IAESTE Traineeship Exchange Program
IAESTE is an international exchange network that supports higher education students in gaining professional experience, cross-cultural competence, and global work experience by participating in international internships related to their fields of study.
Applying for an internship offer does not automatically guarantee acceptance.
IAESTE internships are subject to academic field, foreign language level, class, technical competence, internship dates, and specific conditions determined by the employer. Nomination by the university or the IAESTE committee does not substitute for final acceptance by the employer.
Each application is evaluated together with the University announcement published during the relevant period, IAESTE Türkiye rules, and the specific conditions stated in the internship offer.
What is IAESTE?
IAESTE stands for “The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience.” The program brings students and international employers together through professional internship activities.
Providing students with international experience in a real work environment.
IAESTE is an international, non-profit exchange network founded in 1948, comprised of academic institutions, employers, students, and national committees.
The internships offered within the program are primarily focused on engineering, computer science, architecture, design, natural sciences, agricultural sciences, and related technical fields. Periodically, internship offers in business, management, and similar fields may also be published.
Interns participate in real work or research activities at the host institution; they have the opportunity to apply their professional knowledge, acquire new skills and experience an international work culture.
IAESTE Internship Types
The scope of internship applications, nomination methods, and working formats may vary depending on the type of offer.
Exchange Internship
These are internships offered on an exchange basis among IAESTE member countries, with the nomination process handled by the relevant national committee.
- It is intended for students from member countries.
- National committee evaluation is conducted.
- A candidate is formally presented to the employer.
Global Internship
These internships allow suitable students from different countries to apply for the same internship offer, and candidates can be compared based on employer expectations.
- It is open to a wider group of candidates.
- Offers can be published throughout the year.
- The final decision is made by the employer.
Remote Internship
These internships allow students to gain international professional experience in an online work environment without traveling to a different country.
- Online working model
- Flexible and accessible application
- Payment terms may vary depending on the offer.
Who can apply?
The general eligibility framework published by IAESTE Türkiye is summarized below. The specific conditions in the university announcement and internship offer may differ or include additional requirements.
Being an undergraduate student at a member university
Applicants must be enrolled as students at a higher education institution included in the IAESTE Türkiye network at the time of application.
Being at least in the second grade
The student is expected to have acquired sufficient fundamental academic knowledge in the relevant field.
Minimum GPA of 2.00 / 4.00
A higher minimum average or different evaluation criteria may be specified in the relevant period announcement.
A minimum score of 70/100 on the foreign language exam.
The employer or host country may also require a different foreign language certificate or a higher level of proficiency.
Studying in a department that is compatible with the internship offer.
The student's major, technical knowledge, and skills must be compatible with the field of study specified in the internship offer.
To be on the university candidate list
The student must complete the relevant selection process and be reported to IAESTE Türkiye by the University.
IAESTE Application Process
Although it may vary depending on the application type and the relevant period of implementation, the general process consists of the following stages.
University Announcement
Application deadlines, eligibility criteria, evaluation methodology, and required documents will be published officially.
Application and Evaluation
Students submit their application documents; they are evaluated based on academic achievement and foreign language results.
Candidate List
Suitable students are nominated by the University as candidates for IAESTE Türkiye.
Internship Offer
Students review internship offers that match their academic field and skills through the Exchange Platform.
Nomination File
The resume, transcript, language certificate, student certificate, and other documents requested by the employer are prepared.
Employer Acceptance
The application file is forwarded to the host institution, and the final acceptance decision is made by the relevant employer.
Visa and Preparation
After approval, visa, work permit, insurance, travel and accommodation arrangements are completed.
Internship Activity
The student completes their internship; at the end of the activity, they submit a report and the necessary closing documents.
Documents That May Be Requested
The required documents may vary depending on the internship offer, the employer, and the host country.
Resume
An up-to-date CV showcasing academic, technical, and professional experience.
Letter of Intent
A text explaining the suitability for the internship and the motivation for applying.
Transcript
Current academic records, including a description of the grading system.
Student Certificate
A current and official document showing student status.
Language Certificate
Foreign language certificate accepted by IAESTE or the employer.
Portfolio and Supplementary Documents
Examples of work for architecture, design, or technical fields.
IAESTE payment is not a scholarship; it is an internship allowance provided by the employer.
In physical IAESTE internships, the host employer provides a payment to help cover the participant's basic accommodation, food, and local transportation expenses. The amount varies depending on the country, employer, duration of the study, and the internship offer.
International travel, passport, visa, work permit, insurance, and personal expenses may require additional financial preparation from the student. Exact payment and expense details will be specified in the internship offer.
Contributions of the IAESTE Experience
Technical Experience
The application of academic knowledge in a real work or research setting.
Career Development
The contribution of international experience to resume and professional goals.
Foreign language
Development of professional foreign language and international communication skills.
Intercultural Competence
Interacting with different work cultures and social structures.
IAESTE internships can be offered to international students.
University departments, research centers, laboratories, and suitable institutions or organizations can offer IAESTE internships to international students by specifying the job description, required academic qualifications, internship duration, responsible personnel, and salary information.
The International Relations Office must be contacted before a new internship offer can be created.
IAESTE Global and IAESTE Türkiye
Please consult official IAESTE resources for current internship offers, country information, application processes, and program rules.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only. During the application and internship process, the most current announcements published by the University, IAESTE Turkey regulations, the rules of the host country, and the specific provisions of the internship offer published by the employer take precedence.