By: Annalise Cajic Volunteering at Roots Camp As the Mahlzeit Austria project nears its end, Hanna reflects on her experience working at Roots Camp. AIESEC volunteers at this summer camp are promoting an unplugged and sustainable lifestyle to Austrian youth. Living without running water, electricity and the luxuries of modern life, Hanna realized that you…
By: Annalise Cajic Read as I work alongside Ezgi and Marina, fellow AIESEC Global Volunteers participating in the Mahlzeit Austria project. Spending their days working with Wiener Tafel, I joined them on the job to discover more about what the non-profit does and how they are reducing food waste. Working at the market If you…
By: Annalise Cajic As part of the Mahlzeit Austria project, some volunteers are working at Augarten, a community garden in Vienna. There, they are promoting sustainable food growth and the value of growing one’s own food to Austrian youth. I spoke to volunteers Anna, Alessia, Elena and Solmaz to learn more about their experience at…
By: Annalise Cajic Delivering workshops is not the only thing Mahlzeit Austria project volunteers are doing this Summer. When they are not teaching youth about food waste or working with Wiener Tafel, they are improving their skills through workshops hosted by Pulswerk and project runners. Volunteers are taught to improve their own workshops and see…
By: Annalise Cajic Meet a Global Volunteer in Austria “I have always wanted to visit this city [Vienna]. And then, I chose this project because I saw this opportunity to work in [an] office, to see how things are done… [h]ere, people are really really friendly,” says Marija Milicevic. As a Global Volunteer, she is…
By: Annalise Cajic This week, global volunteers debuted their workshops on food waste… After spending the week preparing their workshops for youth on food sustainability, Mahlzeit Austra volunteers put their skills to the test for the first time. (Learn about the workshops and their creation process here). At Mahlzeit Austria, volunteers such as Daria and…
With Summer around the corner, we thought we would share five common mistakes for you to watch out for on your upcoming trip! Not buying insurance. One of the biggest investments one should take forward is travel insurance. Insurance that covers emergency medical expenses beyond your country’s borders. Often it can also extend to covering all…
Taking the step to go abroad for a long time not only comes with a new environment, people and cultures, but also with a lot of personal growth. I would even say that through my studies abroad I feel like another person. The experience enabled me to go beyond the known. And I can say…
Let’s talk about the mess we are making in our oceans. But first: 3 things you need to know to survive: Water covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface. The human body consists of 70-80% water. Without water, a person can not live for more than 7 days. Water is the source of our life….
In order to achieve full and equal access to education and participation in science for women and girls, and to encourage empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. At present, less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are…
“What can a single person change anyway?” We are all familiar with this question. It is a sentence we hear in the middle of a hot conversation or a slinking thought in our head once in a while. But we have to keep in mind that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single…
“What can a single person change anyway?” We are all familiar with this question. It is a sentence we hear in the middle of a hot conversation or a slinking thought in our head once in a while. But we have to keep in mind that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single…
It’s been a buzzword for quite some time and still, it’s something many people don’t like to associate themselves with or that can seem downright controversial – volunteering. The notion of altruistically providing a service without any financial gain is nothing new and yet, in light of an ever-changing international context, it seems to become…
Starting university was like jumping into cold water for me. I had been a pretty good student in school (even though I, like many other teens, struggled with procrastination) and despite being an introvert I managed, over the course of eight years to be able to talk freely and openly with everyone in my class….
