice, requiring two EPANs and two TNANs. It is important to ensure the intern is matched to both programmes before departing Australia. Matching is done in a similar manner, using all the range of tools, supplemented by the aid of the National OGX Product Manager as required.
Sample Timeline of Process
What are the benefits of a Double the Experience Programme? This section outlines the benefits of going on a Double the Experience Programme, as opposed to a single exchange. When selling the product to prospective EPs, use this section for information required.
The Asian Century - In the 21st century, the biggest, most rapidly developing economies in the world are to be found in Asia. Now more than ever, Asia is of the utmost importance in the conduct of strategic international relations. The Australian government has realised this, writing that:
“Within only a few years, Asia will not only be the world’s largest producer of goods and services, it will also be the world’s largest consumer of them. It is already the most populous region in the world. In the future, it will also be home to the majority of the world’s middle class.” “The Asian century is an Australian opportunity. As the global centre of gravity shifts to our region, the tyranny of distance is being replaced by the prospects of proximity. Australia is located in the right place at the right time —in the Asian region in the Asian century.” Australia in the Asian Century White Paper
An AIESEC Double the Experience Programme will put the EP at the forefront of this regional development. It will allow them to understand the culture of not one, but two nations or possibly more. Asia is a diverse continent, with a multitude of contrasting identity. An EP going on two exchanges will encounter this and be able to better comprehend the variety of this multifarious region, which will better position them to take advantage of the opportunities the Asian Century will provide. Develop an even wider set of skills - AIESEC Exchange programs are designed to challenge the EP by placing them in previously unencountered situations, allowing them to develop relevant personal and professional skills beyond normal circumstances. A Double the Experience Programme will make for an even more intense experience by placing the EP in even more testing situations, pushing them further out of their comfort zone. In doing so, they will develop a greater set of sophisticated skills that will reward the best of EPs.
Develop a more diverse international network - by going on a Double the Experience programme, EPs will be able to build a highly international and diverse network of professional and personal contacts. They will build relationships with people from their two exchange countries, as well as from a multitude of other countries through their fellow EPs, providing them an immeasurable number of opportunities in their future pursuits.
A more cost effective opportunity - Cost is always an issue, but the Double the Experience Programme represents value for money. By going on two exchanges, the cost per exchange falls from $600 to $450. Additionally, airfare becomes cheaper as the EP will only have to fly out of Australia once, then travel regionally between the two exchange countries, which would be cheaper than flying out of Australia twice.
Selling the Experience Selling the Experience is probably the most crucial step of the process, but also the most difficult. With regards to ‘Double the Experience’ Exchange, some guiding advice may prove useful.
Who to sell to: with Double the Experience being a more challenging product, it is not for everybody. While the product should be offered to ALL interested students who enquire about it, only those capable enough (as determined by the MRB and matchability test) should be allowed to go. In terms of targeting, the product is aimed at several key groups of students. Returning EPs who are interested in undertaking another exchange should be offered this as they have had the experience and are aware of the difficulties of exchange. Students in their first and second years are more time-flexible as they do not yet have many commitments during the summer should also go. Recent graduates also make good candidates for this reason.
When to sell: A question that has been arising is when to sell the product to EPs so here are some options. The best is always at the start, meaning info sessions and at other marketing events where AIESEC exchanges are promoted. When selling exchange, let potential EPs know that they can choose between going on one or two exchanges. It’s as if presenting two different products, Go Volunteer and Double the Experience. Another possibility is during MRB. If an EP indicates that they have 12 weeks (entire summer) availability during the interview, interviewer should ask candidate if they would be interested in going on two exchanges, outlining the benefits of going on two.
How to sell: Sales tactics are really conditional depending on the situation so there is no right way. Outlining the benefits given in the previous section would be the best option and is at the discretion of the selling AIESEC member.
