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ACTIVITIES
We are part of the leading global network of young people developing socially responsible, entrepreneurial, culturally sensitive, active learners who are proactive agents of change. We ensure the quality of all our activities through the creation of integrated learning processes around our traineeships. Our alumni are demonstrating positive leadership in society to drive change and our stakeholders recognize the great value that AIESEC brings to their organizations in facilitating their activities. Our members are acting upon the purpose and values of the organization and they are committed, and skilled, to enable the organization to fulfil its role globally."
Mike Eldon, Managing Director, Computer Applications Limited, Nairobi (1993)
"Having seen AIESEC at work and having personally been an AIESEC trainee when I was a student, I know that the international business experience gained by these young people is invaluable to them during their subsequent careers. I believe that participation in the AIESEC exchange program plays an important role in the development of our country's future business leaders by arranging for Kenyan students and new graduates to work in overseas companies."
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The power of exchange
We are part of an amazing change in society, some say that we are in the transition to a new world where knowledge and identity are the greatest challenges of humanity. This change that is encapsulated with the exchange of people, is a dynamic force that has and will continue to contribute to the development of society and individuals in that society-with youth as its pioneers and beneficiaries.
It took the power of youth to shape the ideas of the world in ancient and modern times. Although the concept and impact of exchange has evolved in AIESEC and the world over the years, it has not ceased to find new applications and to grow rapidly because of the needs of society and individuals.
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Search For Relevance
What began in 1948 as an organisation to help develop "friendly relations" between member countries is now a global association with activities in 87 different countries.
Over the past 50 years AIESEC has been moulded and shaped by the changing world. In many ways AIESEC's diverse communities reflect our global society. But we are more.
Over the years AIESEC has evolved into something that is spirited with endless energy. We, the young people who run this organisation have a hope for something better in the world, and this is a hope that AIESEC tempers with a practical approach.
Right from the very beginning AIESEC exchanges were the driving force behind the AIESEC approach to meeting the needs of the changing world. As Albert Kaltenthaler (the President of AIESEC in Nuremberg) put it in 1953 "...by working with people in a foreign country for some months they [trainees] are given the opportunity to get used to the mentality of other nationalities. At the same time the experience gained in the foreign country is useful for them in the further course of their studies and of their practical work."
In the initial years exchange development revolved around exploring how to better organise international exchanges-resulting in the development of new policies and procedures. There was an immediate recognition that the exchange of people would require a commitment, from especially the receiving committee, to show the uniqueness of countries. There was an equal expectation that, if a student was received, they would have opportunities to see new business methods and different practices in action.
"AIESEC's participating firms have given much to our programme by offering, usually with little thought of any direct return to themselves, free training [via international exchange] to our students which was unobtainable by other means. They have done so willingly but with little though to gain that can be derived from continual, close association with AIESEC."
This view of what AIESEC exchange should be providing to firms-expressed by an AIESEC member at the time-did not change much throughout the 1960's. The activities of the association remained primarily focused on providing management exchanges to companies.
During this time the concept of receptions and reception committees (a group of people who looked after trainees) became more prominent and, in 1964, it was agreed that reception activities should occur at a fixed time in the year. Summer traineeships generally implied that all students were received at the same time so in the following year countries called for receptions to happen continuously throughout the year.
It was also during this decade that an exciting new type of AIESEC activity was being born-AIESEC seminars.
The most important aspect of an exchange process is how it links into the needs of a local community. In an ideal exchange process the trainee will get involved in a particular local issue while working in a foreign country-either as part of their work experience, or as a part-time initiative in their own time with their hosting local committee. Local Committees may be organising any number of different events, or be supporting relevant initiatives with other organisations, that a trainee can support, and learn from.
This is an example of a very simple exchange process. With such a large global network it is possible for AIESEC members to build their own fantastic learning experiences. On their journey they could be involved with many different working situations, local projects and community issues (Cultural understanding, information and society, corporate social responsibility, higher education and learning, or Entreprenuership-these five focus areas are AIESEC's focus for external contribution).
The world is a diverse place and every exchange process, for every AIESEC member, and every local community, is different. This flexibility allows AIESEC to be relevant in many different community environments.
At some point in the near future business, governmental, and community leaders will come closer together to make better decisions for the world... past AIESEC members are doing this now, and AIESEC will continue supporting this for the future. Is this an idealistic dream of youth... perhaps, but this has always been the way for AIESEC and its activities.
Putting together the pieces one must ask if AIESEC has solved its identity crisis? This is an answer only its current membership can really answer. One can say though, that AIESEC has definitely attempted to stay relevant. Perhaps only the future will tell how successful this process has been.
AIESEC envisions an exchange-based change in society. To this effect it will continue to innovate and adapt its exchange services to keep up with the ever-changing world, far into the future. The exchange of young people internationally has, and will continue to be, an incredibly powerful experience. AIESEC will never forget this-we owe a debt of gratitude to the past, and a debt of honour to the future.
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50 Years Experience
In its 50-year history, AIESEC has consistently been behind attempts to bring together the different sectors of society, linking them with youth through our exchanges and other activities. Preparing young people for their different futures by providing them with opportunities to gain practical experience, learn new skills and values, and develop greater international awareness and understanding have motivated many organisations to work with AIESEC in a variety of ways. By identifying the added value of the relationship, both AIESEC and the organisations involved with us are better served by working together. Today, AIESEC enjoys the support of the largest global corporations and maintains relationships with prominent non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations in our different fields of activity.
Their rationale for supporting us is often little different to those companies who started working with us in 1948. The opportunity to contribute to the learning and development of young people and prepare them for their future role in society is something that should command the support of everyone. They also recognise that by investing in them, it is also an investment in the future leaders of their organisations and the decision-makers that may affect them. AIESEC would like to thank all of our supporters for their contribution over the past 50 years!
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