IAESTE, the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (pronounced i-a-es-te or ai-es-te), is an international student exchange organization with the goal to provide technical work experience abroad. Students gain relevant technical training lasting from 4 weeks to 18 months. IAESTE includes committees in more than 80 countries, with the potential of accepting new countries into the organization every year. At the general conference 2005 held in Cartagena, Colombia, the statute and by-laws of IAESTE a.s.b.l. were established, making IAESTE a registered "associacion sans but lucratif" (non-profit organization), with the centre in Luxembourg. The current President is prof. Bernard Baeyens from Colombia. IAESTE's motto is "Work, Experience, Discover" names IAESTE's aims to connect students with employers in foreign countries, provide university students with technical experience, and culturally enrich students.

 

IAESTE HISTORY

IAESTE was founded in 1948 at Imperial College, London. The Imperial College Vacation Work Committee headed by Mr. James Newby initiated a meeting with national organizations from 10 European countries in a post war effort to promote better understanding between countries and cultures.

Since 1948, the association has grown to include more than 80 countries worldwide and has exchanged in excess of 300,000 students. IAESTE exchanges around 7000 students annually (approx. 800 from Germany) playing an important role in giving technical undergraduates practical work experience and a global perspective.

 

IAESTE OLDENBURG

 

IAESTE Oldenburg is currently holding 5 members of the University of Oldenburg and Jade Hochschule in Oldenburg.