Pertaining to the given target markets, there are some ideas. For first and second years, sales tactics should emphasise the personal and professional skills the experience will provide them and how it would help them in their future career endeavours. For graduating students, some of them will have no firm career plans, so the product should be presented as a good opportunity to learn new skills while they prepare to enter the working world, sort of a career transition program if you will. These are just some thoughts and the actual tactics are wholly up to the seller. For further advice, please contact the National OGX Product Manager.
Sample Testimonial: Swapnil Mindhe (China and Bulgaria) What did you do in your program in China? I worked in Arts Education in the Education department of Himalaya Museum. This involved organising and participating in workshops with children between ages 9-12. The workshops were focused on educating and promoting potential young artists. I also worked in the design, planning and promotion for future exhibitions the museum will hold.
What did you enjoy most about your internship? I enjoyed the friends I made the most. They really defined every moment for me and cheered me up despite the strenuous conditions of my work.
Why did you decide to go on a second AIESEC exchange? "I was motivated to go on a second exchange because I saw an AIESEC exchange as the ideal vehicle to connect with locals in a given destination in a meaningful manner. In my personal context my first exchange was in Shanghai, China where I gained knowledge of the practical realities of everyday Chinese life (in Shanghai). Though this knowledge wasn’t comprehensive by any means it was an enlightening and invigorating process and I sought it again on my second exchange in Bulgaria. "
What was you experience on your second exchange?
My exchange to Bulgaria was quite the experience. It was an adventure into a totally different environment where things I took to be the norm were subverted or altered in some fashion. My program involved teaching school children from high school years about the Millennium Development Goals. It was a flexible opportunity so I and the team of interns could develop presentations according to our own style of delivery. The presentation themselves were a challenge as I had to communicate complex issues such as global inequality and gender discrimination whilst still engaging my students. It was a rewarding experience as I saw students develop a sense of empathy towards those less fortunate then themselves. As a country Bulgaria was beautiful and I was afforded the opportunity to travel for a week during the school holidays of the students. The local AIESEC community provided extensive help in terms of language & cultural barriers. Thanks to their help I managed to navigate myself through the cultural shock and thoroughly enjoyed the newness of my surroundings. Overall then it was a challenge but rewarding experience and I would recommend it anybody who is looking for a real adventure!
Any words of advice for future exchange participants? Open mind and be friendly. Great things will happen you just have to let go of your inhibitions a bit and enjoy the ride.
Sample Programs China: Cultural Understanding & Taiwan: Language Education The first program, Explore China, is a cultural exchange program. Interns will be sharing knowledge of their culture, while at the same time gaining knowledge of the Chinese culture, enabling them to promote it in their home country. Interns will conduct a Global Village and work with companies to promote Chinese culture. Through this, interns will gain skills in presentation, cultural knowledge and communication. Accommodation is provided in either hostels or homestays. The second program is the Dream Beyond Language program in Taiwan. Here, interns will engage in English and cultural education with students of different ages. Working in either classrooms or in student camps, interns will create an English language and foreign culture program to be taught to the students, developing their knowledge of the two issues. In the process, the intern will learn teaching, facilitating and education skills. Accommodation is provided by the program.
Malaysia: Environment & Thailand: Language Education The Youth Energy Squad Program in Malaysia is an environmental awareness program based in Penang, Malaysia. Interns will be working in several functions, mainly; helping organise a university-wide green event, planning activities for said event and preparing presentations on environmental issues. Through this, interns will develop skills in facilitating, organising and crosscultural teamwork. The Sawaddee Thailand program is a youth education program in rural Thailand. Interns will be working to prepare young Thai people for the upcoming ASEAN economic community forum by designing and running English classes and cultural education programs for the local people. They will learn skills in curriculum development, teaching, presentation and communication. Interns will be staying in a rural area, living with a host family.
Double the Experience TNIDs This section features available TNs that interns can go on. List will be expanded as more TNs become available.
