IAESTE for Students
Work experience gained abroad increases your chances for employment
How to apply
In all instances you must contact your national office as each country has its own application processes. You can find contact details here.
In an increasingly competitive job market, much has been said about the need to gain relevant work experience before graduation- IAESTE not only provides traineeship experience but also the valuable experience of working abroad. Work experience gained abroad enhances your independence and flexibility, communication and foreign language skills, and contributes to your personal and academic development. Employers know that if students have successfully overcome the challenges brought on by international work experience, they will stand out from the crowd at interview. The majority of traineeships take place in the summer months although longer periods are also available.
WORK (contact IAESTE in your country, get into the student pool and apply for traineeship), EXPERIENCE (prepare your application documents, submit them though the national committee and wait for the information about the acceptance. Once you're accepted, IAESTE will help you with visa, work permits and accommodation), DISCOVER - yourself and the world during your practical traineeship. Find yourself in the real work, expand your theoretical knowledge with realistic challenges. Discover other cultures, make friends and make an impact towards a better world.
BENEFITS
Stand out to employers - make your CV shine!
Live and work in another country
Practical experience in real work environment
Make new friends and experience different cultures
Improve language, social and communication skills
Make international professional contacts
Over 80 countries to choose from
Benefit from our expertise and 70 years experience
Requirements and eligibility
IAESTE offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience abroad. Operating in over 80 countries, IAESTE can send you to parts of the world you never even thought about! All IAESTE traineeships are paid, course related and give you the chance to fully immerse yourself in a new country and culture. IAESTE trainees are part of a world-wide network and are supported through the entire application process. From work permits and visas, to accommodation and a social programme, IAESTE makes it easy for you to get on with the job of developing your skills and enjoying the culture.
Language
While most positions require English, other language skills are sometimes preferred.
Education
You must be currently enrolled Full-time in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at the time of application and be studying one of the applicable disciplines.
Duration
Most placements are for 8-12 weeks during the summer, but longer term placements are also available throughout the year.
Traineeship Cycle
New placements for IAESTE trainees could appear at any point throughout the year. You should in the first instance contact the office in your home country. A typical IAESTE yearly cycle looks like this:
1. APPLICATION
As soon as the academic year has begun is the ideal time for you to familiarise yourself with the deadlines for applying for an IAESTE traineeship. For more information on the specific application process in your country, please visit the countries section on the About page to find the relevant contact details.
2. EXCHANGE
Offers of traineeships are exchanged with partner countries both at the IAESTE Annual Conference (held in January each year) and virtually throughout the year using a secured electronic portal. Employer and student requirements are carefully discussed, monitored and respected with partner agencies.
3. NOMINATION
Students then apply for the exchanged positions through the IAESTE commitiees in their home countries. IAESTE representatives use their expertise to select the most qualified candidate for each offer, meaning one applicant is sent at a time for consideration by the employer. On receipt of the nomination package, the employer then has the opportunity to conduct a telephone or Skype interview with the candidate, in order to help them make a decision if they wish to accept them.
4. ACCEPTANCE
Once the candidate is accepted by the Employer, IAESTE representatives in both countries work together to prepare the student and to ensure that the student has all the necessary permits and/or visas needed to undertake the traineeship.
5. TRAINEESHIP
Traineeship durations and timescales differ from country to country but most take place during the summer months and vary in length according to employer requirements. IAESTE representatives will normally facilitate accommodation and social and cultural activities for the trainees during these months. Evaluations are carried out at the end of the placements to monitor quality and improve processes.
Previous Experiences
Mario Garić, Croatia
This is my way of depicting my journey from Croatia to Thailand for a life changing experience. To all those who are on the verge of going on something like this, I say, do it!
Travel Insurance
Swisscare is the IAESTE insurance partner and provide appropriate insurance for trainees around the world. They cover trainees going to all countries except the US, Canada and Japan.
