Continue your international experience with student organisations!

Last updated on Tuesday, 31/08/2021

Are you interested in connecting with international students all over the world? Then why not get involved with an international student organisation?

Perhaps you are doing an internship or studying abroad and want to meet other students in the same situation; or you might just want to get in contact with international students in your own city. Whatever the reason, international student organisations is a great structure to connect with.

International student organisations are associations where students come together to support and organise exchange programmes. Many times they are nonprofit, where members volunteer their time to help run activities and the organisation. Activities could be anything from organising talks and debates to running sport activities, language tandems and other events. 

By volunteering for an international student organisation you can gain valuable experience working in intercultural teams, leading projects and organising campaigns. You have the opportunity to learn about how organisations are structured, participate in political processes and be of service to others. Involving yourself in such activities is a great opportunity for personal as well as professional development and will give you a great experience for the job market. 

If this sounds like something you are interested in, there are several different organisations you can join. Be sure to have a look in your exchange city or on your campus, the organisations might be organised by interest of activity or by the target group of international students. Here is a list of the four main networks of international student organisations in Europe: 

• ESN (Erasmus Student Network) is a European network of international student organisations in over 1000 universities and colleges in 42 countries. The network offers guidance to students in Europe, informs about possibilities to study abroad and works to improve the conditions for international student exchange. They organise orientation services and activities for students. If you are interested to get involved or receive further information please visit www.esn.org to find the contact information of your local organisation.
   
• AEGEE (Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l'Europe) is an interdisciplinary student organisations active in 161 cities in 40 different countries. AEGEE supports the mobility and exchange of students all across Europe and has the goal to bring Europe closer to young people. To do so they organize trips, intercultural exchanges, summer universities and conferences. Under www.aegee.org you will find further information and the addresses of your local AEGEE group.
   
• AIESEC (Association Internationale des Étudiants en Sciences Economique et Commerciales) has local groups in over 114 countries. Their goal is to help students develop leadership skills and gain practical experiences worldwide. Members of the AIESEC network can be placed in internships, participate in local committee meetings or help organize conferences, workshops and lectures. You can find further information and contact information of the local committees under www.aiesec.org.
   
• IAESTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) helps students of Science, Engineering or Applied Arts to find internships in over 80 countries worldwide. If you are interested in an internship abroad or would like to get involved with the organisation please visit www.iaeste.org or contact your local committee for further information.
   
• BEST (Board of European Students of Technology) has 92 Local BEST Groups in 33 countries. They strive to help European student of technology to become more internationally minded and develop their capacities to work on an international basis. They create opportunities for students to meet and learn through academic and non-academic events. Visit www.best.eu.org for further information and to find your local group.

At every college or university there are countless student organisations which focus on different topics. Besides international student organisations there are political, religious, career focused and subject of study or occupation focused organisations in which you can get involved. Have a closer look at the website of your college or university to learn more.