ERAC 2024 in Zagreb & Study Tour

ERAC is an annual conference of AIESEC alumni of Europe, intended to gather all AIESEC alumni in one place to celebrate AIESEC values, touch on global issues, encourage leadership & personal growth, build networks, and have a great time.

Under the slogan “Connect to Impact”, AIESEC Alumni Croatia is celebrating its first birthday in the AIESEC Alumni Europe family during four unforgettable days filled with interesting workshops, well-known AIESEC parties, and opportunities to connect and create space for change, new friendships and lifelong memories.

Explore the only world capital that starts with Z – Zagreb. Experience a real adventure – escape from the Grič canon at noon on the shortest funicular in the world to one of the beautiful city parks.

Make a wish at Manduševac, and suddenly find yourself in the solar plexus of Europe or in the Museum of Illusions. Talk to Tesla, taste traditional štrukli, or get lost in the colorful streets of one of the safest capitals in the world.

The opportunities to explore are endless, all you have to do is come … and connect.

Here are the available packages:

4 days/3 nights fee in a twin room (25. – 28.4.): early bird 440€/regular 450€

4 days/3 nights fee in a single room (25. – 28.4.): early bird 580€/regular 590€

4 days/3 nights fee without accommodation (25. – 28.4.): early bird 140€/regular 150€

3 days/2 nights fee in a twin room (26. – 28.4.): early bird 350€/regular 360€

3 days/2 nights fee in a single room (26. – 28.4.): early bird 400€/regular 410€

3 days/2 nights fee without accommodation (26. – 28.4.): early bird 115€/regular 125€

2 days/1 night fee in a twin room (27. – 28.4.): early bird 235€/regular 245€

2 days/1 night fee in a single room (27. – 28.4.): early bird 285€/regular 295€

2 days/1 night fee without accommodation (27. – 28.4.): early bird 80€/regular 90€

Upon registration, you will receive the link to purchase a desired package.

Register here: //bit.ly/ERAC24

Agenda

Day 1: 25.4.

City Tour Zagreb

Opening & Get2Know

AAE Updates

Day 2: 26.4.

Keynote: Connect to Impact

Panel discussion: How to connect & impact in different sectors?

Alumni Talks: 

  • Migration & Integration; are we facing a global issue?
  • Impact & fear
  • Intimate relationship as base for successful life
  • Alumni Talk 4 & 5 TBA

Personal Development Workshops:

  • Non-violent communication – How can empathy unlock difficult situations?
  • Wellbeing
  • Lead without fear
  • Workshop 4 TBA

Day 3: 27.4.

AIESEC Europe & Croatia Updates

Alumni Talks

  • Croatia in the context of the region and the world, geopolitical aspect
  • Choosing Croatia – for business and family life
  • Working abroad – Lessons Learnt
  • Integrating migrant workers into the European societies 
  • Anticipatory Climate Action as a hunger prevention tool

Panel Discussion: Harnessing AI for the benefit of the business, academia and civil society

Business Opportunities

Day 4: 28.4.

Impact Areas

  • Education & Learning
  • Sustainability
  • Leadership & Peace
  • Alumni Engagement

*The Organiser reserves the right to make changes to the agenda.

Study Tour: Explore Plitvice lakes – Pag island – Zadar

We feel that no trip to any ERAC conference would be complete without getting to know the hosting country better. That’s why we’ve prepared an amazing study tour to intimately acquaint you with some of Croatia’s world renowned historical, natural and cultural gems. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Experience the lunar landscape of the island of Pag. Admire the view at Church of St. Donatus while listening to sea organs in Zadar, and much more. 

Dates: 23.- 25.04.2024.

Day 1: Zagreb – Plitvice lakes (tour across the national park & lunch) – Island Pag (accommodation in camp Šimuni, two nights)

Day 2: Island Pag

  • Explore Pag, relax on the beach or join one of the exciting excursions (optional).  

Day 3: Pag – Zadar (city tour) – Zagreb

Note:

  • The Study Tour will be held in the days preceding the conference, April 23th – 25th.. 
  • It’s separated from the main conference in terms of the registration and payment. 
  • The Study Tour can be purchased only for the delegates of the conference and the people accompanying them.

