#Travel Archives -

• AIESEC Sri Lanka, GlobalTalent, Travel, Volunteer, Work Abroad

Cultural exchange and understanding: Why choose AIESEC as the catalyst for global connections?

In today’s interconnected world, fostering cultural exchange and understanding is more crucial than ever. As borders blur and societies become increasingly diverse, it is essential to bridge the gaps between different cultures, promoting empathy, tolerance, and mutual respect. AIESEC, the world’s largest youth-led organization, stands out as a catalyst for global connections, offering a unique platform for young people to engage in transformative experiences. In this article, I’ll be taking you through the reasons why AIESEC is the ideal choice for individuals seeking to immerse themselves in cross-cultural environments and create lasting impacts.

1. AIESEC: More Than Just an Acronym

AIESEC, derived from the French “Association Internationale des Étudiants en Sciences Économiques et Commerciales,” translates to the International Association of Students in Economic and Commercial Sciences. But don’t be fooled by the name; AIESEC goes beyond the realm of economics and business. It embraces diverse fields, creating a unique platform for students and young professionals to engage in cross-cultural experiences.

2. Embracing Diversity

AIESEC recognizes the value of diversity and embraces individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. By engaging with people from different walks of life, participants gain a deeper understanding of the world and develop empathy towards others. This inclusive environment encourages personal growth and fosters an appreciation for the richness of global cultures.

3. Beyond Tourist Brochures

AIESEC breaks free from the superficiality of traditional tourism. Through its programs, participants become immersed in local communities, living and working alongside people from different cultures. This hands-on approach allows for genuine connections, cultural understanding, and the discovery of shared values that transcend language barriers and stereotypes.

4. Experiential Learning

AIESEC’s programs are designed to provide immersive and hands-on experiences, allowing participants to learn about other cultures firsthand. Through internships, volunteering, and leadership development opportunities, AIESEC empowers young people to step outside their comfort zones, challenge their preconceived notions, and gain a broader perspective on global issues. These experiences enhance critical skills such as adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving, which are invaluable in today’s interconnected world.

5. Making an Impact

Beyond cultural exchange, AIESEC places a strong emphasis on creating a positive social impact. By working closely with local communities and addressing pressing social issues, participants contribute to sustainable development and make a tangible difference in the world. AIESEC’s projects range from education and environmental conservation to entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, providing diverse avenues for individuals to make their mark on society.

6. The Ripple Effect of Personal Transformation

AIESEC understands that global connections are not only about exploring new territories but also about delving deep into one’s own self. The organization places great emphasis on personal development, empowering individuals to become better versions of themselves. By stepping out of their comfort zones, participants gain confidence, resilience, and adaptability, essential qualities for navigating today’s interconnected world.

7. Lifelong Connections

AIESEC experiences create lasting friendships and connections that transcend borders. The shared experiences and challenges faced during AIESEC’s programs forge deep bonds among participants from around the world. These connections not only enrich personal lives but also establish a global support network that extends well beyond the duration of the programs, offering lifelong friendships and professional opportunities.

In a world yearning for unity, AIESEC shines as a beacon of hope. It offers a transformative journey where cultural exchange and understanding become catalysts for personal growth and global connections. By embracing the spirit of adventure, curiosity, and empathy, AIESEC paves the way for a brighter, more harmonious future.

So, if you are eager to break free from the confines of your comfort zone, discover the world through new lenses, and be part of a global movement striving for positive change, consider AIESEC as your ultimate catalyst for personal and collective transformation. Together, let’s bridge divides, dissolve stereotypes, and create a world where cultural exchange and understanding are at the core of our interactions. The adventure awaits, and AIESEC is ready to guide you through it.

By Shavinka Jayamaha
Lead Journalist – DXP
AIESEC in NSBM

• AIESEC Sri Lanka, Leadership, Lifestyle, Programs, Travel, Volunteer

Journey of a lifetime!

Are you searching for an adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories while helping you grow both personally and professionally? Then the Global Volunteer program in Sri Lanka is exactly what you need! AIESEC, the world’s largest youth-run organization, offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in fields such as education, healthcare, and community development while immersing yourself in a new culture and developing cross-cultural communication and leadership skills.

Experience the Cultural Exchange: The CXP Component

But what makes the GV (Global Volunteer) program in Sri Lanka truly special is the chance to participate in the Global Volunteer program’s Customer Experience Program (CXP). The CXP is a unique cultural exchange program that allows volunteers to experience different parts of the country while working on projects that have a positive impact on the community.

Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture

During the CXP, volunteers are placed with a host family in a different part of the country and work on a project with a local organization. This provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to experience the diversity of Sri Lanka’s culture, language, and geography while making a meaningful contribution to the community.

Hospitality and Immersive Cultural Experience

But the CXP is more than just a chance to gain professional experience. It’s an opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of Sri Lankan culture. Host families provide volunteers with meals, a place to stay, and a chance to experience everyday life in Sri Lanka. They often take volunteers on cultural excursions and introduce them to local customs and traditions, providing a rich and immersive cultural experience.

Develop Essential Cross-Cultural Skills

Moreover, the CXP provides volunteers with the opportunity to develop cross-cultural communication and leadership skills. By working with local organizations and living with host families, volunteers learn how to navigate cultural differences, build relationships across borders, and work effectively in multicultural teams. These skills are essential in today’s globalized world and will benefit volunteers in all areas of their lives.

Make a Real Impact on the Community

In addition to the cultural exchange component, the CXP provides the chance to work on projects that have a real impact on the community. For example, volunteers may work with a local school to develop an English-language curriculum or with a healthcare organization to provide basic medical services to underserved communities. Through their work, volunteers develop practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to their future careers, all while making a positive impact on the community.

Benefiting the Community and Volunteers Alike

Local organizations in Sri Lanka have also seen the benefits of the Global Volunteer program and the CXP. The Jaffna Social Action Center (JSAC), for example, has hosted volunteers from the Global Volunteer program who have worked on projects related to education and community development. Through their work, volunteers like Emma and Ahmed have gained valuable experience in their field while contributing to a social cause and developing cross-cultural communication and leadership skills. JSAC has benefited from the skills and knowledge that the volunteers brought, as well as the opportunity to work on projects that had a positive impact on the community.

Embrace the Global Volunteer Program: Broaden Horizons and Make a Difference

The Global Volunteer program in Sri Lanka offers an experience like no other. It provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience while immersing oneself in a new culture and developing cross-cultural communication and leadership skills. The CXP is the icing on the cake, offering a chance to experience different parts of Sri Lanka while working on meaningful projects that have a positive impact on the community. Living with host families and being immersed in the local culture will give volunteers a new perspective on global issues and leave them with unforgettable memories.

In conclusion, the Global Volunteer program in Sri Lanka with its CXP component is an excellent opportunity for young people who are looking to gain practical experience in fields such as education, healthcare, and community development while immersing themselves in a new culture and developing cross-cultural communication and leadership skills. It offers a chance to experience different parts of Sri Lanka while working on meaningful projects that have a positive impact on the community. Don’t miss this opportunity to broaden your horizons and make a difference. Embark on this journey with AIESEC and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Learn more!

aiesec.lk/global-volunteer

Penned by

Yohan Wickrmasinghe – DXP & IM

AIESEC in SLIIT

• AIESEC Sri Lanka, iGV, Leadership, Membership, Travel, Volunteer

An insight into Volunteering with AIESEC in Sri Lanka

Has traveling and exploring different cultures created a deep rooted fire within you? AIESEC’s incoming Global Volunteers (iGV) program in Sri Lanka may be just what you’re looking for.

The iGV program is an initiative of AIESEC that aims to provide young people with the opportunity to volunteer abroad and make a positive impact on communities around the world. The program is open to all individuals aged 18 to 30 who are passionate about making a difference and are willing to contribute their skills and time to a worthy cause.

The iGV program in Sri Lanka works in collaboration with local organizations and communities to identify projects that require volunteer support. These projects can range from education and youth development to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Once a project has been identified, AIESEC Sri Lanka recruits and selects volunteers who are best suited for the project based on their skills, experience, and interests.

Before departing for their international placement, iGV volunteers undergo a comprehensive training program to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of volunteering abroad. The training covers topics such as cultural awareness, team building, project management, and leadership development. The volunteers are then provided with ongoing support throughout their placement, including regular check-ins with AIESEC Sri Lanka staff and access to resources and tools to help them succeed.

The iGV program in Sri Lanka has had a significant impact on both the volunteers and the communities they serve. For volunteers, the program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience, develop their leadership potential, and broaden their cultural understanding. For communities, the program brings much-needed support and resources to help address critical social and environmental challenges.

