Student leaders promote world ‘development’

Kali-Ray Skinner/Staff Writer

Students interested in traveling the world while giving back to the communities they visit will be able to get more information through the Global Exchange Fair at MMC on March 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in GC 243.

The fair will be hosted by AIESEC, a non profit that focuses on providing students and recent graduates opportunities to improve their leadership skills through service work around the world.

At the fair, AIESEC will offer on-site interviews with representatives from the programs abroad who would be hosting the students. Students will be able to find which programs interest them while exploring the various tables for each program, interview, and find out on the spot if they are accepted.

The current AIESEC president, Tarek Abdel Raouf, is a senior triple majoring in psychology, philosophy and political science who hopes to start a non-profit.

Originally from Egypt, Raouf joined AIESEC after coming to Miami to pursue his education. He worked his way through the departments of AIESEC before deciding to do his own exchange.

“I am very passionate about making the world a better place,” said Raouf.

From May to June of 2016, Raouf volunteered in Colombia to teach children about sustainable development goals. While in Colombia, Raouf saw other international AIESEC members, traveled and learned Spanish.

“It was one of the best experiences in my life. I now have a Colombian family and they might even come to my graduation,” said Raouf.

FIU sent over fifty students on these programs last year alone. AIESEC offers volunteer and internship opportunities. Internships can either be paid (3-8 months) or unpaid (2-3 months).

Volunteering can range from 6-8 weeks, and all programs are based off of the seventeen sustainable development goals from the Youth for Global Goals Initiative that AIESEC is working hard to complete by 2030. These sustainable development goals include such topics as climate action, quality of education, and gender equality.

Danielle Lyn, a senior communication arts major with a global media minor, recently chose to get involved with AIESEC. She says she was browsing through the AIESEC website one day with no intention of applying, and came across a program that was a perfect fit: a global entrepreneurship as a digital media producer in Egypt.

She applied and heard back soon after.

“Digital media and cultural exploration are two of my passions. I really feel like without AIESEC I wouldn’t have found a way to put the two together. It’s such a no-hassle process and there [are] so many opportunities to choose from that are all financially affordable. I’m so glad I found them. I graduate this semester so I almost missed out,” said Lyn.

AIESEC is doing onsite interviews in an effort to make the process easier and they hope it will keep people focused on what it is they really care about and on the programs that will match those passions.

If you are unable to afford the programs, AIESEC will provide the tools to help fundraise.

Having a resume ready to email is required for internship applications.

AIESEC can be reached at their instagram: @aiesecinmiami and vpogt-miami@aiesecus.org.

Those interested around the year can book a meeting at: http://ogx.youcanbook.me. Students do not need to book a meeting to participate in the Global Exchange Fair.

 

Photo courtesy of Flickr