HISTORY
The International Association
for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience was founded in
1948 at Imperial College, London. Imperial College Vacation Work
Committee headed by Mr James Newby initiated a meeting with national
organisations from 10 European countries in a post war effort to
promote better understanding between countries and cultures. Since
1948, the association has grown to include more than 80 countries
world-wide and has exchanged in excess of 300,000 students. This
means that yearly IAESTE exchanges around 6000 students playing a
key role in the development of technical undergraduates able to make
their mark in a global economy.
AIMS
To
provide students in higher education with technical experience
relevant to their studies
To offer
employers well-qualified and motivated trainees
To be a
source of cultural enrichment for trainees and their host
communities
MISSION
To operate a high quality
practical training exchange programme between members in order to
enhance technical and professional development and to promote
international understanding and goodwill amongst students, academic
institutions, employers and the wider community. IAESTE operates
irrespective of race, colour, sex or creed.
STRUCTURE
The IAESTE Association is a
confederation of National Committees representing academic,
industrial, and student interests. Each national committee is
responsible for the administration of the exchange in its own
country.
Membership is given after the establishment of a National Committee
in accordance with the statutes of IAESTE, together with a
responsible permanent secretariat.
BODIES
GS - The General
Secretary is elected by the members to co-ordinate the daily
administration of the Association and is responsible to the General
Conference.
GC - The General Conference has full power to make formal
decisions for the fullfilment of the aims and regulation of the
Association. It is composed of one delegate from each member
country. It also provides the forum during which the exchange of
placements is carried out. It meets every year in January.
Board - The Board is an elected body which prepares the work
of the General Conference and advises the General Secretary on all
matters of interest to the Association. It is composed of four
elected members and the General Secretary.
NC - The National Committees represent the member countries
and are composed of persons representing academic, industrial and
student interests. Cyprus is represented by the IAESTE CYPRUS
National Committee.
SERVICE
What does IAESTE offer to
employers?
Sourcing
and selection of high calibre technical students according to
requirements
Hands-on
service for easy and time-effective administration
Networking opportunities through foreign students and universities
Administration of work permit applications for placement students
Accommodation arrangement for placement students (Open exchange
only)
Provision of pastoral and social care for placements students
What does IAESTE offer to
students?
Provision of paid, technical work experience abroad for skill
enhancement
Safe
experience through IAESTE support network
Support
with practical arrangements i.e. work permits / visa, accommodation
and travel
RELATIONS
The international body of
IAESTE is a non-political, independent non-governmental organization
maintaining consultative or operational relationship with the
following agencies of the United Nations:
UNESCO - UN Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization
ECOSOC - UN Economic and Social Council
UNIDO - UN Industrial Development Organization
ILO - International Labour Office
IAESTE is also in contact with:
EU - European Union
ECA - United Nations Economic Council for Africa
FAO - Food and Agricultural Organisation
as well as with many educational non-governmental organizations.
(more information in
http://www.iaeste.org)
