IAESTE - COLOMBIA WHAT IS IAESTE? IAESTE is an organization conformed by more than 60 countries in the five continents. It was founded at Imperial College of London in 1948. It promotes practical training exchanges, being of benefit to students, academic institutions, technical and technological organizations and industrial sector. WHAT DOES IT DO? It contributes to receive foreign students in our country to carry out laboral practices. Equally, it gives to Colombian students the opportunity to know and pursue their training in a member country. HOW DOES IT FUNCTION? There is a National Committees Confederation in charge of administering the exchange program that represents the interests of each country.IAESTE is a non-political organization, independent of Government that maintains a consultation close relation with United Nations Agencies, for instance: Economic and Social Council of UNO (ECOSOC, UNESCO, UNIDO and International Labour Office (ILO). IAESTE is a non-political organization, independent of Government that maintains a consultation close relation with United Nations Agencies, for instance: Economic and Social Council of UNO (ECOSOC, UNESCO, UNIDO and International Labour Office (ILO). The Secretariats and National Committees constitute the Association membership. Each year, the General Conference meets the representatives of these organisms to make general policies decisions and develop the training opportunities exchange. Prior to the Conference, each country is responsible of collecting the offers of the companies willing to receive foreign students for a short period of time, according to the studies field and as a complement of university education.Such offerings are exchanged with other countries considering the reciprocity. Through universities and associated institutions, National Secretariats select qualified students, according to the requirements of the companies and choose a list of candidates that is sent to the companies for approval. Offering entities pay to the students an enough allowance to cover their maintenance and lodging during the training period. WHAT IS ITS MISSION? To manage the training practices exchange program with high quality to improve professional and technical development between member countries, promote internationalization and good will of academic institutions, businessmen and community in general. WHAT IS ITS VISION? To grant students training experiences concerning their study field. Offer motivated and qualified students to productive sector. To become a cultural enrichment source, not only for the student but also for the recipient community. WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST THE STUDENTS FULFILL? To be registered as student of one of the higher education institutions related to IAESTE Program. To speak English and, preferably, to know other foreign languages. To participate actively in the university's life and obtain good academic marks / background. WHICH COLOMBIAN EDUCATIVE INSTITUTIONS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THIS EXCHANGE PROGRAM? Ibague University Corporation University Corporation of Applied and Environmental Sciences Colombian School of Engineering Business Administration School University Foundation Saint Martin Javeriana Pontificial University Javeriana Pontificial University of Cali West Autonomous University Catholic University of Manizales La Salle University Cauca University Quindio University Tolima University Valley's University Santander Industrial University National University of Colombia National Pedagogic University Pedagogic and Technological University of Colombia Bolivariana Pontificial University Technological University of Pereira FROM WHAT COUNTRIES HAVE STUDENTS PARTICIPATED? Germany Argentina Austria Brazil Croatia Egypt Slovenia Spain France Greece Holland Macedonia Mexico Czech Republic Russia Switzerland Thailand Yugoslavia IAESTE INFORMATION - COLOMBIA ICETEX CORUNIVERSITARIA National Committee President National Secretariat Carrera 3 No. 18-32, 2nd Floor Barrio Ambala Tel (57-1) 382 1670 Ext 161/163 Tel (57-8) 2753828 Fax (57-1) 3413244 Fax (57-8) 2750148 Email: relaciones_internal@icetex.gov.co iaeste@nevado.cui.edu.co Bogotá, D.C. Ibagué, Tolima Colombia, S.A. Colombia, S.A. The IAESTE World Meeting was held in Cartagena, Colombia, on January 21st to 28th , 2005. Information can be consulted in the following website: www.iaeste.org.coFor general world information, please consult the website: www.iaeste.org.co