What is it all about?

AIESEC encourages people to have a positive impact on society. So, we decided to encourage the entire country to ask themselves “What would you change?”. Until 30th September we’ll search for people to answer this question. After we’ll have the 1000+ ideas, we’ll compile them in a video and an e-book. Maybe you’ll find there some other points of view.

What can you do?

1. Watch the video of the campaign and get inspired.
2. Write a post on your blog using the “AIESEC” and “1000+ ways of global change” tags.
3. Pass it on to at least one friend.
4. Come back here and leave a comment with the link to your post.
5. Check out the special “Supporters” page on this blog, you’ll see your name right there! After that you’ll appear even on AIESEC Romania’s blog.

Get in touch with the campaign

You can find out the updates here, on the blog, or:

• AIESEC Brasov – Facebook and Twitter
• AIESEC Romania – blog, Facebook group and Twitter.

Maybe you won’t change the entire world. But you can start making changes around you!

World Citizenship became a real brand among high schools from Brasov, developing students of all ages. This autumn, Jenny (New Zeeland) and Rik (UK) came to deliver sessions to more than 100 high school students from 7 schools.

What was great about this project? Not only the cool methods which the trainees had in delivering trainings, but also three practical events which had great impact on the development of involved students. So we had an outdoors Team Building focused on Communication games; we had a World Café which involved over 70 students and 3 NGOs focused on working with young people… It was like a small AIESEC conference in which the kids split in home groups and made different projects which have been applied in the NGOs.

At the end we had a Global Village which gathered over 100 kids and students, from which 28 were internationals from 16 different countries. 14 countries have been represented at the Global Village with food, drinks, flags, costumes, objects, sweets, musical instruments, money and, of course, at least one person from each country!! The event also had a 2 hour panel discussion in which the kids asked the internationals funny and interesting questions about their countries.

What was interesting about this event? It was included in a successful Reception Weekend in which trainees from 5 LCs came and enjoyed our city doing activities like parties, city tour and trip to Dracula’s Castle. The kids were involved too!

At the end of the project there was a closing gala with songs, laughter, crying and hugging. The trainees had special presentations and the students received diplomas for participating in the project. How cool is that?

Here are some of their impressions:

“Joining the World Citizenship project was one of the smartest moves I’ve made lately, as it has been extremely fun, and, in the same time, I’ve learned a lot of interesting and useful things. Oh, and I’ve met a lot of great people. It was one opportunity that I am glad I didn’t miss. (…) The most interesting part of the project, in my opinion, was the last activity, where we got to meet people from all around the world: Sri Lanka, Poland, New Zeeland, Taiwan, Jordan, Nigeria are just a few of the countries represented there. We got to share parts of the history of their countries, lifestyles and we got to eat some of their traditional food. How cool is that?! And in the evening, we partied with them. Fun fun fun!!!

In conclusion, I advise everyone to join, especially if in doubt. It was surely worth it, not a waste of time and entertaining. And it was also a practice for your English above all. As I said before, it is possibly once in a lifetime opportunity that you’ll regret missing. So if you have the chance, join! “

Diana Bercu, “Mesota” High School

“For me AIESEC meant understanding of other cultures, gaining communication skills, project management skills, slef trust, enjoying participation, new knowledge, new experiences. Jenny and Rick knew how to combine entertainment with learning useful things. Thanks for that!

I enjoyed it so much that I didn’t want it to come to an end!…”

Cristina Ungurean, “Unirea” High School

]]> http://blog.aiesecbv.ro/world-citizenship-4-level-up/feed/ 0 http://blog.aiesecbv.ro/just-business-nothing-personal-just-business/ http://blog.aiesecbv.ro/just-business-nothing-personal-just-business/#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:33:23 +0000 AIESEC Brasov http://blog.aiesecbv.ro/?p=471 Continue reading →]]> Just Business was the first entrepreneurship conference for 60 students from Brasov and was held at the Brasov  City Hall in the meeting room of the town counselors. Just Business consisted of two days of presentations and  trainings about business development, sales, business market, online businesses, and in the last day, of Bears Arena (Arena Ursilor).  Among the speakers were: Nicolae Tucunel ( president of Brasov ‘s Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Claudiu Gamulescu (online business developer), Radu Craciun (Bear – investor, member of the jury), Radu Ioan Tudorache (Bear – investor, member of the jury).

