Today I feel more confident when I speak to new people, today I know that I can live alone in a big country with a new family; today I know more about other countries. –Brikena Dedolli
Anchal Dhingra is the President of AIESEC Albania and we talk about youth experience with this organization.
What is AIESEC?
AIESEC is the world’s largest youth-led organization focused on developing leadership potential in youth by giving them practical experience in challenging environments. AIESEC was formed after the Second World War and its mission is “Peace and Fulfillment of Humankind’s Potential.” AIESEC currently exists in 126 countries and territories.
How long has AIESEC been in Albania?
AIESEC has been in Albania since 2012. We currently operate in Tirana but are planning to expand to Durrës, Shkodra, and Vlora in 2017.
How did you first come in contact with AIESEC and have you experienced a specific internship abroad?
I heard about AIESEC’s exchange programs and decided to go abroad through AIESEC after my first year of university. I did a 6-week project in Thessaloniki, Greece, where I did marketing for an NGO and worked with differently abled adults. It was a very powerful experience and I wanted to continue working for AIESEC when I returned back to my home country of Canada. Four years later, I am still involved and leading AIESEC in Albania, which is a country I didn’t know anything about back then. AIESEC has provided me with many incredible opportunities to travel the world and meet like-minded, passionate people who are fighting to make the world a better place.
Where can the Albanian students find AIESEC?
Albanian students can follow our Facebook page to keep up to date with our opportunities. Also see the types of volunteer and internship opportunities we offer here.
What do you do if you are an AIESEC-er?
As a member of AIESEC we work to provide as many exchange experiences to as many young people as possible because this is how Albanian youth can get practical experience but also develop themselves. As an AIESECer you work in one of the four main departments: Incoming Exchange, Outgoing Exchange, Marketing, or Talent Management. You have the opportunity to make a difference in your society and contribute to a bigger purpose while getting real life experience.
How can you apply?
If you are interested in going abroad through AIESEC check out our website. If you are interested in becoming a member of AIESEC then stay tuned for January when we will have our next recruitment.
How is AIESEC different from other sites that offer internships and employment to young students or workers?
AIESEC is not Erasmus, and it is not a recruitment agency. AIESEC is the world’s largest youth leadership movement that provides exchange and internship opportunities. AIESEC has partnered with the United Nations and all of our volunteer projects are aligned to the sustainable development goals. In my opinion, the best part of AIESEC is the network of passionate young leaders you get to meet around the world. Imagine going on exchange to a foreign country but having a group of friends immediately when you get there who will ensure you are having a great experience.
What skills can the young intern develop through AIESEC?
AIESEC develops leadership skills that we categorize in four main qualities: self-aware, empowering others, solution-oriented, and world citizen. You will also get hands-on experience and develop many soft skills that you cannot learn in university or through a professional job.
How can AIESEC experience transform the way its participants see future work?
AIESEC gives young people the chance to see the world because when you see the world, you can start to understand it, and then you can change it. AIESEC makes young people take responsibility for the change they want to see in society because we believe one person can start a movement and make an impact. AIESEC also helps young people find a career path they are excited about based on their strengths and passions.
Here are some stories from Albanian participants, who have been AIESEC-ers around the world:
Anisa Golemi: I’m 21 years old and study Banking and Finance. During my school holidays in September and October I became an AIESEC-er in Poland. It was one of the most beautiful and valuable experience in my life, full of memories. I made friends from all over the world, got to know their culture and the most important thing; I discovered new things in myself.
Anxhela Salja was a global volunteer in Izmir, Turkey : It was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. I enjoyed every second of my journey. I had the chance to meet 66 different international students, 80 children and more than 10 different cities in Turkey in 6 weeks. The fact that I was helping children to learn English makes me feel that I am enough and I am contributing for a better society.
Brikena Dedolli : At the beginning I was a little afraid to go to Turkey because the risk of terrorism but I didn’t know that I would have the best time of my life! It was great and scary at the same time tobe in Turkey in a period when Turkey was the epicenter of many attacks and moreover when the military tried to take control of the country. Being in a volunteer experience allows you to experience things, to meet new people from different cultures and allows you to put yourself out of your comfort zone! I decided to be part of this project to develop myself and my personality in different ways and I did it! Today I feel more confident when I speak to new people; today I know that I can live alone in a big country with a new family; today I know more about other countries and I can say that I fell in love with Turkey and Turkish people! It was amazing! It was one of those ‘once in a lifetime experience’!