Hello, my Name is Johannes Schneeberger and I’m currently studying one of the most hipster studies, Environmental Management a.k.a Umwelt- und Bioressourcenmanagement, a.k.a UBRM, at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences a.k.a BOKU. Okay, that was probably a lot of a.k.a’s for now. If the first part is too boring for you, just…
I don’t know about you, but I love going out of my comfort zone. I like trying new and exciting things because they either determine you to discover a passion and talent you didn’t even know you possessed or, you know, they give you a funny story to tell it over and over again. I…
I discovered a new world. But NASA hasn’t approved yet. I think is not needed because this world is very close to everyone. If you want to go and see, it is just one click, phone or street away from you. This world is called “AIESEC”. It is still waiting to be discovered by all…
Never an easy thing having friends who were part of the Global Citizen volunteering program. Listening to their endless stories, about how lucky they got during their journey, or how the experience had changed their lives, can only make you wish you knew about AIESEC’s opportunities a little earlier. As sharing is caring, mates from my…
“Let us not take this planet for granted. I do not take tonight for granted” -Leonardo DiCaprio, Oscar acceptance speech This is the message that’s made Climate Change a topical issue in the world. The question of man’s inexplicable apathy towards climate change. The most urgent threat facing the entire species. The overwhelming evidence already seems apparent…
Corinna is a student of Chinese and English studies at University of Vienna. She volunteered on a project in Chengdu, China. AIESEC: Why did you decide to take part in the Global Citizen Programme? Did your experience meet your expectations? Corinna: First of all, I love travelling more than anything else in the world. It inspires me and enrichens…
I’ve always been a kind of person who is doing extra activities besides the must-dos. And I was desperate about what is going on. About my generation around me and about how I cannot help the situating, where the world is going, where my country is going. I did not know what I want to…
Almost three years. Almost 1095 days that I completely feel every kind of emotion and not regret any of them. Just one organization may affect your life flow. Welcome to AIESEC. Every person has own meaning of life. And when you are becoming an university student you need to make this meaning more clear. It…
I am Jenny, an international student from Hong Kong studying my Bachelor in Austria. I joined AIESEC 1.5 years ago, and yes, it is one of the best journeys of my life. I see AIESEC as a youth-run organisation where all people are passionate, inspiring, and open-minded. One and a half years ago, my friend asked me to…
2015 already ended, but every ending is the start of something new. Now, reflecting of what it has been, we know 2015 has been a good year with many improvements and milestones. Here is a short overview: Some Numbers and Facts In 2015 were able to provide a total amount of 192 international exchanges, giving…
As a new year approaches us, both individuals and companies reflect on their plans for the future. AIESEC takes a step further and, as an organisation, sets clear milestones every five years in order to come closer to the achievement of our organisation’s mission, peace and fulfilment of humankind’s potential. The end of this year…
Many young people who are willing to do an internship abroad have a natural desire to learn. Sometimes it is not obligatory for them to do an internship, however they really want to do it because of many great benefits and also to develop themselves. Besides various advantages of an internship, this personal desire for…
Nowadays we live in a world where things seem to have gone a bit wrong: we’re talking poverty,hunger and political and economical instability. All these issues (and many other) are gaining ground in our societies, yet some of our leaders seem to have lost interest in their people. But that is where AIESEC steps…
There comes that time in a student’s life when he or she gets closer to the ‘real world’ – more responsibilities, more decisions, more burden. One of those burdens is linked to one’s vocation. In this respect deciding on an internship becomes a crucial step at the beginning of the career. Does the field of…
It is important for a company to have the right mix between old and young, experienced and maybe less experienced employees. Some companies prefer to hire employees with a lot of know-how and hands-on experience. However, one thing is for sure: It is always an advantage to have young and motivated people in your company….