Bears Arena is a  financial competition in which the delegates present their business plans in front or the Bears – the jury. If their business plans are good, the investors  can help them by financing their future businesses. Even though only one participant of eight won, the other seven received feedback and recommandations from the Bears. Sometimes is not only about winning.

Don’t forget our motto: “Nothing personal, Just Business”.

Just Business, or the Bears’ Arena, as known by many, was the event that changed a bit the perception on myself, boosted my self-confidence and offered me a new perspective on what does it mean to be professional. It required a lot of work, both from me and the team I have led. I have worked under pressure because of the deadline represented by the date the conference had to be held on and because of the presence of our stakeholders who had to be impressed so that we could enjoy their participation in our future events. I encourage all those who want to enjoy an unforgettable experience to make their way to the position of coordoniting such an event.

Cornel Ionita, Organizing Committee President

Nothing personal, Just Business. This is our conference motto, but it was personal and not just business. This conference was a new opportunity for us to develop our skills and knowledge about entrepreneurship in general. It was more than that, it was an opportunity to do great networking, to start building new relations, to develop our business ideas, to develop ourselves. And we did that, even more than that, we met people that usually we can’t reach, because they’re businessmen and we are just students. They don’t care if you are a student, they care that you are young and smart , and have great potential – entrepreneur potential. They gave us feedback, advices. They addressed us as friends, not as potentially employers.

Me as a organizing committee member, I felt the same way  as all the delegates felt: “this is an opportunity to develop me and my ideas”.

And this was only the first edition, the first try, now imagine the second edition how it will be.

So it’s personal and not just business, at least for me.

Gabriel Nechita, Organizing Committee Promo

AIESEC made my dream come true!

When I arrived at the airport, 4 AIESECers were waiting for me and after that, we went to a pub, and there another 3 people come. Next day, I have visited a little part from that city-Wroclaw, and in the third day the boss came and picked me up.

I was in internship in Poland for 6 weeks in a summer camp. A camp designed for kids and teenagers, with sailing activities. My ‘’job’’ in the camp was to talk with the kids in English, and participate at the camp activities. The place was very beautiful and the overall experience was amazing.

This is what was happening everyday in the camp:

• 7.55 – The flag was up;
• 8-8.30 – Breakfast;
• 8.30-9.45 – Cleaning
• 10-13.45 – Sailing/Windsurfing if the wind was ok or some games, water fight, trip in the forest, football/volleyball match;
• 14-14.30 – Lunch;
• 14.30-15.45 – Free time-when usually the kids were playing cards;
• 16-18.45 – Sailing/Windsurfing again;
• 19-19.30 – Dinner;
• 19.30-21- Free time;
• 21-22.30 – “Mesa” (Camp party with music, games, karaoke on different themes-Cowboy vs. Viking Subcultures, Hawaii and many others);
• 22.30-Sleeping time for the kids because I was usually going to sleep at 23-24 because after ‘’mesa’’ I was chatting with the other teenagers from the camp.

The boss, his wife and the other people from there were very nice and warm. If I needed something from the city all I had to do was to ask.

Even if not all the kids could speak English well they were very friendly. Some of them were more than others. For example Ola who was trying to bring a smile on my face with some candies and a big hug when I was sad, or Blondie a 14 year old boy who was helping me to learn Polish.

When the camp was over I went back to Wroclaw and I spent there 1 week…after that I was in Krakow, and now I am in Torun.

The internship was great! I have met a lot of people, I’ve made new friends and I had a lot of fun.

I already miss the kids, the people who were there, the view, the ducks and swans from the lake…. I have sweet memories from this experience.

I had a great holiday!

Anca

I still remember the cultural shock I had here. It was an awful moment that I firstly believed that I could not handle. However, my determination to learn and experience new thing helped me overcome it. It was really hard but when I could do it, I have the feeling that ‘nothing is impossible’. More importantly, I could find out so many beautiful things that I may have not seen before. My life after that changed completely. I fell in love with almost any one I had chance to talk with during my two months in Romania. I had opportunities to do things that I cannot do right now (when I am back home).

Imagine that there were always two chains of thought came over my mind when I was in Romania. One always told me to stop, to keep me consistently with who I used to be, the other pushed me to change, to try new things so that I could experience things that I may not ever dream about. When the latter won, that moment was amazing. I felt brain-washed as I discovered new beauties. In my opinion, Romanian culture is great. If you want to discover yourself by that way, come to Romania for an Exchange.

