‘Make A Difference’ (M.A.D.) project

 

This is the third time AIESEC in Norway - in cooperation with Fredskorpset - is organising the Make a Difference project which is a management exchange project comprising north and south participants from four different countries.  During the last project Norway, Kenya, India and Bangladesh were involved, and this time we had discussions with AIESEC in Norway about participation of AIESEC in Ghana, and as Fredkorpset agreed on our involvement also, so we are looking forward to work together; this time Norway, Bangladesh, Kenya and Ghana.

The aim of the project is to exchange 14 business graduates between Norway and countries of the south, thus fostering sustainable development through an exchange of cultures and experiences in long-term traineeships.

Therefore the three main objectives of the project are to:

- Develop business leadership in young people

- Foster business relations between Norway and countries of the south

- Learn from and make and impact through sharing of the different cultures involved.

 

The ultimate goal of the project is to have a multiplying effect through the individuals, organisations and countries involved in order to build long-term business relations between Norway and the countries of the South.

The project is partly funded by Fredskorpset, a part of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who awards development funding to organisations in Norway. The partnership between Fredskorpset and AIESEC is unique because AIESEC is one of the only institutions focusing on business development at the same time as social and equitable development.  AIESEC is also its largest partner by exchanging 14 people, more than any other organisation Fredskorpset works with.

In order for the exchanges to have an effective and long-lasting impact, they are to last for one year. The traineeships are set in companies or organisations where business students can make an impact, but significant activities contributing to society are also made outside of the work placement itself.

 

 

Yale Fellowship

In September 2003, Yale President Richard Levin expressly announced his goal to “internationalize the University” and expand the opportunities of Yale students wishing to study, work, and research abroad. To help with Yale’s globalization efforts, AIESEC Yale established the AIESEC Fellows program. In 2003-2004, they partnered with AIESEC Peru and AIESEC Brazil to provide Yale students with work and cultural experience abroad. Participating companies and organizations in Peru and Brazil benefited from exclusive access to a highly qualified pool of intelligent, mature, and enthusiastic Yale students. In its first year the program was a resounding success, with nine students exchanged to these two countries.

For 2005, Yale University has expressed interest in expanding the AIESEC Fellows program and funding work opportunities in Ghana, so after deeper discussions we decided to participate in the program.

The University is interested in short term traineeships starting in mid May and ending end of August. In the first year we start with two Management traineeships and one Development traineeship, and after evaluating the success and challenges of the Fellowship Program would agree about further cooperation for the following years with higher exchange numbers and impact.