Fee

  • Study tour fee is 250 EUR.
  • It includes transportation, shared accommodation in camp Šimuni (double bed room), entrance to the national park Plitvice lakes, lunch at Plitvice lakes, visit to the Gallery of Pag Lace and Zadar city tour.
  • Accommodation is in a 2 bedroom mobile house. One room has twin beds, and one room is a double bed. In case you want the room for yourself, you can pay an additional 50€.
  • Optional excursions on Pag:
    • Gligora cheese factory (tour & tasting): 20 EUR (Pag cheese is one of the Croatian delicacies) 
    • Boat excursion (TBA) 

Additional info regarding the Study Tour is available on the web pages, and the Facebook pages. It’ll also be directly communicated via emails to all the attendees ahead of the Tour.

So, if you haven’t done it already, hurry up and register.

Register here for the Study Tour: //docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeO3iTZHSokHaoiPp7NnLgAYw5wQIIX01WtpDS31AkOScir0A/viewform

Open position Organization & Development Manager in the AAE MT

Do you believe in changing the world?
Do you believe AIESEC Alumni can be a part of the change?
Do you want to be part of the change?
Apply to be a team member of AIESEC Alumni Europe!

Responsibilities

– Inform about the status of NAA’s and suggest actions
 – Organisation of regular calls with the respective countries
–  Collect and share best practices with other countries and VP NAA Growth
 – Support VP NAA Growth to develop an “NAA Start-up package”
– Keeping track of events of countries and communities under your leadership
– Connect with the board of the NAA/ community
– Subscribe to the Newsletters
– Follow up after NAA calls (especially if no attendance)
– Prepare to sign of Financial Agreement

Requirements

– Strong communication skills
– Open personality
– Team player
– Energy and passion for AIESEC Alumni
– Ability to allocate time for calls if needed
– Ability to travel to three AAE meetings per year
– Empathy and people skills

The Team

You will work together closely with VP NAA Growth of AIESEC Alumni Europe, other Country Managers, the boards of the European NAAs, and the OCPs of the local and national projects for the entities you are managing.

Benefits

– Be an internationally recognized member of the AIESEC Alumni community
– Making AIESEC Alumni relevant in the society
– Working in a European virtual team
– Enjoy the AIESEC passion!

Further Requirements

• Passion and vision for AIESEC Alumni
• AIESEC experience
• Persistence and energy
• Ability to travel (time & money) to 2 AAE meetings per year (Planning Weekend, ERAC, StepUp)
• The board will be elected for a term of two years.
• Residence in Europe in 2023-2025.

Benefits

-Be an internationally recognised member of AIESEC Alumni community
– Making AIESEC Alumni relevant in the society
– Working in an European virtual team
– Enjoy the AIESEC passion!

Would you like to join us?


Ti apply, please fill in this form: //forms.office.com/e/ebBKhh8sh9

Recap 75 years of AIESEC – European celebration

On Saturday 28 October 2023, AIESECers and alumni in Europe celebrated the founding of AIESEC 75 years ago. For the occasion more than 200 people from all generations and continents came together at the Wereldmuseum in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The museum like AIESEC brings people and cultures together, although the museum already for 160 years.

After an introduction by Marco Swan (President of AIESEC Alumni Netherlands), Nilton Pinheiro (Museum Guide & Africa Expert) presented the purpose of the museum as a space where the people of Rotterdam collected exhibits from cultures around the world for the education of their fellow citizens.
Alysha Alva from AIESEC International shared information on the AIESEC 75 Storybook which collects stories from AIESECers around the globe about deciding moments in their AIESEC career. Lots of stories played on a continuous loop throughout the evening for participants to see and read.
In a fireside chat, current PAI (President of AIESEC International) Chester Shum discussed with the first Secretary General (aka PAI) Victor Loewenstein about the association in 60s, the recent challenging years and the future. Both emphasised that AIESEC’s mission of “Peace and fulfilment of humankind’s potential” is as valid today as it was 75 years ago.


