Explore the World with AIESEC

AIESEC is the world’s largest global youth-led organisation, striving to achieve peace and fulfilment of humankind’s potential by developing youth leaders in support of the United Nation’s Global Goals. AIESEC is a non-governmental not-for-profit organisation in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and a member of the International Coordination Meeting of Youth Organisations (ICMYO). AIESECprovidesaplatformforyouthstoundergocross-culturalexchangesintheformofvolunteering projects and professional internships.

For enquiries, email us at aiesec.sim@aiesec.net or aiesec@mymail.sim.edu.sg.

Global Volunteer (GV) programme is an opportunity for students to make a social impact through overseas volunteer projectsbasedontheUnitedNations’SustainableDevelopment Goals. This involves working on diverse community projects in various organisations. Projects include teaching, promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, working in human rights, environmental sustainability, leadership development, and more. Global Talent (GT) and Global Entrepreneur (GE) programmes are overseas professional internships for students aiming towards professional careerdevelopment in a global setting in established companies and startup firms, respectively. Working abroad also allows students to expand their network and develop themselves on a personal and professional level in a foreign environment.

Jonas Ho Jia Hao BSc in Economics and Finance, SIM-UOL Destination: United States of America Global Talent programme

My motivation to participate in an AIESEC programme AIESEC has a global reach so it provides a good opportunity to be involved in a global network of people. Most importantly, AIESEC promotes the mobility of people around the world, which is valuable, especially for students who are just experiencing adulthood.

My most memorable experiences and challenges Travelling to many of the places that I have dreamed of seeing! I remember walking up a flight of stairs from the subway onto the streets of New York and thinking to myself: “This is it!” Living in a foreign country can be frustrating such as dealing with official documents forthe government. Some examples are the social securityapplications and taxes. Manyofus had issues with ourofficial names on government papers because we mixed up the middle and last names. We also had problems filing taxes because the tax laws are complicated.

My Takeaway Due to interactions with many nationalities within AIESEC at my job and also from travelling, I have come to appreciate that the world is vast — customs and traditions of another person from another country can be foreign, yet we are all really the same as humans. We have dreams, we love, we hate, we cry, and we laugh in the same way regardless of geographical differences.

My Advice Work hard, be prepared and be kind to one another. Opportunities will come and when they do, grab them!

Edric Tan Chin Yuan (left) BSc in Business Administration, SIM-UB Destination: Romania Global Entrepreneur programme

My motivation to participate in an AIESEC programme Life is what you make of it. It’s very easy to sail through life but when you look back, have you truly lived a life worth living? Money can buy many material things and we would get so caught up in the hectic rhythm oflife in Singapore that we forget experiences are what makes the journey worth it. This GE programme allowed me to experience an internship, my first experience in Europe, and an integrated experience with people from all over the world all in nine short weeks.

My most memorable experiences and challenges I recall going out to a bar for a drink one night with some fellow EP when a random guy just came over and asked if he could join us, explaining that he was alone and wanted to get to know us. It happened again with two other people on another occasion and it made me realise how our perceived differences are just a state of mind. That, if we are willing to try, we can connect with people in more ways than we ever thought before.

My Takeaway Aclose friend ofmine told me, “participation = value”. He told me a story to illustrate his point but I never really understood what his words really meant until I experienced something so far out of my comfort zone myself. Value in life is truly what you create foryourselfbyputting yourselfout there. Seeking discomfort will push you to grow beyond your arbitrary limits.

My Advice Be open-minded to different cultures and possibilities, and be patient and polite in explaining your personal views.

Christine BSc in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL Destination: Thailand Global Volunteer programme

My motivation to participate in an AIESEC programme I have always loved volunteering and I wanted to join AIESEC since the start of my first year in university.

My most memorable experiences and challenges Since I stayed just beside the school, I would wake up in the morning only to realise that the students were already beside my window, saying “Good morning, Teacher!” It made me feel warm and loved!

My Takeaway My students are the ones who remind me that happiness is simple. It is not about the material things that you have or other external factors that could give you a peace of mind but, really, happiness is within you.

My Advice Make an in impact in societywhile you still can. The feeling is just amazing when you can share what you know and what you can do for other people. At the end of the day, the memories that you make will never be forgotten for the rest of your life.