Global Citizen FAQs
FAQs about the Global Citizen Program
Q: Where can I go?
A: Students can travel to Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Eastern/Central Europe for volunteer projects. We have a special list of 19 countries that American students find projects in most efficiently — check out citizen.aiesecus.org for the list.
Q: What would I be doing?
A: Volunteer projects allow students to work at NGOs, schools, and other spaces that enable engagement with young people in a community. Some projects deal with HIV/AIDS education, environmental awareness, microfinance, and event management. There are over 1500 projects across nearly 100 countries and annually AIESEC sends over 400 students from the US to volunteer abroad.
Q: Is it safe?
A: What makes AIESEC unique is how we create these projects. Student volunteers from the country you’ll visit reach out to organizations to set up the projects and these volunteers becomes responsible for reception of US volunteers including arranging accommodations, set up inter-city trips, and ensuring the safety of all those that are volunteering from abroad.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Our programs are some of the most affordable in the country. We require a $150 registration to be paid upon acceptance into the program. When you find the perfect project, you will pay a $350 fee to “match” you to that project. All Global Citizen programs provide lodging during your stay and sometimes food or inner-city transportation is included. Flights, visas, and insurance are not covered.
Q: How long can I volunteer for?
A: All projects through AIESEC last a minimum of 6 weeks. Typically, most projects are between 6 and 12 weeks, but some last up to 6 months. AIESEC does not offer projects less than 6 weeks in duration, but you can travel at almost any time of the year because of the scale and variety of projects across the globe.
Q: What’s the application process?
A: To begin, head over to aiesecus.org/exchange to learn more about our program specifics. There, you can utilize our application portal to submit a formal application. This takes less than 15 minutes and you will receive notice within 1-3 business days from your nearest AIESEC office about the next steps. Overall, you will receive a result within 3-5 business days and you can begin searching for internships right after that. For most applicants, it takes an additional 1-2 weeks to find, interview for, and be matched with the perfect opportunity. Once you’ve been matched, you should book flights, apply for visas (if needed), and work with the AIESEC office nearest you to prepare for cultural immersion. AIESEC will be with you every step of the way, from application to your return trip, to ensure an amazing and fulfilling experience abroad.
Q: Do I qualify for a Global Citizen program?
A: AIESEC requires that you are a current student or recent graduate (within two years) of a college or university based in the United States. Global Citizen candidates may be of any class standing and there is no blanket language proficiency policy outside of excellent English — though specific projects may require another language. Some projects have technical skill requirements, though the majority do not. AIESEC has no GPA requirement, though it doesn’t hurt your chances in the application process. No persons 30 or over may participate in our exchange programs.
Find even more information and apply for the Global Citizen program here: citizen.aiesecus.org