Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Jump to:
About AIESEC
See the ‘About’ dropdown in the navbar for more information
What is AIESEC?
AIESEC is a global platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential. We are a non-partisan, independent, not-for-profit organization run by students and recent graduates of institutions of higher education. Its members are interested in world issues, leadership and management. AIESEC does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or national/social origin.
Since we were founded, we have engaged and developed over 1,000,000 young people through an AIESEC experience. The impact of our organisation can be seen through our alumni who represent business, NGO and world leaders. As for example one Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Martti Ahtisaari of Finland.
When was AIESEC founded?
AIESEC was founded in 1948 by the 7 founding nations including Jean Choplin (France), Bengt Sjøstrand (Sweden), and Dr. Albert Kaltenthaler (Germany). Over 65 years later we are present in +100 countries and territories.
What does AIESEC stand for?
AIESEC (pronounced eye-sek) was originally a French acronym standing for “Association Internationale des Étudiants en Sciences Économiques et Commerciales.” AIESEC is no longer used as an acronym but simply as the name of the organisation. Members of AIESEC are known as “AIESECers.”
What does 'youth-led' mean?
AIESEC is a global network of young leaders under the age of 30, collectively striving to better ourselves and the communities around us. We are passionate about world issues, leadership development, cultural understanding and experiential learning.
The organisation spans +100 countries and territories in total. In all of those, every aspect of AIESEC’s operations are managed by students and recent graduates.
We have operated in this way since our inception, making us uniquely “by young people, for young people”, for over 65 years. The global leadership teams are elected by the membership annually.
Who can become an AIESEC member?
Anyone who believes in the AIESEC vision. If you support our mission and live by our organisational values, or are a member of AIESEC.
This can also include our partners, who relate to our organisational ethos and vision. But also parents, friends, etc… are part of our organisation, by constantly supporting us in our leadership development journeys.
Global Exchange
See the ‘For Youth’ dropdown in the navbar for more information
I am living in the UK and want to go on an exchange. What do I do?
Fill in the following form by clicking here and a local representative will contact you with next steps.
I want to apply for a job in the UK. What do I do?
Please go to our international platform here to check the available UK opportunities and apply directly there. A local representative will contact you with next steps.
I am an employer. How can I sponsor an intern?
If you do not have a candidate selected, go to our For Companies Page If you already have a candidate, click here
When can I go on a volunteering project?
Projects are available all year long, and hence you can go at any date. However, busiest times for projects are during summer and winter.
How long in advance should I start applying for a volunteering project?
The matching process for a global project can go very fast. You want to ensure you are matched to your project of choice and buy a flight ticket in time. Start applying early!
Do I get paid for voluntary work?
Global Volunteer is in itself a non-paid project in which accommodation is provided. Some projects cover food and/or transportation as well. If you are looking for a paid project abroad, check out our Global Talent projects.
Do I get paid for an internship?
For short-term internships (up to 8 weeks), you will either receive a salary or housing. From 8 weeks onwards, you will receive a salary. Wages differ per opportunity, but this is always indicated in our online portal. It will always be sufficient to cover housing, food, and living expenses.
What are the best skills to have and how important are they?
Most Global Talent internships are related to business & economics. Projects for studies such as (international) business administration, economics, supply chain management, strategic management are very common. We also have a lot of IT, marketing and engineering internships. If you are not sure whether your profile is a match, contact your local AIESEC office for profile matching and CV support.
How long in advance should I start applying for an internship?
We advise starting applying three to four months in advance. At this point in time, most of the projects for the time that you would like to go are available and you still have time to look around and apply to several different projects.
Visas
See the ‘For Companies’ dropdown in the navbar for more information
What is a CoS?
The Certificate of Sponsorship is a unique reference number that allows migrants to apply for and obtain Entry Clearance (Visa) to enter the UK.
How do I know if my employer is a Tier 2 sponsor?
You can always view an up-to-date list of licensed sponsors on the GOV.UK website here. Open the list, and search it for the legal name of your organisation. If your organisation is not on the list, they are not a licensed Tier 2 sponsor. If they are not on the list, this just means they will need to submit a few extra supporting documents with your application. Please see our registration page for details.
Can I switch to the Tier 5 Visa in the UK?
Only if you are on a Tier 4 visa and have / will graduate before making the application. Your degree will need to be directly related to the job you have been offered. The application has to be made before the expiry of your Tier 4 visa.
Can I or my candidate apply for the Tier 5 GAE Visa from outside the UK?
Yes, you can apply for this visa from anywhere in the world. We’d prefer you to apply from somewhere you have the right to reside and also a reliable residential address, at which you can receive mail.
I just graduated. Do I need my degree certificate to apply for sponsorship or the visa?
While the Degree Certificate is preferred, any official university document (transcript, degree certificate or letter) which contains the following will work:
- Full legal name
- Course title/award
- Course duration (number of years, start and end date of the course)
- Date of course completion (not graduation date, the date the course was considered final and complete