Five Ws and one H

What

Question: What is AIESEC?

Answer: AIESEC is an international non for profit organisation that provides students with leadership training and internship opportunities at non-profit organizations. As of August 2012, the AIESEC network includes over 86,000 members in 113 countries and territories. It is the largest student run organisation in the world, being present in over 2,400 universities across the globe, provides more than 24,000 leadership experiences to its members and sends students and graduates on 20,000 international exchanges yearly to non profit organisations. AIESEC is supported by over 8,000 of partner organisations around the globe who look to AIESEC to support the development of youth and to access talented individuals keen on personal growth.
                                                                                          (Credits: AIESEC Curtin's website)

Question: What is AIESEC Go Volunteer Exchange Program?

Answer: The Go Volunteer program offers exchange opportunities in areas like raising awareness on HIV/AIDS and sex education, teaching English at summer camps and cultural projects among others. For students with knowledge in education, language, or other social science subjects, this program provides opportunities to create and facilitate seminars on subjects like entrepreneurship, culture education, and teamwork for youth abroad. The duration is usually between 6 to 8 weeks long. 
                                                                                          (Credits: AIESEC Curtin's website)

Why

Question: Why did I choose to go on an AIESEC exchange program?

Answer: I always wanted to go on an exchange but I never went on one until November last year (My 4th/last year in university) due to $$$ issues. Even though I live with my parents and I don't pay rent, I pay for all of my personal expenses such as university tuition fees, petrol, shopping, mobile phone bills etc. I worked as a casual barista since I was in my first year of university. Last year, I took up another casual job at Curtin International which increased my income :)

I went on a 2 weeks Japanese cultural exchange to Wakayama University in November. Then, I went on a 6 weeks AIESEC Go Volunteer exchange program in the following month. I wanted to do something meaningful for my grad trip and so, I chose something AIESEC Go Voluneteer exchange program. I was an English teacher's assistant. 

AIESEC Go Volunteer exchange program is not that expensive. The administrative fee is $600 (excluding air tickets) and my host families took care of my food and accommodation. In total, I paid $1800. $600 administrative fee+ $1200 Cathay return air tickets to Taiwan (Cheaper alternative = Budget airlines) As for shopping/spending money, it's up to you to decide. I think I brought along $1000 which was more than enough. 

Where

Question: Where did I go?

Answer: I went to Taiwan's Nei Ding Elementary School (內定國小) which is located in Neili, Taoyuan County (Taipei) http://163.30.144.90/deliver/ There are also many schools/projects located in Kaohsiung. I chose Taiwan because I wanted to improve my mandarin. Additionally  I love Taiwanese's accent and I love Taiwan's night markets.

When

Question: When did I go?

Answer: Australia's summer holiday! 6 weeks; 5th December 2012 to 18th January 2013. I spent my New Year's Eve at Taipei 101!!! :)

Who

Question: Who did I go with?

Answer: I went with my friend Adeline (met through AIESEC) Both of us wanted to go to Taiwan in December 2012. However, we went to different elementary school. You don't have to go with a friend but if you do, you have a buddy to hang out with :)

How

Question: How did I apply for AIESEC Go Volunteer Exchange Program?

Answer: I applied through AIESEC's Curtin website. There is a simple 5 steps process.

I will explain the steps in the next post.
For more info, please click on this link:
http://www.aiesecunsw.org/exchange-process.html


Next post; 5 steps process

http://aiesecaustralia.org/curtin/