Notes on work, success and leadership – things we forget about There’s been so much ‘nagging’ about how to become a leader so far. Still, after becoming one, holding on to the gained values is essential. Though, sometimes, pressed by the circumstances, leaders tend to forget some of the values, so here’s a ‘heads…
Advantages of Cultural Diversity in the workplace Thursday morning: Getting an E-Mail from China, answering a phone-call from the USA and having a meeting with a group of customers from India. Cultural diversity takes place in our everyday life, also in our work place. It is important for companies to recognize the advantage of the…
It’s this time of the year again. The weather gets colder, the days get shorter, the clothes get warmer and you spent more time inside. Summer seems further and further away and it gets harder to remember what the sun felt like on your bare shoulders. Wouldn’t it be great to be at the beach…
“Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better. “Bill Bradley Every and each one of us have found ourselves unsatisfied with a certain situation happening to us, either in our society, somewhere over the ocean or a bit closer to us, in our community, at our university…and felt like we in, particular, had no influence…
Many employers face different challenges during a recruiting process. It is not only important to know what kind of employees you are looking for, but it is also essential to present the company itself as an attractive work environment. The more specific the tasks and requirements are, the more difficult it is to find the…
In a world of change, where rules seem to renew day by day, a value scale can be easily overthrown. But in spite of the oscillatory trend of society’s development, AIESEC chooses to stay faithful to the values it has been following ever since it was founded, pursuing the aim of making the world a…
For almost 70 years, since it was founded after the World War II, AIESEC has been giving students the chance of developing their skills and shaping their personalities in order to become the leaders the world needs. This has been possible by keeping a permanent connection with AIESEC members worldwide, creating a network of communication…
It has been 67 years since AIESEC was founded in 1948 during a trying time in Europe, with a mission to “expand the understanding of a nation by expanding the understanding of the individuals changing the world one person at a time.” AIESEC was founded on a vision of friendship and unity – a vision…
With their adventure in Austria coming to an end, Ana, Yassine, Shu and Tereza have made some thoughts about their experience in Graz. With each day and week, they collected memories and little life lesson, which are important to all of us. Each one of our volunteers had her own and unique experience. Depending on…
4 Volunteers, Blog post Number 3, a lot to 2 and 1 mission: Having the time of their lives while being a volunteer in Graz! Time is flying by so fast – it’s already the fourth week for our great international volunteers Ana, Tereza, Shu and Yassine who are working for Jugend am Werk. During…
After having spent the first two weeks in Graz, our dear volunteers Ana, Yassine, Shu and Tereza have started to get deeper into Austrian culture. They have started exploring this culture and communicating with Austrian, especially their colleagues. Most of the volunteers have not yet really felt a culture shock. They all feel comfortable with…
Our department of social projects puts its main focus on a project called ‘Global Education‘, with the major task of introducing intercultural communication and a social, open minded discourse about diversity into the everyday schedule of participating classes in Vienna. The project is based on a cross-cultural learning approach. By inviting students from all over…
Many students decide to spend their summer doing an internship or working abroad. This year, four of them decided to come to Graz: Yassine Amri (Tunisia), Ana Parfión (Spain), Shu Chang (Hong Kong) and Tereza Palasová (Czech Republic). They will report fortnightly on their work experience as exchange students in the Styrian capital. Yassine and…
Any plans yet what should be your next destination? If you haven’t picked what country to visit next, try adding Philippines to your list! It is not a typical vacation detination, where most of the people go. But no matter what you are up to or what your idea of a perfect holiday is, the…
You want to finally escape your daily routine and spend some time somewhere on a beautiful corner of the globe. Before you can experience the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Niagara Falls or piazzas in Rom an important to-do list stands between you and your trip. Because traveling or sometimes even planning a trip…
“There are no llamas in Colombia,” he affirmed. This small detail caught my attention and resulted in an hour-long storytelling session in which I realised how few I know about South America. My friend Hazar worked 3 months in Colombia. In the suburbs of Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, he helped in schools and taught English…
Peru, one of South America’s hidden gems, is no longer a secret as toursts flock to this Spanish speaking country year-round. The land of Incas and gastronomical capital of South America has more to offer than its indisputably enchanting nature and mouth-watering cuisine. It also offers foreigners the opportunity to submerge in the Peruvian culture,…
Leaving home for an internship or to study abroad can be a stressful and exhausting experience, even though it may be something you have planned and prepared for.In fact, many people start having difficulties with the new and unfamiliar surroundings at some point – maybe you are one of them. The most important thing is…
Everybody probably has it – the impulse to venture into the exotic and the unknown. To leave the daily routine and see something different, get to know new cultures and maybe most importantly: rediscover oneself! What is the meaning of “Wanderlust“? There are many different definitions of “Wanderlust“ on the world wide web. But…