China Starting in Nov- December
Starting in Jan-Feb
Green Power Now@GDUFS TN-In-CN-GD-2013-596 TN-In-CN-GD-2013-599 TN-In-CN-GD-2013-595 TN-In-CN-GD-2013-598 TN-In-CN-GD-2013-597 TN-In-CN-GD-2013-600 Explore China@GDUFS TN-In-CN-GD-2013-608 TN-In-CN-GD-2013-603 TN-In-CN-GD-2013-609 TN-In-CN-GD-2013-606 TN-In-CN-GD-2013-612 TN-In-CN-GD-2013-607
Cambodia Starting in Nov- December Samrong Children''s Farm TN-In-KH-PP-2013-221
Starting in Jan-Feb
TN-In-KH-PP-2013-220 TN-In-KH-PP-2013-222 TN-In-KH-PP-2013-217 Malaysia Starting in Nov- December
Starting in Jan-Feb
Youth Energy Squad (Y.E.S.)
Amitabha Centre Johor
TN-In-MY-US-2013-1758
TN-In-MY-UT-2013-1664
TN-In-MY-US-2013-1759
TN-In-MY-UT-2013-1662
TN-In-MY-US-2013-1756
TN-In-MY-UT-2013-1666 TN-In-MY-UT-2013-1647 TN-In-MY-UT-2013-1665
Handicapped And Mentally Disabled Children Association Johor Bahru, Johor TN-In-MY-UT-2013-1638 TN-In-MY-UT-2013-1639 C.U.T.E. (Cultural Understanding Through Exchange) TN-In-MY-UU-2013-1810 TN-In-MY-UU-2013-1813 TN-In-MY-UU-2013-1809 TN-In-MY-UU-2013-1812
TN-In-MY-UU-2013-1811
The Philippines Starting in Nov- December
Starting in Jan-Feb
Life Project 4 Youth Foundation, Inc. (LP4Y)
Damascus Foundation INC TN-In-PH-UP-2013-2192
TN-In-PH-AM-2013-2169 The Orange Project Family of Ministries TN-In-PH-LS-2013-1807 TN-In-PH-LS-2013-1806 TN-In-PH-LS-2013-1805
Tugon TN-In-PH-AM-2013-2239 TN-In-PH-AM-2013-2258 TN-In-PH-AM-2013-2238 TN-In-PH-AM-2013-2293
TN-In-PH-LS-2013-1808 Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. TN-In-PH-LS-2013-1865 TN-In-PH-LS-2013-1872 TN-In-PH-LS-2013-1867 TN-In-PH-LS-2013-1869 TN-In-PH-LS-2013-1866
Taiwan Starting in Nov- December
Starting in Jan-Feb
Dream Beyond Language
Dream Beyond Language
TN-In-TW-TH-2013-85
TN-In-TW-CH-2013-1645
TN-In-TW-TH-2013-88
TN-In-TW-CH-2013-1642
TN-In-TW-CC-2013-1618
TN-In-TW-CH-2013-1639
TN-In-TW-SC-2012-1349
TN-In-TW-CH-2013-1646
TN-In-TW-CC-2013-1621
TN-In-TW-CH-2013-1643
TN-In-TW-TH-2013-87
TN-In-TW-CH-2013-1640 TN-In-TW-CH-2013-1637 TN-In-TW-CH-2013-1647 TN-In-TW-CH-2013-1644 TN-In-TW-CH-2013-1641 TN-In-TW-CH-2013-1638
Vietnam Starting in Nov- December Eveil Creativeness Development Centre TN-In-VN-HA-2013-1656 TN-In-VN-HA-2013-1657 Vietnam 3D Project TN-In-VN-HF-2013-399 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-395 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-398 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-391 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-401 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-397 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-400 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-396
Starting in Jan-Feb
TN-In-VN-HF-2013-410 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-406 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-409 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-412 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-408 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-411 TN-In-VN-HF-2013-407