- Created in 1948, the IAESTE has sent over 330,000 students abroad to work on various projects. The organisation sends UK students abroad, as well as offering students from countries supported by the scheme over to the UK to complete a summer work placement.
- Placements are open to students completing a degree in Engineering, Science, Technology and Applied Arts.
- Placements usually last for a period of 6-12 weeks over the summer months, though they can sometimes be longer, depending on the job at hand.
- Students are paid living costs during their placement and the British Council offers its participants help with cultural integration and workshops.
- Students are helped with their search for accommodation and visas
- Work placements are offered within industry, research institutions and the public sector.
The application process usually starts in October-December, to apply for a placement for the following summer. UK students are encouraged to find work placements for foreign students in order to boost their application. Help is offered by the IAESTE team for all students wishing to take part in the program.
During the work placement, students are asked to write an essay on how they benefited from their international training; upon their return, these essays are shortlisted, with 8 candidates competing for 3 awards (£500, £350 and £100), by giving presentations about their work placement abroad.
Check the website for further details and case studies from students who’ve taken part in previous years.
