AIESEC United States, Inc.

AIESEC (pronounced “eye-sek”) was founded in 1948 as a means to rebuild ties between war-torn European countries in the aftermath of WWII. At that time, Europe was in a state of economic devastation and an entire generation of leaders was lost. In 1949 AIESEC launched its first international exchanges and 89 individuals traveled abroad from their home countries to participate in professional internships. Today, the AIESEC association is the world’s largest student organization. The AIESEC international network spans over 100 countries across the globe, has over 35,000 active members, and facilitated over 5,500 exchange experiences in 2008.

In the United States, AIESEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in New York City with a student volunteer base at over 40 universities. Since AIESEC United States was established in 1956, the organization has focused on providing professional international internships and training opportunities to students and recent graduates from around the world. All AIESEC-sponsored programs are initiated and developed by students, for students and are designed to promote cultural understanding and international cooperation. These programs also offer participants opportunities to enhance their professional skills in their chosen career fields, build global networks and acquire leadership skills through cultural exchange. Through over 50 years facilitating international exchange, AIESEC U.S. has seen that international internships and professional training, combined with cross cultural activities offered by local student community and service activities, can successfully empower program participants as internationally-minded and responsible citizens.