Tag: AISEC

03/30/12

Working Abroad in Hungary


By Emily Wong

I travelled to Budapest, Hungary through AIESEC Baruch in the summer of 2011 to teach kindergarten kids English.  This experience has been challenging and life-changing for me in so many ways.  Before going on this internship, I thought I knew everything about travelling before this internship, but I’ve learned a lot from it.  I was really nervous going to Budapest by myself, but the reception was so welcoming that I felt comfortable during the 7 weeks I stayed there.  Although it was a huge culture shock in the beginning, there were people from AIESEC there to help me settle down, translate, and to take me to local places.  I explored the city as much as I could and did many things that I would’ve never done in New York, like spelunking, cooking over an open fire, and meeting people from around the world.  Hungary is certainly a hidden gem in Eastern Europe and I’m certain I’ll be back there soon!

What year are you? What’s your major?

I’m currently a sophomore at Baruch College majoring in marketing.

 Why did you choose this destination?

Initially, I wanted to go somewhere in Western Europe or South America, but I decided to choose a place that was completely new as an experience.

 What were your primary responsibilities?

My responsibilities included planning and teaching English lessons/songs, help the other teachers dress and feed the kids when they needed help, and just interact with them as much as I could.

 What was most challenging about working in a foreign country or in that specific role? What did you enjoy most about working in a foreign country?

I think one of the most challenging aspects of my experience was the language barrier.  I was in a country that was fresh out of communism and with one of the most complicated languages there is.  My kids were very young (ages 2-6) and were very confused with the English songs and phrases at first.  One of the things I enjoyed the most about my internship was the chance to meet a lot of people from various countries around the world.  Because I went on an internship through AIESEC, members from this organization would constantly check up on how I was doing and take me out to visit local and tourist places around the city.

What were some of the cultural differences between the U.S. and Hungary?

One of the biggest cultural differences I noticed while in Hungary was the fact that everything wasn’t as fast paced as it is in New York.  In the city, it wasn’t crowded and people weren’t always rushing off to somewhere else.  Stores and restaurants would close around 6pm and 2pm on Sundays.  This was something that was really strange to me because I was used to having places open late or even 24 hours.  Another cultural difference I noticed was that people in that society were trusted easier than in ours.  For the train and bus tickets, passengers would board and once in a while, there would be a conductor that checks for the ticket.  It’s completely random and there is a fine if you are caught without a ticket.

What are some tips for students who are thinking of working abroad?

I think one of the most important tips you can get is to step outside of your comfort zone.  Go somewhere you’ve never been before.  Do something you’ve never done before.  Eat foods that you’ve never eaten before. My first week in Hungary was such a culture shock, that I wasted it staying at home after work and not exploring the city as I should have.  So take advantage of the opportunity that is offered to you!

03/19/12

Working Abroad in India


By Analucia Castillo

I went to India this past summer. It was the best summer I have had in my entire college career. I did not know what was going to happen when I signed up. When I arrived, I was excited to be part of the school I went to. The internship and the things that happened during that summer have changed my life. I am happy that I went through AIESEC because otherwise I could not have been able to meet the people I met, and do the things I did while I was in India.

 

What year are you? What’s your major?

I am senior International Business student graduating this spring (2012).

Where did you go? Why did you choose this destination?

I went to Ahmedabad, India. I chose this destination because I was really interested in the Indian culture and wanted to take a risk by going to India.

What was your job title? What were your primary responsibilities?

My job title was assistant teacher. I had a class of deaf student from the ages of 7 to 9 years old. I taught them the numbers and colors in English. I lived in a hostel and I was in charge of coordinating activities such as a camp fire and dance night.

What was most challenging about working in a foreign country or in that specific role? What did you enjoy most about working in a foreign country?

The most challenging about working in a foreign country is being out of your element. I was also challenged in my role with not having enough authority over my students since most of the times they saw me as a friend and not as a teacher. I enjoyed being challenged. It was a way for me to connect with my fellow interns as well as talk to them about their culture. We were able to bond in ways that I wouldn’t be able to with another student I didn’t have the chance to live with.

What were some of the cultural differences between the U.S. and your destination?

The major cultural difference was the gender issue. We wanted to rent a scooter just to roam around and we were not able to get someone to give it to us unless we had a guy to rent it. Another difference was the sense of independence and being constantly looked after. On one side it made total sense because we were their first interns, but on the other we were adults responsible for our own actions.

What are some tips for students who are thinking of working abroad?

I would recommend students to ask questions about the place where they are going to live while working abroad; If they will be living with other interns or by themselves? Will they be able to travel to other places while living there? Etc. It is normal to miss your family but they will always be your support no matter how far away you are. Just remember to enjoy the time that you have there. You will only do it probably once in your life time, so take it all in!

p.s. remember to get traveler’s insurance just in case anything gets stolen.


 

01/24/12

Working Abroad in Italy

Junior Ashley Tagg, a Corporate Communications major, spent eight weeks in Rome teaching English to students at a summer camp alongside teachers from Russia, Poland, Turkey, Egypt, and Guatemala.

What were your responsibilities as an English teacher?

I planned one hour blocks of instruction based on the children’s ages. If they were younger, I would teach them about the weather or songs.  Each day two hours were dedicated to theater, etc. We put on performances for the parents and the end of the week.  Each week was dedicated to learning about a different country [where each of the teachers were from].

When it was time for the U.S., I made brownies. Apparently, brownies don’t exist there! I thought how people saw us was as ‘hamburgers and hotdogs,’ …but it’s actually as breakfast foods like muffins and pancakes.

What was the most difficult part of working abroad?

We [the teachers] had to identify flaws in our teaching to figure out the best way to teach the kids.

What was your most memorable experience?

There were so many different challenges in a cultural work environment, adapting to the experience and empathizing with others.

Everyone there is very generous and genuine. ..Everyone said “hi” whether they knew you or not. The parents got to know you. They would take you out after work or on the weekends. It’s easier to work there. I felt more carefree. I learned to breathe this summer.

Any tips for students thinking about working abroad?

Do it! It’s a great experience to get work experience while abroad.

When placed in a difficult position, it’s good to reevaluate yourself.

Get out of your comfort zone and see what you’re really like when away from friends and family.

Work ethic is different across the globe in terms of ethics and leadership.