-- How is "AIESEC" pronounced?
-- What does "AIESEC" stand for?
-- What sort of events do you have on campus?
-- I am a graduate student. Can I still get involved?
-- I don't have a lot of free time. How much of a commitment does joining require?
-- Where can I work? Am I guaranteed to be able to go to the country of my choice?
-- Is going abroad a mandatory part of the AIESEC experience?
-- Do you have to speak a foreign language or do humanitarian work to go abroad?
-- I'm a co-op student; can I still be involved?
-- Do you have to be a student to help?
-- My business is interested in working with AIESEC. Where can I find out more?
-- What other schools in the area are involved in AIESEC?
-- How does AIESEC fit in with the International Plan?
-- Do you have to pay dues like for other clubs?
-- How is "AIESEC" pronounced?
AIESEC is pronounced "eye-sek."
-- What does "AIESEC" stand for?
When AIESEC was founded in 1948, the acronym stood for "Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales", or International Association of Students in Economic and Commercial Sciences. As the organization involves a far wider range of students today, the acronym's meaning has lost some of its relevance.
-- What sort of events do you have on campus?
We try to conduct a movie night, an impact event and fundraise for a cause each month. You can read about some of our past events or see our event calendar.
-- I am a graduate student. Can I still get involved?
Absolutely; AIESEC membership is open to all students.
-- I don't have a lot of free time. How much of a commitment does joining require?
Time commitment varies depending on involvement. Participants generally attend meetings once a week, participate in monthly events and attend occasional conferences. Involvement with the various project teams, such as ICX and OGX, although highly recommended, is not required.
-- Where can I work? Am I guaranteed to be able to go to the country of my choice?
AIESEC has communities networking with businesses all over the globe; there are over 90 countries with traineeships. Students can apply for jobs in specific locations based on personal skills and preference, and the companies will then accept or reject their application. Some jobs, particularly those in extremely high-demand areas such as Western Europe or Australia, are harder to secure than others, and potential trainees are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone. A traineeship is, after all, a life changing experience, not a vacation.
-- Is going abroad a mandatory part of the AIESEC experience?
While we encourage our members to go abroad and gain international experience, you can participate in many other activities as a member of AIESEC. Other major components of fulfilling the AIESEC mission include working with companies to bring trainees to Atlanta, putting on events for the Georgia Tech community, etc.
-- Do you have to speak a foreign language or do humanitarian work to go abroad?
Students from almost every major can find work through AIESEC, and many of the jobs only require knowledge of English. Internships are available in a variety of areas including technical, managerial, educational and developmental.
-- I'm a co-op student; can I still be involved?
Many of AIESEC's current members are co-op students. Co-op students are welcome to both pursue traineeships and get involved with the other aspects of our organization.
-- Do you have to be a student to help?
There is a plethora of opportunities for private individuals to get involved. You can sign up for our mailing list or learn more about our role in the community. In addition, all are welcome at the events we hold throughout the year.
-- My business is interested in working with AIESEC. Where can I find out more?
While we primarily work with businesses to hire interns, there are many other ways for companies to get involved with AIESEC. Businesses and organizations can partner with AIESEC here in Atlanta to gain valuable human resources while furthering cultural understanding and cooperation.
-- What other schools in the area are involved in AIESEC?
There are three other close local communities located at the University of Georgia, the University of Miami, and the Univeristy of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In total, there are more than thirty AIESEC local communities in the United States.
-- How does AIESEC fit in with the International Plan?
AIESEC is an excellent way to complete requirements for the International plan, particularly the six required months that cannot be covered by a summer abroad program offered at Tech. Internships can last from two to 18 months.
-- Do you have to pay dues like for other clubs?
A $15 fee is required of all members, although many events are open to the public. Additional processing fees are required of members who choose to work abroad.