2. Table of Contents:
What is AIESEC? 3
Exchange Programs & Payment Information 4
Exchange Process:
i. Exchange Timeline 6
ii. Support 7
iii. Before You Go Abroad 7
iv. During the Exchange 8
v. After Returning Home 8
3. What Is AIESEC?
AIESEC is an international non-governmental not-for-profit organization that provides
young people with leadership development opportunities, cross-cultural global internships
and volunteer exchange experiences across the globe with a focus on empowering young
people to make a positive impact on society. The AIESEC network includes approximately
70,000 members in 127 countries and territories, making it the largest youth-run
organization in the world.
AIESEC is in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC), is affiliated with the UN DPI and UN's Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on
Youth, member of ICMYO, and is recognized by UNESCO.
AIESEC was founded in 1948 in 7 countries in Europe. Now, more than 65 years later we are
present in over 120 countries and territories and are still growing. Since AIESEC Michigan’s
founding in 1957, students and faculties alike has seen the potential of AIESEC in changing
people. The following packet outlines a variety of information regarding AIESEC and the
services we offer.
Contact: aiesecmichigan@gmail.com
4. Exchange Programs & Payment
Information
1. Global Volunteers:
The Global Volunteers program encompasses short-term community service learning
projects that generally range from 6 weeks to 3 months. The main focuses of these programs
include but are not limited to: Social Entrepreneurship, Environment, Education and
Cultural Understanding. Global Volunteer programs are unpaid, but include food and
accommodation.
Program Fee: $500*
2. Global Entrepreneurs:
The Global Entrepreneurship program is similar to the Global Volunteer program in length
and payment; it ranges from about 6 weeks to 3 months and is unpaid with food and
accommodation provided. The Global Entrepreneurs program, however, focuses on
opportunities within local startup companies to give participants the most authentic
entrepreneurship experience possible.
Program Fee: $600*
5. 3. Global Talent:
The Global Talent program are long-term internships in professional companies. These
internships range from 3 to 18 months and focus on but are not limited to: Sales, Marketing
and Teaching. Global Talent internships are paid, but do not include housing and food.
However, the stipend is enough to cover living expenses and the receiving local committee
will work with the company to source housing and other accommodations before arrival.
Program Fee: $700*
Payment Information
* For unpaid programs (Global Volunteers & Global Entrepreneurs)
** Most common expenses but not an exhaustive list
Included* Not Included**
Housing Plane Tickets
Travel Insurance Per Diem Expenses
Airport Pickup Visa Fees
Local & Hosting Committee Support Health Insurance fees
6. Exchange Process
i. Exchange Timeline
A student who is interested to go abroad, be it via the Global Talent, Global Entrepreneur or
Global Volunteer program, will be assigned to a specific Exchange Participant Manager upon
acceptance. The Manager will assist the participant through the process of searching and
applying for programs via the AIESEC database. Following are the stages in the Exchange
Process which all Exchange Participants will follow:
Exchange Step Description
Search To begin, the prospective Exchange Participant sets up an account
on the AIESEC U.S. Opportunities (opportunities.aiesec.org)
portal and searches for opportunities which they are interested in
attending.
Match The participant can start to apply for the projects they are
interested to participate in and an interview will follow. Once the
student is accepted for the project, they will sign a binding
contract with AIESEC at Michigan, the receiving local committee
and the organization or company affiliated with the program
which the student will be attending. Payments for the program will
be made at this stage.
Prepare We at AIESEC Michigan will provide pre-departure guidance to
the selected Exchange Participant (i.e. passport, visa, insurance,
immunization, etc.). Before departing, the student will be
equipped with basic knowledge, skills and what-to-expect for the
program abroad by the local committee in Michigan.
Go As Exchange Participant Managers, we will consistently
communicate with the student and the receiving local committee.
Once the student completes his or her experience abroad, the
student will be associated with AIESEC and is encouraged to
attend the Reintegration Seminar which we have designed upon
arrival in the U.S. This seminar is meant to provide grounds on
which the student can reflect on his or her experience abroad.
7. ii. Support
All opportunities listed on our database are run by both local and national chapters of
AIESEC; thus, students are ensured a safe atmosphere. Should any problems arise during
the AIESEC experience, the student can always rely on our various committees. A team of
Exchange Participant Managers at AIESEC Michigan will continuously provide sufficient
knowledge and support to the student both prior to departure and during the exchange
abroad. All individuals who participate in an exchange through AIESEC will receive support
from the receiving AIESEC committee, AIESEC Michigan, AIESEC U.S. and AIESEC
International.
iii. Before You Go Abroad
Make sure you have:
• Passport
• Visa
• Plane tickets
• Immunization - if needed
• Health Insurance (HTH, Seven corners)
‣ More info on HTH: https://hthtravelinsurance.com/students_plans.cfm
• Travel Insurance (iSOS provided by AIESEC)
• Getting in contact with the hosting committee for airport pickups, logistics, and detailed
packing list
• Budget for travel, meals, shopping
• Something from home - school flag, country flag, gifts for host family & friends
8. iv. During the Exchange
AIESEC exchanges are unique because they are a full immersion experience. Unlike most
Study Abroad programs, students will be exposed to other exchange participants from
various countries and live with the locals. Being immersed in a new culture may be a culture
shock and experiencing homesickness is not uncommon. It is important for the students to
remember that it is a stage of growth and to work through the momentary discomfort. We
encourage our participants to reflect on several questions listed below:
1. Why did you choose to come to this country?
2. What is causing your distress and how can you alleviate it?
3. What do you hope to gain from this experience, and what support do you need?
AIESEC Michigan will be available during the entire duration of your exchange. Should any
emergencies or concerns arise, please do not hesitate to contact your EP Manager or our
local committee at aiesecmichigan@gmail.com.
v. After Returning Home
Once students complete their experience, they will attend a Returnee Integration Seminar
(RIS) after coming home. The purpose of this is to share their experience with other students
and learn how they can utilize their experience for academic and professional development.
Students will also be expected to give feedback on their exchange.