So when you go to Romania, “where” would be your first choice? I love to vote both hands for Brasov, my lovely city. Since my first day in Brasov, I asked every one about where they love to live most in Romania; all of them answered ‘Brasov’. It was an exciting astonishment. I got to know the reasons later on.

The truth is that this city is lovely not only by its wonderful landscape and weather but also its people. I cannot deny that I fell in love with Brasov itself, and Brasov AIESECers, of course. If you want to make real friends who you will keep in touch for a lifetime, then go to Brasov. I really appreciate the kindness and warmth they gave us, international trainees. They looked after us carefully by listing out any possible activities for us to enjoy during our time there. They encouraged us to join other seminars or cultural events. They listened to our problem and assisted us every time we needed. In addition, they are truly my friends now. Indeed, I can mention names of those who I really love to hang out with but I think there will be no need to do that as I love everyone. I really regretted at the end when I had to leave Brasov that I did not take every chance to be able to talk to each of them and make friends with them. As I could not describe how I felt about them the day I left Brasov. It has become my unforgettable city. And I really hope I can return there one day.

About Brasov high school students, there were two words I could tell about them. They were very smart and enthusiastic. They loved to hear us delivering the training. Some of them liked to make jokes with international trainees. The moment I had with my students also became my significant memory during my Exchange. I taught them and I also learnt from them. In the closing gala for this project, I was really impressed by those activities they made for us. I wanted to thank them from the deepest of my heart for all the things they helped us and shared with us. I hope my students will keep learning and enjoy their life. I happily believe that they will become Brasov AIESECers in the near future.

Wow, that’s a lot to think about whenever you want to make any decision. But I just want to tell you that “if you try, perhaps you will fail, but you at least learn something from it, rather than if you do not try at all, and then you realize that you learn nothing but the regret”. So what are you waiting for? Your future is in your hands. The Exchange to Brasov has changed my lifestyle, what’s about you guys?

IT Challenge is the most popular project of AIESEC Brasov, being a continuous project and a becoming brand. Because it is at the third edition we can say that through time not only objectives and goals were reached but it developed and became popular for companies and students.

The link between students and companies was created in the workshops from the three tracks of the project: Software Development, Electronic Design and Web Design, moderated by delegates from project’s partners. These workshops challenged the students to apply for the contest from the ending of each track. So the closing gala had a part for the winners of the competition.

All these things have been possible thanks to a team of 10 passionate people. They work hardly but all the time with pleasure and the difficult moments they passed together.

After project’s evaluation the score it  got from companies was 8 from 1 to 10 and this makes us happy and ready to go further.

“IT Challenge 2.0 was an experience which matured me because I had the opportunity to make a lot of diverse contacts, from students to companies managers”.

Stefan BARBU, Project Manager IT Challenge 2.0

“For me, IT Challenge is more than a project. It was the beginning of my AIESEC experience, being the first team I joined. In this team I learned what means to apply a project, what responsibilities involves and how all the elements are connected (sales, financial, promo etc). At the second edition, being in the organizing committee, the passed experience helped me to envision what will happen and I also could help my colleagues from other areas.

I really enjoyed working with people who are really passionate by this domain and what they do. This helped me to realize that when you work with passion, the results will be more qualitative.

Accumulating enough experience during two editions, I got enough courage up to go further. Now I am the project manager of the third edition. As a team, the IT Challenge 3.0 organizing committee wishes to consolidate the IT Challenge brand through quality and professionalism. I don’t want to say more now, I’ll tell you when we’ll celebrate our work’s results”

Mihaela GRIGORE, Project Manager IT Challenge 3.0

Uncertainty, excitement and impatience, that’s how my Exchange Experience started, when I was waiting for my flight to Germany. I was lovely welcomed at the airport by AIESEC Bremen, who provided the accommodation for me. Together with other 23 students from Europe I spend two days in Bremen, visiting the city, different companies and taking part at workshops. There was as well an introductory weekend that we spend together with the Junior Chamber Club at the seaside. Here we had the opportunity to learn more about German economy.

