Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I KNOW THAT AIESEC IS A LEGITIMATE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL Organization?

AIESEC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, non-political, multinational organization run by students and recent graduates from institutions of higher education. Started after the second world war, AIESEC has provided members with an integrated development experience comprised of leadership opportunities, international internship and global learing programs, which enables young people to explore and develop their leadership potential.

AIESEC United States, headquartered in New York City, is run by 10 young leaders overlooking operations in over 30 local universities that run on AIESEC platforms. Teams have had over 50 years of experiences in supporting more than 50,000 young people going abroad to 127+ countries. To learn more about their experiences, please visit aiesec.org or AIESEC United States’ Facebook and Instagram page. If you wish to speak with a member of our team to learn more about our volunteer programs, please feel free to contact us. 

WHAT IS VOLUNTEERING ABROAD?

To volunteer abroad is to travel overseas with the purpose of donating your time, skills and energy to support a community that values your contribution. When volunteering abroad with AIESEC, you can expect to volunteer with other young leaders from around the world and bring a global perspective into the host community.

WHERE CAN I VOLUNTEER ABROAD?

AIESEC offers global volunteer programs to over 80 countries and 400 entities around the world. Volunteer programs are hosted by AIESEC in an university, which means that AIESEC in the host city is endorsed by its university and your program is supported by the AIESEC International committee, AIESEC in the host city and the host University.

WHAT TYPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK CAN I DO?

AIESEC’s volunteer programs are tailored to meet the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as a part of the UN 2030 and the AIESEC 2020 campaigns. Upon completion of a program, participants are recognized by participation certificate, and a letter from AIESEC United States’ member committee can also be provided upon request. Our programs span across different purposes and, such as working with children in rural villages, teaching English to under-developed communities and serving at a hospital. To find out more about our programs, visit Our Programs page or explore opportunities at aiesec.org/global-volunteer.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD?

AIESEC welcomes anyone of any background to volunteer through AIESEC as long as you are aged between 18-30 years old. You do not have to be currently enrolled in any educational institutes, nor do you need to undergo a background check prior to the volunteer program.

CAN I VOLUNTEER ABROAD WITH A FRIEND(S) OR A PARTNER?

AIESEC welcomes friends or couples to volunteer together, but keep in mind that project vacancy varies from one another, so in order to volunteer with a partner, please consult with an AIESEC member to see how volunteers in pairs can be accommodated at the host country.

CAN WE VOLUNTEER ABROAD AS A FAMILY?

As AIESEC programs are only open to young volunteers between 18-30 years old, it is unlikely for families to volunteer together through AIESEC.

CAN I SHORTEN MY VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE?

Most programs go for at least 6 weeks long and it is in AIESEC’s agreement with the United Nations that our volunteer experiences last for 6-72 weeks. While it is impossible to shorten the experience, AIESEC does occasionally offer Winter Programs that are 4 weeks long, for which we will start recruitment around September. Keep a look out for the Winter Programs if you are interested in volunteering with AIESEC but cannot use 6 weeks.

CAN PEOPLE FROM OUTSIDE OF USC VOLUNTEER WITH AIESEC?

Of course! AIESEC programs are open to anyone from any background within the age of 18-30 years old.

ARE THERE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE OUTSIDE FROM THE LISTED COUNTRIES?

Yes. In fact, all the programs featured on this website are only programs that AIESEC USC has partnership with. For more programs in different countries and for different goals, please visit aiesec.org and specify your desired date, location or cause for more detailed program options.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I APPLY?

All AIESEC programs take applications on rolling basis and most programs fill up very fast due to the competitive nature and large pool of applicants (people from over 126 countries are applying to the same programs). If you are mildly interested but still in doubt of what AIESEC programs offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us or ask for a consultation session with one of our EP managers.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR MULTIPLE PROGRAMS?

You can apply up to three (3) programs at once under the approval of an EP manager. Please make an appointment and consult one of our EP managers for more details.

IS THERE A DISCOUNT FOR RETURNING VOLUNTEERS OR VOLUNTEERS REGISTERING ON MULTIPLE AIESEC PROGRAMS?

If you go abroad with AIESEC for the second time, you will receive $100 dollars off your second exchange program.

DO I REQUIRE A VISA TO TRAVEL TO THE COUNTRY I WISH TO VOLUNTEER IN?

Visa requirements depends on your nationality and your destination. After committing to your program, you will be contacted by someone from the local AIESEC office to facilitate you with the VISA process. AIESEC USC is also happy to help you with your journey to the embassy.

IS TRAVEL INSURANCE INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM FEE?

Travel insurance “International SOS” is offered by AIESEC United States to all our exchange participants. Please consult your manager or any AIESEC member for more details.

DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SPEAK THE LOCAL LANGUAGE?

Language requirements vary from country to country and can depend on the type of project you are participating in. However, most programs do not require any language proficiency and offer language classes with locals during the program.

CAN AIESEC HELP WITH BOOKING FLIGHTS?

AIESEC United States has partnered with STA travel to offer affordable flights for AIESEC exchange participants. STA Travel also provides "Book Now Pay Later" payment plans for AIESEC travellers to fund their flights. Please consult your EP Manager or any AIESEC member for more details.

DOES AIESEC USC OFFER FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO FUND THE PROGRAMS?

Financial Aids are available for participants with financial needs and please reach out to Katherine, our Vice President of Finance for more details. You can also ask your EP Manager at your consultancy space after applying. 

HOW DOES AN AIESEC PROGRAM LOOK LIKE?

All AIESEC programs are held up against 16 exchange standards that can be found here. 

WILL I BE WORKING WITH OTHER VOLUNTEERS?

Most AIESEC volunteers are allocated into batches and depending on the program, accommodation may be shared with other volunteers as well. The size of batches and colleagues depends on the program. Please consult any AIESEC member before applying if this is a concern for you.  

CAN I GO TRAVELING AND SIGHTSEEING DURING THE WEEKENDS OF MY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM?

Most AIESEC programs only require volunteers to be at work on weekdays and on weekends, many activities such as traveling with locals or local explorations are offered by the local AIESEC committee. In fact, traveling is a huge part of AIESEC’s programs and read more in Chris’ story to learn more about his travels in Thailand during the program!

WILL AIESEC PROVIDE A REFERENCE OR ACT AS A REFEREE FOR ME ONCE I FINISH VOLUNTEERING?

Upon the completion of volunteering, AIESEC can offer a certificate or reference letters upon request. Please consult the local AIESEC committee of your designated program, or Natalie, our VP outgoing Global Volunteer for more details.