Academics

Universities play a huge role in IAESTE both by promoting the programme to their students and offering placements to foreign trainees. Through the IAESTE exchange programme students may secure paid course-related training abroad, usually for periods of six to 12 weeks in the summer months. Work experience gained abroad has the added value of enhancing students' independence and flexibility, communication and foreign language skills, and contributes to their personal and academic development.

What IAESTE offers your students:

Work experience available in over 80 countries, primarily in the summer months
Placements for undergraduates in science, engineering, technology and architecture
Course-related work in industry, research institutions, and the public sector
Salaries to cover the local cost of living
Organised social activities in most countries
Practical guidance through nomination and acceptance procedures
Assistance with work permits, visas and accommodation

The programme further encourages participants to maximise the learning and career skills gained through an annual competition, the IAESTE UK Trainee of the Year Award.

Due to the reciprocal nature of the programme, for every UK student sent abroad an equivalent placement has to be arranged for a foreign trainee in the UK. Universities currently provide circa 40% of the IAESTE placements in the UK and are instrumental in developing new employer contacts in industry. As well as providing hand-picked highly motivated trainees, IAESTE placements are a stepping stone to recruiting high calibre PhD candidates from abroad.

For full information on promoting IAESTE to your students or employing an IAESTE student in your department please use the links on the left hand side of the screen.