Typical Timeline

September-December (and continuously all year round): Promotion and employer negotiations
IAESTE representatives in each member country meet with employers to discuss their needs around technical trainees and placements. Once an employer has decides to bring in IAESTE students, they complete an Offer Form, detailing their requirements. At the same time, representatives are also sourcing local talent by promoting to students in their respective countries.

Mid-January: Annual Conference
Offers of placements are exchanged with partner countries both at the IAESTE Annual Conference (held in January each year) and virtually throughout the year using a secured electronic portal. Employer and student requirements are carefully discussed, monitored and respected with partner agencies.

February-April: Nomination
Once the Offers are exchanged, students then apply for the exchanged positions through the IAESTE committees in their home countries. IAESTE representatives use their expertise to select the most qualified candidate for each offer, meaning one applicant is sent at a time for consideration by the Employer.
On receipt of the nomination package, including CV, covering letter, transcript and reference, the Employer then has the opportunity to accept the candidate.

March-May: Acceptances and Visa processing (where necessary)
Once the candidate is accepted by the Employer, the IAESTE representatives in both countries work together to prepare the student, and to ensure that the student has all the necessary permits and/or visas needed to undergo the placement.

May-September: Placements
Placement durations and timescales differ from country to country but most take place during the summer months and vary in length according to employer requirements. IAESTE representatives will normally facilitate accommodation and social and cultural activities for the trainees during these months.Evaluations are carried out at the end of the placements to monitor quality and improve processes.