Building on this, Yana Rudenka (Alumna of AIESEC in Ukraine) and Kateryna Kirvas, the current MCP of AIESEC in Ukraine, gave a moving account of their experiences in Ukraine from February 2022. Both shared with the audience how their life had dramatically changed and how they and the organization gets involved to help children, mothers and families to get through the winter. During the evening, more than €3,000 were collected for Netherlands for Ukraine Foundation on potbelly stoves for internally displaced Ukrainians, people in de-occupied territories and in the regions that are close to the battle field. Netherlands for Ukraine Foundation is one of the biggest Dutch organisations that help Ukrainians. Your donation can be tax-deductible, as NL4UA has ANBI status. Please, consider making a contribution: //donorbox.org/netherlands-for-ukraine


From talking about peace we switched to a panel discussion on Sustainable Leadership. Current Dutch MCP Bianka Demeter discussed with Daan Smits (Head of Operational Development at Mosa Meat), Tatiana Izmaylova (HR Director Group Functions and DEI at Ontex), Tamer Zikry (Global Head of Talent at CSC and Intertrust Group) and Simone Jeuken (HRM Young Interim Professional at Yacht) about their AIESEC careers, what they have learned and still use now in their careers and how the future looks like for leadership.


To close the event Christiane Stein, President of AIESEC Alumni Europe, joined Marco to introduce the European Regional Alumni Conference in April 2024, the next chance to come together and “Connect2Impact”.
The official program was followed by a walking dinner, mingling and dancing. Several AIESEC roll calls were brought back to live with AIESECers and alumni.

StepUp! 2023 – AAE’s leadership conference

At the end of October AIESEC Alumni Europe’s leadership conference took place. This year, the event was split into two parts.

On Wednesday, the virtual general assembly took place where the board presented a summary of activities in 2022 and 2023 incl. financial statements. Also the new AAE board for the term 2023-2025 was elected:

Peter Struckel (VP Alumni Engagement, Mirza (VP Finance), Stéphanie Kusemann (VP NAA Growth), Christiane Stein (President), Katarina Korenkova (VP Tech) and Diana Severati (VP Communications).

On Saturday, the physical meeting took place in Rotterdam. After an introduction and get to know, the participating National Alumni Associations shared their current challenges on membership, leadership pipeline, financial sustainability and purpose. In five working groups, the participants addressed the purpose and values challenge. While some shared some hard to admit truths, others presented a framework for the purpose of the alumni associations in the future.

Based on the discussion in Rotterdam, VP Alumni Engagement Peter Struckel will create a task force and work with alumni from national entities to continue the work on the topic and prawns results at ERAC 2024.

Remarkable 20 Years of AIESEC Friendships

We crossed paths in Mumbai back in 2003, brought together by the AIESEC Internship Programme. Hailing from diverse corners of the globe, our group is a vibrant tapestry of continents, countries, and backgrounds. We also looked at the world in a positive way.

We were all AIESEC trainees, driven not only by the desire to advance our careers, but also by the yearning to immerse into the intricacies of Indian culture. Those days were a whirlwind, both in our professional pursuits and personal lives. While our AIESEC internships lasted only a handful of months for most, the impact of that experience has endured across time, shaping our lives to this day.

Our group gatherings generally have evolved in size over the years, yet the thread of continuity has remained unbroken. 

From Hong Kong in 2008 

to Vienna in 2010, 

then Berlin in 2013, 

Cologne in 2017, 

Berlin again in 2019, 

and then Amsterdam in 2022, our connections have thrived. 

The fruit of these connections is remarkable. Six cross-cultural marriages have blossomed while giving rise to thirteen children who effortlessly talk in multiple languages. Their friendships perpetuate our legacy into the next generation.

This upcoming New Year’s Eve, we will celebrate together in Poprad, Slovakia, 20 years of being friends. To sum up, our group shows how important AIESEC’s values and vision are because they’ve helped us to stay connected and strong over all these years.

Magda Zawodny Barabanow 

2003: Intern India 

2023: Innovation Manager at Berlin Partner

Alumni Mentor Program starts new Round 2023/24 – call for participation!

