CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
TRUST AND ENGAGEMENT
FOR THE UK WORLDWIDE
IAESTE
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical
Experience
Outward mobility
Inward mobility
circa 40 NI students annually
circa 40 international students annually
Programme Aims:
 To provide undergraduates in Science, Engineering and Architecture
with course related training overseas
 To provide employers with highly skilled, highly motivated trainees from
around the world
 To be a source of cultural enrichment for trainees and their host
communities
Brief History:
 Founded at Imperial College in 1948
 Originally 10 founding members
 Now over 85 member countries
- different types of partner organisations
What can IAESTE bring to your business?
• Highly skilled trainee
• High level of demand for UK
placements
• Specialist skills
• International perspective
• Cultural awareness
• Global links/connections
• Short-term summer placement
IAESTE
Commitment required from NI employers:
• Placements can be for 6 weeks min up to a year
(norm would be a 12 week placement)
• Trainee should be paid a net allowance of at least £210 a week
(in accordance with minimum wage)
• Programme is employer-led in that placements are set up
according to employer requirements
IAESTE
IAESTE Job Example in NI:
Subject
Mechanical Engineering
Company
Ulster Carpet Mills
Location
Portadown
Job
The student will be working as part of a research &
development team looking at a new Axminster weaving &
finishing process. Trainee will be involved in 1 major project
with specific responsibilities & will be available for
assistance in other projects.
Duration
10 weeks
Required
Preference for someone from EU/EEA/Switzerland with
reasonable amount of practical experience.
English must be excellent.
IAESTE
IAESTE Job Example in NI:
Subject
Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science
(Specialisation – Astronomy/Astrophysics
Company
Armagh Observatory
Location
Armagh
Job
Student will be assigned to a supervisor who will provide a
short research project in 1 of the observatories. Principle
research areas: sellae astrophysics, solar physics, solar
system astronomy and dynamics.
Duration
6 weeks
Required
Preference for someone from South Africa if possible owing
to involvement in the Southern African Large Telescope
Project. English must be excellent.
IAESTE
Current job situation in NI:
15 QUB
Electrical Eng/Electronics
Engineering
Civil Eng
Pharmacy
Physics
Chemistry
Marine Bio
Architecture
4 UU
Computer Science
Engineering
Architecture
IAESTE
CDE Ireland
Mechanical Eng
Translink
Ulster Carpet Mills
Agri Foods &
Biosciences Inst
Agriculture/Food Science
Larne Borough Council
Environmental Science
Graham Construction
W Clements Chemicals
Chemical Eng
Armagh Observatory
Astrophysics
IAESTE
IAESTE Job Example - student:
Subject
Environmental Engineering
Company
ACTED, Central Asia Office
Location
Tajikistan
Job
To assist in implementation of mission's projects directed
to enhancement of environment in rural and mountainous
areas
Duration
8 – 15 weeks
Required
Student should have excellent analytical and reporting
skills
IAESTE
William Kilpatrick
UUJ - Mechanical Engineering
9 Weeks in Naturen Ltd.
Budapest, Hungary in 2009.
“Living and working abroad has
significantly broadened my life
experience in addition to my
engineering skills. The internship
increased my self confidence and
strengthened my resolve to achieve
my academic aspirations on return to
university”
IAESTE
BCNI SUPPORT
 Accommodation
organised for trainee
 Entry clearance to UK
through UKBA
 IAESTE Summer
Reception Officer for
international trainees
 Administration of
programme (offer forms,
liaison with overseas
offices)
IAESTE
BCNI SUPPORT
•Local IAESTE committee
•Social Programme
Great Summer Weather!
I had always known that international work experience would be
beneficial – it wasn’t until I completed my placement that I realised
just how advantageous my time abroad had been. I have gained an
insight into the world of Astronomy that I never could have dreamed
of before hearing about IAESTE. Personally, I feel that I have grown
into a much more confident, independent and mature person after
my experiences.
Thomas Marshall, Queen’s University Belfast
For more information contact:
Wendy Waring – Head FE/HE Programmes
Wendy.waring@britishcouncil.org
Louise Greer – IAESTE
Louise.greer@britishcouncil.org
Melissa Catterson -– IAESTE
Melissa.catterson@britishcouncil.org
www.britishcouncil.org/nireland
www.britishcouncil.org