PTE is more than just a uni.

It's opportunity.

There is a volunteer leadership program called AIESEC which is completely composed of young adults, several of whom study at my university. Since 1948, youth leaders or "AIESECers" from more than 120 countries and territories have united as one to empower each other through cross-cultural exchanges. This organization strives for "Peace and Fulfillment of humankind's potential" which is enticing to an aspiring social worker such as myself. 

Last semester an AIESEC member and friend of mine named André told me about the program and a particular exchange which sounded super rad but wasn't possible due to bad timing. A few weeks went by and André told me about an even better exchange opportunity teaching english and empathy to children in Greece. The duration cut 2 weeks into my spring semester which was a definite concern but after clearing it with my professors (really wasn't a problem) I began the application process. Instructions to apply were clear and any questions I had were quickly answered by actual AIESECers in Pécs via Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. Once my application was accepted I was required to send a short video of myself talking about what was appealing about this particular exchange and to confirm that I was fluent in English. I was tentatively accepted the day after I sent the video. My final acceptance followed payment of the AIESEC fees which are necessary to maintain the success of the program because it's a non-profit. 

AIESEC crew at the outgoing preparation seminar.

Every AIESEC exchange differs in terms of location, type of work, duration and benefits. My exchange puts me in Patras, Greece teaching english for 6 weeks (minimum) and covers housing costs. No matter where you go and what you do; AIESEC ensures you reach your destination and provides someone who acts as your support system and encourages you to develop as a leader. This personal development is how AIESEC addresses the "fulfillment of mankind's potential" part of its mission. It is critical to the program that you return from your exchange with wider eyes and the confidence to change the world. 

I am currently on a train from Pécs to Budapest. From there I will fly to Patras and begin my AIESEC adventure.