A student-run organization called AIESEC [not an acronym] is offering international internships in 111 countries. Among the destinations is a summer internship in Egypt, a country recently riddled with war and civil unrest.
The program in Egypt will focus on the aftermath of the 2011 Arab Spring. Following successful government protests in Tunisia, which started on Dec. 18, 2010, when a man lit himself on fire, other countries in the Arab world decided to stage their own demonstrations.
As a result of several weeks of civilian pressure, Egypt’s president, Hosni Mubarak, resigned in February 2011.
Egypt is now under the control of Prime Minister Kamal Ganzouri, sworn in last December.
“There’s been a lot of political upheaval,” said freshman Heather Cook, vice president of outgoing exchange for DU’s chapter of AIESEC. “In Egypt, students will have the opportunity for community-related development work in the non-profit sector.”
In spite of the recent unrest in the region, Cook said AIESEC values student safety.
“We would never send a [student] on an internship that could potentially pose a threat to their safety,” said Cook. “Both before and during the internship, we work with the AIESEC chapter of the respective country where the student will be going and at the national AIESEC level with both countries involved.”
AIESEC is offering hundreds of internships this summer in China and Brazil as well. More internships are made available for exchange participants on a daily basis.
In addition to Egypt, AIESEC is offering internships in China, Colombia and Brazil. Colombia has also faced political strife as a result of its multiple drug cartels.
For example, in 2011, the country was the largest worldwide producer of cocaine. However, AIESEC’s work there will be teaching-oriented.
“AIESEC’s mission is to promote peace and the fulfillment of humankind’s potential,” said Cook. “In other words, when facilitating internships for our exchange participants, we strive to improve cross-cultural understanding and leave a positive, lasting impact.”
While Colombia will offer the chance to teach English, Brazil will focus more on the business and development fields. China will offer the broadest choice.
“There is a little bit of everything available, depending on if the student travels to an urban or rural region,” said Cook.
Chapter president Cameron Patterson said he believes these international internships will help broaden students’ horizons.
“There are differences working abroad instead of studying abroad,” said Patterson. “You’re living on your own, working and really engaging with the people there; it’s very different.”
Since winter break, AIESEC has gained about 15 new members.
Although member recruitment for the spring quarter ha,s for the most part, concluded, efforts will resume during the fall.
“We’re looking for people interested in going abroad during winter break,” said Patterson.
Summer internships can range from six weeks to three months.
Interns will live in a dorm-like setting in each of the participating AIESEC countries. The official language of AIESEC internationally is English, but having foreign language experience is a plus.
“If you speak a foreign language, it’s a huge asset to you,” said Cook.
Graduates also have the option to go abroad with AIESEC for up to two years.
Students interested in applying can visit aieseconline.net.