When I told friends and professors I planned to spend part of my spring break in Ireland the most common reaction was – Why Ireland? But I say, ‘Why not’? Ireland might not have renown monuments like the Eiffel tower or Big Ben, but it does have its own charm ranging from vast emerald landscapes…
No matter how long you stay abroad, it’s the people you meet and the conversations you have that stick with you the most. There are certain topics that can be conversation-sparkers and that give you insight into underlying or fundamental differences between cultures. These are my three personal favorite conversation starters to help you make…
Not only is the Brazilian Portuguese, with its soft melodic accentuation, arguably one of the most beautiful existing languages, it also emphasises some characteristics we all instantly associate with this enchanting place at the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Everyone knows what Brazil is famous for: its colorful vivid carnival, yet adopted by many other countries; for…
Each year we ask us the same question “What should I do in this summer?“ We make several plans, do a lot of internet research, apply and eventually end up doing exactly the same as the summer before. This year do something different. Here are several reasons why I believe you should decide to go…
Sometimes we come to a point where we have this vague feeling, an inscrutable desire out of the blue to change something in our life. Considering that a change does not happen in a narrow classroom or by analyzing a most astonishing theory but takes place throughout life and by taking a step out of…
You probably have already cancelled your dream trip several times due to lack of money; because you need to pay for the tuition fees and accommodation. Unfortunately, you don’t have money trees growing in your back yard. And once again you locked your dream in the cupboard of unfulfilled hopes. We decided to help you…
I am Behzard Parvin, an International Student from Iran studying Master of Electrical Engineering at Vienna University of Technology. I joined AIESEC after attending info evening held at Vienna University of Technology. The reason I decided to become a member of this organization was to improve my leadership skills and find new friends along the way,…
We sat down with one of Vienna’s most renowned bloggers and had a nice chat about the face behind ‘The Viennese Girl’, her love for Vienna and Wanderlust. AIESEC: First of all, thank you for taking the time to do this interview with us. The Viennese Girl: Thank you for inviting me! A: I’ve personally been…
It’s always hard to decide what you need to take with you on the trip. Most of the time it seems like you need to take every little thing that you have at home. You never know what is going to happen, right? But it ends up with you paying at least 50 Euros for…
Last year we’ve had the pleasure of attending Marketing Rockstars Festival in Graz, where we met one of the speakers – Scott Morrison, former Marketing & Commercial Director, DIESEL and Founder at “The Business Accelerator”. We were blown away by his keynote on leadership and particularly the concept of accelerator leadership and wanting to find out more,…
1. “Living diversity” Not only is this one of the organization’s key values, it also pretty much describes the possibilities AIESEC has to offer. No matter if your interests lie within Sales, Project Management, Marketing & PR or Human Resources – there are many different projects waiting for you to join in on and bring…
Ten years ago, I never would have seen myself working outside of the United States, with people who didn’t speak English as a first language, in an environment where even ordering coffee would be a challenging experience. But when in university, I joined AIESEC, an organization that makes these things possible for thousands of students…
Frauen an die Macht heißt es bei AIESEC in Österreich. Bei der österreichischen Zweigstelle der weltweit größten, von Studierenden geführten Organisation, sind dieses Jahr die höchsten Führungspositionen ausschließlich von Frauen besetzt. Anlässlich des Anlässlich des Weltfrauentages 2015 erzählen sie von ihren Erlebnissen. Sie sind junge Frauen – keine von ihnen ist älter als 25 Jahre. Was sie…
Hi I am Ulrike Jordi and I am an Erasmus student at the University of Vienna and I joined AIESEC after a presentation at an ESN (Erasmus Student Network) event. I joined because I wanted to get out of my “Exchange Student Bubble” and spend free time in a meaningful way. Now, after one semester…
Get the support needed to make your ideas happen You worked hard for a long time to develop a project and properly plan it, now you are looking for ways to make it happen? Be it a school task worth bringing to life, a planned NGO or a business idea, you will get to a point…
You thought you could never be creative, but … Being creative in every step you take is the winning formula for a fulfilling and successful life. Although many believe that creativity is a quality some people might lack, it is in fact far more a skill that can be learned. Being creative means being…
How many times have you heard that time is money? It is actually a lot more than that. Finishing your courses successfully, while maintaining social life and having time for extracurriculars can be quite a challenge. However, it may also turn into an enjoyable ride if you manage your time properly. Before starting Before you write down a…
Nearly 700 delegates on one place, gathering all in a baroque, golden-painted hall in presidential representative spaces. And not just some people. Representatives of one of the leading and fastest growing economies in the world! They are all awaiting perfect service and comfortable atmosphere for the business they came to do in a foreign country,…
AIESEC is the world’s largest youth-run organization, activating youth leadership since 1948.