​

​

Name: Hanh Dinh



Exchange location: Izmir, TURKEY



Program Name: My Self My World



Internship duration: 6 weeks



A typical day on your internship:

My Self My World is the educational development project designed for high school students (year 10 to year 12) in Izmir. It was a massive project that involved more than 50 interns from over 20 countries. Our job was to work with students who were still on duty at high schools in local (Izmir), organize learning circles and discussion sessions about local and global issues to encourage students to speak English. In groups, we provided lectures to students about topics such as effective communication, time management, leadership and self-exploration.



Outside of classes, I had got chances to hang out with local students, learn Turkish language, eat Turkish food and shop Turkish brands. Moreover, I had the best host family in the world who treated me extremely well, I felt like home from my first day arrived Izmir. I also had a chance to travel around Turkey, which now makes me love Turkish people even more.



What did you enjoy most about your internship?​​

There were heaps of things to try and learn. That is the thing that I enjoy most about my internship in Izmir.
Not only did I get the chance to learn the Turkish culture in its own country, I also met lots of people from many other countries, even the countries that I had not heard the name of. Moreover, teaching students about team working and leadership, I was learning it at the same time. It was one of the best experiences to learn how to solve conflicts and problems in multicultural teams. After all, I had grown a lot after the internship.



How do you feel after finishing your internship?

6 weeks passed extremely fast and it was really emotional to realise that the internship was over. I was starting to get used to the routine of going to class, seeing smiley faces everyday and it was hard to believe that it had to end. However, I’m still in contact with the friends I made in Izmir, and that has been comforting my “Turkish-homesick” quite well.



Any words of advice for future exchange participants?

Be Brave!!! Be brave to try new things even if you are scared. Be brave to eat new food even if you think it’s disgusting (sure it will get better if you have to eat it again). Be brave to talk to new people even if you think they do not know English (use your body language, that’s fun).







Name: Ying Pei



Exchange location: Wroclaw, POLAND



Program Name: Enter Your Future



Internship duration: 7 weeks



In three words, summarise your AIESEC internship: Worthwhile, amazing, unforgettable



A typical day on your internship:
During the internship, we worked as a team of three people and conducted workshops for Polish high school students. Since my friends and I come from different countries, we discussed the different cultures among China, Australia, Brazil and even Poland. Apart from multiculturalism, the topics also included auto presentation, creative way of living, time management, interviews etc. rather than just simple showed the slides, we tried to engage the Polish students to talk to us in English and actually made friends with them. When the school was in Wroclaw, my friends and I always explore the city of Wroclaw. We went to the tourist attractions, enjoyed the local food, experience the little shops in street corner, and also went shopping. Sometimes, the teaching place could be in a town, where everyone will be impressed by ‘The Polish Hospitality’. Since we lived in our students’ home, we could try some nice homemade Polish food every day. More importantly, this would be a good chance to learn about the culture, and Polish students were always glad to teach us some Polish. Schools would also invent us to join their activities, for example Christmas, sports competition, and skiing. To be honest, my two-week experience in town was the best.

What was the most shocking/curious/fun fact you learned on your exchange?
Although the whole exchange experience was very delightful, all the EPs are quite surprised with the disorganization with the local community. The living conditions are not consistent to what is on the job description. Besides, we always informed with short notice and insufficient information. Furthermore, those problems didn’t get the LC’s attention until the very end. My purpose of listing these points is not to complain the LC but to emphasize the importance of communication and self-initiation. With regard to the accommodation, we actually had a talk with the local community to keep our rights. Also, we understand that AIESEC is not a travel agency, who can plan everything perfectly. We had to figure out ways to get information by ourselves. This is merely a tiny, unhappy experience that I haven’t expected. I did make friends with some students in the local community and also learned how to solve problems independently.



What did you enjoy most from your exchange? Any words of advice for future exchange participants?

I would never imagine I can make so many good friends in such a short time. I made friends with the English teach, my host family mother, and my students. It’s always good to know people from another cultural background. Polish  students are potential. They have interests, such as like guitar, dancing, keyboard, drum sets, football, skiing, literature, manga etc, and they actually spend time on it. Every lesson I felt that I am inspired by the students than they from me. Polish people are friendly, polite, and hospitable, which will make you never forget your experience in Poland.



Spending almost two months together, I believe a life-long friendship has been built among EPs. We supported each other while conducting workshops, we took care of each other when in an unknown place, and we created so many inside jokes that can always remind me of the time in Poland. I spent the most unforgettable time with them, and even after the project finished we still keep contact.







​

Name: Wanbin Tan

​

Exchange location: POLAND

Program Name: Enter Your Future

Internship duration: 6 weeks

In three words, summarise your AIESEC internship: Unexpected, unforgettable, happy

A typical day on your internship:
I remembered in one of the classes we, a team of 3 people, required the students to present to us something about Poland. Particularly, I was so surprised by their profound comments about patriotism or education systems. We never imagine that kids of this age can say things like this. From that moment, I began to reflect on teaching. Actually kids have great thought. They need our respect and deserve more equality. Teaching is mutual. We learn from them too. This experience changed my stereotype.



What was the most shocking/curious/fun fact you learned on your exchange?
Before the exchange I was afraid and even reluctant to try a different lifestyle, especially those I feel uncomfortable with. For example, I don’t like dancing. Before, I would never try and must think I will lose my face. But in a party, everybody was so enthusiastic that I joined them. Although dancing so clumsily I felt the happiness in the air. I did make a breakthrough, compared to someone who just kept to themselves. Going out of the culture comfort is not just to say. Sometimes it could be hard. But once we make it, we can be more tolerant, open-minded and even confident



What did you enjoy most from your exchange? Any words of advice for future exchange participants?
Getting to know a different culture and a group of friends ☺