One example of a successful iGV project in Sri Lanka is the collaboration between AIESEC and the Lanka Social Ventures Foundation (LSVF). The LSVF is a non-profit organization that works to support social enterprises in Sri Lanka that address poverty and unemployment. Through the iGV program, AIESEC Sri Lanka has sent volunteers to work with the LSVF on various projects, including the development of a waste management system for a local community and the implementation of a digital literacy program for women in rural areas.

Another example of a successful iGV project in Sri Lanka is the partnership between AIESEC and the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS). The SLWCS is a non-profit organization that works to protect the wildlife and ecosystems of Sri Lanka through education and conservation programs. Through the iGV program, AIESEC Sri Lanka has sent volunteers to work with the SLWCS on various projects, including the construction of a wildlife education center and the implementation of a sustainable tourism program in a local community.

Overall, the iGV program of AIESEC Sri Lanka is a valuable initiative that provides young people with the opportunity to make a positive impact on communities around the world. Through the program, volunteers gain valuable skills and experience, develop their leadership potential, and broaden their cultural understanding. Communities benefit from the support and resources provided by volunteers, helping to address critical social and environmental challenges. As AIESEC Sri Lanka continues to expand its iGV program, we can expect to see even more positive impact on both volunteers and communities in the years to come.

Click here to be a volunteer today!

Penned by

Yohan Wickramasinghe
Content Writer – DXP & IM
AIESEC in SLIIT

• AIESEC Sri Lanka, Lifestyle, Membership, Programs, Travel

Not your average Kandy trip!

Let me take you on a journey with our Very first Exchange participant rooted for the term 23.24 Eva Smits. It was a Friday. If I’m not mistaken, on the 03rd of February we were supposed to meet at the train station by 6.30AM to catch the train which was supposed to leave at 7.00 AM. Let me introduce you the participants of this journey, Me , Eva & our Team Leader Pawani.

Back to the station. To be honest we were expecting Eva to be late to arrive at Fort train station, but to our surprise she was literally (I mean Physically ) present there even before us! What a surprise it was…

Since we hadn’t reserved seats prior to our journey we had to purchase a third class train ticket (which were the only ones available). After we bought tickets, the wait began for the train. So since we didn’t reserve any tickets it was on a first come first serve basis. I was one of the very few people to hop on to the train before it stopped in order to get a head start in the seat hunt. Finally, we got a seat facing each other on top of all that I managed to get a window seat. The train ride was just amazing, but nothing could stop me from recovering the sleep I missed the night before.

We had great conversations when we suddenly started to realize that we were starving. I realized my mum did pack a couple of sandwiches of which the sweet ones were for Eva and the spicy ones were for me n Pawani. Well, well how the tables turned, Eva ended up having all the spicy sandwiches and yes she loved em! After the train reached the mountain climb the views just got better and better. I did take Eva to the train door for that famous view and more off to just what it’s like to experience something like that. We ended up having great conversations throughout the journey. Finally we were in Kandy in just no time. We rushed our way to Devon (my Kandy friends know what I’m talking about) . Well basically it’s a pastry shop/restaurant which has been there for ages in the Kandy town. After filling up our bellies with delicious treats from Devon, we set out to explore the famous Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. We made our way there and filled up ourselves before we explored the Peradeniya botanical gardens.

Eva was armed with knowledge about the flora and fauna of Sri Lanka and she taught us so much about the different types of plants and their medicinal properties. We were awestruck by the beauty of the gardens, with its vibrant flowers and towering trees. The gardens were so vast that we could easily get lost in them.

As we were exploring, Eva suddenly advised us not to use GPS to find our way out but to use the map provided. And boy, were we glad we listened to her! We ended up walking for hours, taking in the sights and sounds of the gardens, before finally making it back to the entrance. Eva’s navigational skills were truly impressive.

After our botanical garden adventure, we decided to check out the Kandy City Centre. We were lucky enough to stumble upon a street performance of calypso music. The vibrant energy of the city was infectious and we were all having the time of our lives.

Finally, we made our way up to the Kandy View Point, a spot overlooking the picturesque Kandy Lake and city. It was a steep climb to get there, but Eva taught us a technique to make it easier. We were climbing like pros in no time, thanks to her.

As the day drew to a close, I bid farewell to Eva and Pawani, who were staying the night at their accommodation. It was truly an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter, learning, and adventure. I couldn’t wait for our next journey together.

Till next time,

By Akesh Chandrasiri
Campaign Head – DXP & IM
AIESEC in SLIIT

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