AIESEC Alumni Poland is looking for other national AIESEC Alumni associations to run the next edition of our award-winning international Alumni Mentor program together!

1st edition of Alumni Mentor took place in 2020/2021 solely in Poland, in cooperation with a people development company Kingmakers (run by AIESEC Alumni). After that we run 2 more international editions, involving SwedenUAERussiaHungaryCroatiaBelgiumCzechiaSlovakia! At European Regional Alumni Conference 2023 in Naples our program was awarded for international alumni cooperation by AIESEC Alumni Europe! Now we’re looking for more partner associations to join us in edition 2023/24!

Alumni Mentor Program

Why should your AIESEC Alumni association participate in Alumni Mentor?

  • Create a positive impact on your environment.
  • Provide a high-quality, amazing development experience to your members.
  • Promote your association and also gain new members – hanks to Alumni Mentor the membership base of AIESEC Alumni Poland tripled!

The quality of the Alumni Mentor program is ensured by:

  • Recruitment of mentors and mentees based on maturity – we are verifying application forms, checking the motivation of mentor and mentee candidates and assess their suitability for mentoring
  • Matching process – based on background, preferences and profiles described in application forms but also on LinkedIn
  • Training program for mentors and mentees – our partner Kingmakers will deliver 3 professional trainings to mentors and 1 training for mentees
  • Progress tracking of meetings because we check if the pairs really meet and work
  • Evaluations – we monitor the quality of the program, in particular, through mid-term evaluations and react if needed

Key assumptions:

  • Participants (mentors and mentees) can choose if they would like to work in mixed (international) or local pairs (native language).
  • Kingmakers is the strategic partner of the program on an international level.
  • The executive board of the AIESEC Alumni Poland will appoint a person for the International coordination.
  • Each participating national Alumni association will appoint one national coordinator who will hence organise the program on the national level.
  • Key events happen within the same timeframes and dates. All participants will join key meetings in English (especially training for mentors and mentees).
  • Only formal members of the national AIESEC Alumni associations can participate in the program meaning both mentors and mentees need to be members. Of course, each association can define its criteria for formal membership.
  • Generally, key materials like application forms, evaluation surveys, mentoring contracts are unified on the international level and will be in English.
  • We will assign mentor-mentee matching on the global level in cooperation with Kingmakers while national coordinators will participate and can provide suggestions for matching of participants coming from their countries.

Responsibilities

International coordinatorNational coordinators
– Timeframes.
– Application forms.
– Trainings for mentors and mentees.
– Mentor-mentee matching.
– Meta-mentoring sessions.
– Evaluation surveys.
– Promotion on the national level.
– Participation in matching.
– Tracking the progress of the mentoring process in pairs where the mentee comes from their country.
– Handling participants’ cases that require attention on the national level.

Timeframes

September 2023– Setup of cooperation among national AIESEC Alumni associations
– Recruitment of national coordinators
October 2023– Firstly, preparation of global templates for promotion materials
– Secondly, preparation of application forms
– Lastly, preparation of final local promotion materials
November 2023– Recruitment of mentors & mentees
– Global mandatory trainings for mentors and mentees across all countries
– Mentor-mentee matching
December 2023 – April 2024– Actual mentoring sessions
– Evaluation surveys/checkpoint such as which pairs are active (March)
– Mid-term global training for mentors (March)
– Meta-mentoring sessions for mentors (March)
May 2024– Final global training for mentors
– Final global evaluation surveys
June 2024– Global Closure Ceremony
– Certificates for mentors

Next steps

lastly, if your national AIESEC Alumni association is interested or has questions, please write to marek(at) aiesec-alumni.pl and start looking for the national coordinator!

Follow us also on LinkedIn to get the latest updates about AIESEC Alumni Mentor!

