Typical Timeline

IAESTE employers can offer placements and welcome IAESTE trainees at any point throughout the year.Please note that below is the typical IAESTE year, however different countries work in different ways, depending on the academic calendar.

September-December: Promotion

IAESTE representatives in each member country promote to undergraduate Science, Engineering and Applied Arts students. In some countries, students may be required to complete an initial registration, in others they would be required to find a local placement for an incoming international trainee.

Mid-January: Annual Conference

According to the break-down of student interest, IAESTE representatives identify and exchange Offers of placements 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

Immediately after the conference, (or once the Offers are exchanged) students are able to 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.