AIESEC An opportunity to work and study abroad
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What began in 1948 as an organization to help develop "friendly relations" between member countries is now a global association with activities in 91 different countries and territories. It is present in over 800 universities and also the world’s largest student organization. This organization is AIESEC, formerly a French acronym for "Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales". Today, it no longer used this acronym with the growth of members to encompass a much wider range of disciplines than only economics and commerce. AIESEC is a global, non-political, 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 race, color, gender, sexual orientation, creed, religion, ethnic or social origin.
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AIESEC compared to other international organization has its own approach in fulfilling its goals. This approach enables people to discover and develop their potential to the fullest on a few key principles. It also comes through the AIESEC platform that helps build young people that have the desire and capacity to have a positive impact in society – they call “AIESEC Difference”. The main opportunities of the platform are working abroad, leadership experiences, conferences and supported self-discovery. All members go through a formal introduction to the organization and then begin to take on responsibility in some area. They then have the option to take on leadership, work abroad, or both. Then the final step is to head to the future – to take the skills, inspiration, and networks from the organization.
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Philippines as one of its member committee have proven leadership excellence since its foundation in 1968. For more that 30 years of existence, AIESEC in the Philippines is now registered under AIESEC Philippines Foundation Incorporated. It is considered as a non-government organization under the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is also present in four major cities in the Philippines namely - Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and, Davao. Its chapters (local commitees) can be found specifically in 10 prestigious universities - Ateneo De Manila, Ateneo De Davao, De Lasalle University, Assumption College, St. Scholastica, University of the Philippines-Diliman, University of the Philippines-Cebu, University of Asia and the Pacific, Xavier University and, University of San Carlos. In Iloilo, University of San Agustin has been one of its local committees until 2004. AIESEC – USA has produced numerous successful alumni namely: Lorena Zulueta, Jalyn del Castillo, Jean de Pedro, Christopher Balgoa, Ping-ping Poral, Francis dela Cruz, Arnel Buenavista, May-may Ibrahim, Benedict Uygonco, Janice del Castillo among others. These AIESECers had been leaders in their respective fields and profession.
Opportunities
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AIESEC in its nature as a global organization provides its members with an integrated development experience comprised of leadership opportunities, international internships (exchange programs for students to work or study abroad) and participation in a global learning environment. This flow and the opportunities it offers are reinforced by five key principles that are reflected in all parts of the process. These principles are: Taking an active role in its vision, developing self awareness and personal vision of his/her future, increasing capacity both on theoretical and practical knowledge he/she learns, building a network to support their personal and professional pursuits, and challenging worldview on current events to develop their potential as individuals. Towards this goal, it provides 3,500 professional work abroad opportunities for university students and graduates, offer over 5,000 leaderships positions to its members each year at all levels of the organization. It also runs more than 350 conferences with a focus on building personal networks and exploring the direction and ambition of their future.
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Finland as one of its founding countries on the global platform (AIESEC platform) links 300 members in 12 Local committees (AIESEC member universities) in its seven cities. AIESEC in Finland also provides more than 100 work abroad opportunities for Finnish graduates and for graduates from abroad in Finland. With these opportunities to students, AIESEC cooperating organizations, literally thousands from all sectors globally and more than 50 in Finland, look at the organization as a way to support the development of young people and to have access to high-potential young talent from around the world.
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In the Philippines AIESEC has proven youth leadership and excellence for 30 years through its seminars and conferences held locally and abroad. It has a National Development Conference (DevCon), National President’s Meeting (NPM), National Congress (NatCon), National Leadership Development Seminar (NLS) among its many conferences. These conferences and seminars have help build bridges among member schools. It is also an occasion for members to appreciate the different cultures, beliefs and traditions of other nationalities. For inquiries on membership visit www.aiesec.org. or www.aiesec.com.
Contact them through AIESEC Member Committee President (AIESEC National) Maia Chiara Halmen Reina Valdez at halmen.valdez@aiesec.net.