AIESEC 75 – European Celebration: Unleashing 75 Years Of Vivid Leadership

Join us for the celebration of AIESEC’s 75th anniversary in the Netherlands! This event is a regional gathering of AIESEC members and alumni from all over Europe. We will be celebrating our accomplishments and looking forward to the future of AIESEC. You don’t want to miss this exciting event!

confirmed speakers: Victor LoewensteinSimone JeukenBianka DemeterTamer Zikry

Normal tickets from 109€

Reduced tickets for active AIESECers and studying alumni: 49€ 

Register now: //bit.ly/AIESEC75Europe!

Agenda

16:00 – 16:30 Walk-in

We will welcome you and have you settle in. See and meet who else is joining us for a memorable afternoon and evening.

16:30 – 18:00 Plenary: Keynotes and Panels

Speakers will be announced soon! Guaranteed is an inspring afternoon, reflection on how far we have come as an organisation, and a look towards the future.

18:00 – 20:30 Walking Dinner

Serving you a walking dinner allowing you to enjoy the food, good conversations and absorb all the stories present in the AIESEC Alumni Network.

20:30 – 23:59 Gala

We will dance into the night and party as we are used to. You know parties in the Netherlands are a guaranteed success – so put on your dancing shoes and have a blast.

Frequently asked questions

Which hotel(s) do you recommend? 

Depending on your preferences we recommend the following hotels: – Hostel: Hostel ROOM Rotterdam (3 min. walk to venue) – Budget: Hotel Breitner (18 min. walk to venue) – Regular: Thon Hotel Rotterdam (3 min. walk to venue) – Luxe: Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre (9 min. walk to venue)

Until when are early bird tickets available? 

Until August 15th

What’s included in the ticket? 

The full program with interesting speakers, a dinner and a gala. Our location is an iconic building from 1851 on the banks of the Maas river with a view of the Rotterdam skyline. F&B included: aperitif, 3-course walking dinner including drinks, and snacks at the gala. 

My country does not have a formal NAA, can I stil buy the lower priced ticket ?

Yes, but only if your country has an alumni board recognized by AIESEC Alumni Europe that can confirm you as an active alumni member.

Am I allowed to buy an extra ticket for a +1? 

Yes, a +1 is allowed.

APPLY NOW for the AAE Board 2023/2025

Apply on here: //bit.ly/AAEboard23 – Deadline 15 October 2023

Common requirements for all board positions:

  • Passion and vision for AIESEC Alumni
  • AIESEC experience
  • Persistence and energy
  • Ability to travel (time & money) to three AAE meetings per year (Planning Weekend, ERAC, StepUp)
  • The board will be elected for a term of two years.
  • Residence in Europe in 2023-2025.Ability to travel to three AAE meetings per year
VP Finance 
Responsibilities 
– Develop and oversee the annual budget for AAE in collaboration with the other board members.
– Monitor the financial performance of AAE on a monthly basis and report to the board on financial status, cash flow, and budget variances.
– Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and laws.
– Ensure timely and accurate invoicing of fee share agreements.
– Be informed about AAE activities and their financial implications.
– Offer advice and guidance to the other board members on finance-related matters.
– Work with auditors to ensure accurate and timely completion of financial statements.
– Manage AAE’s bank account and process reimbursements for expenses.
– Maintain accurate financial records and ensure their confidentiality.
– Attending bi-weekly calls, planning meeting, ERAC and StepUp
Skills 
– Strong accounting and financial management skills.
– Ability to work independently and take initiative in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
– Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
– Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
– Risk-averse with the ability to identify potential financial risks and implement measures to mitigate them.

Additional requirement: EU citizen or Swiss National 
  
VP Communications 
Responsibilities 
– Create Communication Strategy
– Management of Social Media channels & website
– Logo and Marketing Materials
– Collect input from board for publication
– Run communication campaigns
– Gatekeeper for outside AAE communication
– Lead the communication team
Skills 
– Strong communication skills
– Outgoing, open personality
– Team leading
  
VP NAA Growth 
Responsibilities 
– Inform about status of NAAs and suggest actions
– Organisation of monthly NAA call
– Collect and share best practices
– Regular bilateral calls to NAAs and communities
– Development and maintenance of “NAA Start-up package”
– Management of communication details to NAAs and communities
– Keeping track of events of NAAs and communities
– Collect and calculate KPIs
– Lead the team of regional managers
Skills 
– Strong communication skills
– Outgoing, open personality
– Team leading
 
VP Joker?! 
Responsibilities 
What area would you like to run?   
Skills 
– Strong communication skills
– Outgoing, open personality
– Skills in desired field

ERAC – Get ready to book now!

