OUTBOUND PROGRAM
Imagine spending your summer or co-op semester learning from a another culture while simultaneously receiving useful work experience in your STEM subject of study. With a local support committee arranging your lodgings and coordinating group trips, your stay abroad is certain to inspire professional and personal growth. Do you think this will be your kind of experience? In such case, read on to discover more about the IAESTE’s global exchange program.
OVERVIEW
IAESTE (pronounced “eye-ess-tay”), or the International Association for the Contact of Students for Technical Experiences, is a global organization fostering intercultural exchange between students in STEM professions. Established in 1948, IAESTE presently includes over 80 recognized member nations that collaborate to give students in the STEM professions with paid, worldwide internship opportunities. The program was started in the United States in 1950, and it is run by Cultural Vistas, a nonprofit organization that fosters international cooperation and understanding between people and organizations.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
IAESTE provides international professional opportunities for students in the technical fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Architecture). Participants complete internships at host institutions ranging from large multinational corporations to university research centers to startups. All IAESTE participants receive a stipend that covers at least the cost of living –housing, transportation and food – in their host city. Housing accommodations and other administrative services, such as assistance with the visa process, are provided by the local IAESTE organization in the respective host country. Additional in-country support is provided by a network of local student volunteers, who organize cultural activities and assist with logistics.
HOW DO YOU APPLY?
The entire year is open for those interested in applying for an overseas internship, with February to April seeing the highest number of applications. A preliminary online application as well as supplementary materials (such as transcripts, enrollment documentation, reference letters, etc.) will be required from applicants. All internships that are offered are accessible after paying the USD 100 registration fee for a complete year.
At the annual conference held in January by the international IAESTE network, member nations exchange internship offers. As a result, you can apply for more internships in the Online Platform between February and April. In addition to reviewing each student’s application and preferences for internships, the IAESTE U.S. outbound exchange team may also conduct interviews with the most qualified applicants for each job. Each placement of an overseas internship involves the nomination of one student. In the event that the initial candidate refuses the nomination or is unable to participate, an alternate may also be chosen for each post. Once a student accepts the nomination, IAESTE in the host nation reviews the application to make sure the applicant is a suitable fit. This review is done in conjunction with the host firm.
APPLY NOW
source: https://iaesteunitedstates.org