Volunteering with AIESEC

So, if you read the “about me” page, you must wonder how exactly did I get to spend six weeks in Egypt. This post is going to cover the whole process about volunteering with AIESEC. From the moment I first opened the AIESEC web site, until I landed on the Borg El-Arab Airport in Alexandria.

What is AIESEC?

I should start with explaining what AIESEC actually is. Well, originally Association internationale des étudiants en sciences économiques et commerciales, is an international youth-run, non-governmental organization that provides young people with leadership development, cross-cultural internships, and global volunteer exchange experiences. The organization focuses on empowering young people to make a progressive social impact. The AIESEC network includes approximately 40,000 members in 120+ countries.

Global Volunteer

There are three main programs you can apply to: global entrepreneur, global talent and global volunteer. I applied for the later. Volunteering with AIESEC allows youth aged 18–29 to contribute to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. The volunteering programs are short-term (6–8 weeks). They provide youth with opportunities to travel abroad and work for non-profit organizations with a special focus of second and third world countries. Projects include teaching, promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, working in human rights, environmental sustainability, leadership development and more. Since AIESEC is a non-profit organization, the exchange participants are to bear all expenses associated with travel including airfare, medical insurance, and transportation. Some of AIESEC’s projects will provide food and accommodation.

So, if you want to volunteer with AIESEC, first of all you need to set up an account on their page. Then you should fill out all the information about yourself. Then, just search on the platform for an opportunity that suits you and your personal goals. The project I applied for was called “Social Media Specialist | Explore Egypt”. It was focused on economic growth through tourism promotion. The description of the project said I was going to visit eight cities, including Luxor, Cairo and Dahab. I was also going to get the chance to try scuba diving, hot air balloon rides and even sandboarding in the desert. It instantly caught my attention. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to discover new places, to meet new people and to get some experience in the field I am currently studying in, social media marketing. Moreover, the transportation and food and accommodation were provided.

The application process

The decision to apply didn’t come easy though, because I was very anxious and scared about the overall experience. Six weeks seemed like a lot of time, especially in a developing country with such a different culture. Also the fact that it would be outside Europe and that I would be all alone there just made the decision taking so much harder. I wanted to give up so many times. Finally, I conquered my fears and decided to apply and see what happens.

A day or two after I applied to the project I had an interview with an AIESEC representative from Egypt. We talked about the reasons I applied, the opportunity program and their expectations from me. I was nervous waiting for the response, but it just took about one day to get it. I got accepted for the volunteering project. Before leaving to Egypt I had an outgoing preparation seminar with an AIESEC representative from Cluj-Napoca. It was basically a meeting about goals, expectations and for making sure I understood what the project is about and what I am going to do there.

The aiesecer from your city has to help you with the insurance and visa. They also have to make sure you book your flights and fill the contracts and the forms in time. I would say just double check everything to make sure.

From Cluj-Napoca to Alexandria

There wasn’t any direct flight from Cluj-Napoca to Alexandria, so I just booked a flight from Cluj-Napoca to Milan (Bergamo Airport) and another one from Milan (Malpensa Airport) to Alexandria. I did the same for the return flight. The airline I flew with was Wizz Air and all the flights costed me around 250 euros. I had to stay two nights in Milan but that wasn’t really an issue because I love the city and it was also very exciting to begin my first solo trip there. Moreover, I got for the first time to sleep in a hostel and it actually went better than expected. If you are interested to hear that story, let me know in the comments.

Visa or evisa?

Regarding the visa, they will tell you you can get one in the airport. I applied for the e-visa online and it was the same price (25 USD). I just think it is safer and easier and you can get something off your mind. The AIESEC representatives from Egypt are also going to stay in contact with you. They should take you from the airport when you arrive and take you to your accommodation. I say should because I encountered some issues at this step, and not everything went according to plan, but that story is, also, for another post.

That’s about it when it comes to the process of project application when volunteering with AIESEC.