Dear all,

ERAC takes place from 18-21 May 2023 on the island of Ischia – a ferry/ boat trip from Naples.

We will stay at the Hotel Apollon in the Miramare Sea Resort & Spa  //www.miramaresearesort.it.

The following rooms are available (3 nights):

  • Standard double room 420€ per person 
  • Superior double room 480€ per person 
  • Single room 540€

The room fee will be collected by the hotel and includes breakfast – light lunch and dinner ( with wine included) and gala dinner. Furthermore, the hotel is situated in a thermal water park and access to all 9 pools is included. 

Further we will take 25€ conference fee. That will be collected on-site by AAItaly. 

There will be a study tour after the conference for 1, 2 or 3 days. Details to follow soon.

To register for ERAC, please send an email to hotel@hotelmiramare.it with your room choice and the person you want to share the room with.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Foto von Samuel C. auf Unsplash

World CleanUp Day 2022

OBITUARY

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend, supporter and mentor Arnould de la Boulaye.

Arnould was an example of dedication, perseverance and total commitment to defend causes he deeply believed in. Many of us had the privilege of working closely with him on a variety of projects and observe that his prime goal was to serve others, build paths of collaboration and fight for ambitious goals that would make ours a Better World.

One of the causes he treasured throughout his life was AIESEC. Having been President of AIESEC-France while a student, Arnould maintained both the spirit and the objectives of the Association alive all through his personal and professional lives. His consistent aim was to help others and he reflected this by the numerous persons he mentored, by the various start-ups he helped launch, by the support he offered those seeking counsel while consistently doing so on a selfless voluntary basis.

Doubtless he was the Founder and creator of the AIESEC Fund, an initiative which he saw as a potential vehicle to fundraise and thus generate funds to finance AIESEC initiatives, whether generated by the Student or the Alumni bodies. He fought to launch this ambitious project because he deeply believed that it would fulfil the Association’s goal of “Peace and Fulfilment of Humankind’s Potential”.

Arnould was the prime example of an AIESECer. He took the Association’s purpose and goals from his student days till the day of his death. He leaves great memories in those who had the pleasure and honour of knowing him. He will be remembered as someone dedicated, committed, persevering and always having the service of others as his prime objective. He embraced the concept that “AIESEC is for Life”.

May he rest in Peace.

Words by Victor Loewenstein

——

StepUp 2022

Support to Ukraine

Here we have some actions you can take to help: 
DISCLAIMER 
We are not responsible for the content issued by the organizations mentioned above, media, and broadcast channels outside our association; however, we encourage you to keep yourself informed and analyze if the information to read is from a reliable source. Also, remember to contrast the news for a complete perspective and stay in touch with your alumni association to learn about more initiatives and ways to help. 

📌 Keep yourself informed from verified and unbiased news sources:
UN News: //news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112202
Kyiv Independent: //kyivindependent.com/
Hromadske International: //en.hromadske.ua
BBC News: //www.bbc.com/news@reuters 

📌 Make donations to help with resources, check on verified donations for relief:
Support Ukrainian Children fighting cancer: //tabletochki.org/en/
The Red Cross ICRC: //www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine
UNOCHA: //www.unocha.org/ukraine
UNICEF Ukraine: //www.unicef.org/ukraine/en
care.org
icrc.org
internationalmedicalcorps.org
projecthope.org
savethechildren.net
unhcr.org 

📌 Find a place to stay as a refugee:
//elinor.network/gastfreundschaft-ukraine/
//www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2022/02/additional-immigration-support-for-those-affected-by-the-situation-in-ukraine.html 

📌 Real ways to support Ukraine:
//how-to-help-ukraine-now.super.site/ 

From AAI Newsletter, Call To Action, 7th April 2022