After one week I moved to Hannover to start my internship. AIESEC accompanied me the first day to the company. Here I met a dynamic, determined and young team with whom I excellently collaborate. Interns are treated on the same level as employees and from the first day I could notice that they rely on us. Besides assisting my boss at different projects I have the opportunity to develop a new project in the company and to roll it out. Each week I encounter challenging situations that help me to develop from a professional point of view. Because it is an international company I do not only collaborate with Europeans, but with Americans and Asians as well. In this way I can have a look at the way they are working. I have to say, there are a lot of differences, the advantage is that you can pick the best out of each.

AIESEC Exchange Experience is not only going to work, it is also a lot of fun. Together with other interns we spend our weekends travelling through Germany, tasting different sorts of German beer, “Brezel” and a lot of delicious German sweets. You have the opportunity to hang out with people from all over the world, to get to know their culture, traditions and especially to make friends. It is a worth experience were you have a lot of fun, besides gaining international working experience.

Thanks AIESEC for this amazing opportunity!

Andreea

‘Youth Development Program was one of the projects that reflected, this spring, the image of AIESEC Brasov, but also the wishes and thoughts of its AIESEC team.

During YDP period, 10 devoted project members gathered 7 companies from Brasov, alumni and 160 participants from the University.

Our purpose as a team was to make a connection between the companies and students interested in marketing, sales, personal development, communication & public speaking through professional trainings.

Even if there were several critical moments, Youth Development Program succeeded to have a wonderful, united and motivated team. Each member demonstrated during the process that their willing of success is the key of project success.

“I, as Youth Development Program project manager I cannot say how interested, challenging and lovely was this experience. Not only regarding its ending and results, but as an AIESEC experience that made me realize the values this organization offers day by day…”

Daniela Coman, Project Manager YDP 2009

For me, YDP was an intense learning experience..
Regarding YDP team, the begining was shy and insecure .. we didn’t know each other very well and we didn’t have to much experience.

After this, I understood that only together we will succeed. The results camed as we growed and each of us got involved.

What’s my feeling after YDP?
I discovered that behind every successful project is a united team .. a responsible, pragmatic and ambitious team. Fortunately, I found these things in YDP team.

Last but not least, I grew along with 10 ambitious people who later becamed my best friends in AIESEC. It’s wonderful to discover that AIESEC is not just about tasks and meetings.. AIESEC it’s about friends with who you can share the same passions and ambitions.

Cristina Florea, Organizing Comitee Talent Management

In the period 16-19 July took place the largest local conference AIESEC Brasov,Local Planning Meeting. The conference is organized just once on year and follows the monitorisation and plannification of the future projects.

Projects proposed for the period July 2009-June 2010 were 3.0 IT Challenge, Just Business 2010, the Future Engineer, Career Competition, World Citizenship and Today for Tomorrow.

During the 4 days, AIESEC members had the opportunity to work in teams, coordinated by facilitators with who they have established objectives, benefits, periods of development and marketing strategies for each project. At the end of planning have been evaluated the results and have been elected presidents of the organizing committees

Besides the intense planning, the X participants took part at trainings and motivational activities, a program of cultural entertainment, enjoying the presence of two Dutch trainee.

The conference was concluded with a festive event, the Gala Awards, in which were awarded the most active and responsible members of the departments.

Local Committee Gala Awards was a precious moment for all members that were present to our Local Planning Meeting (LPM). It was for the 1st time that AIESEC Brasov organized this event in order to reward and recognize member’s efforts from each department and more.

We are talking about those members who worked with passion and commitment to achieve the proposed goals, people who demonstrated that they really understand what they have to do without forgetting about  the fun part! For each department there were made nominalization taking into consideration their activity, their involvement and passion and of course, their results and here we have the winners:

For Communication – Gabriel Nechita; External Relations – Ovidiu Balcacian, Finance – Adina Blanaru, TM – Cristina Florea, ICX – Daniela Coman.

At the same time, we desired to reward that person who showed us the true passion and understanding of what AIESEC really means – values, leadership and last but not least joy and fun! Her name is Medeea Petrovan and during her experience in AIESEC until now she made us realize that without this kind of person we can not going further on our way to the achievement of our mission. Congratulations to her and let’s take her example!

Others rewards given during this Gala Awards were: The newie STAR  and the winner was Ghenciu Dumitrita and The Oldie STAR: Aliona Secrieru. For this reward we took into consideration their fast growing in the organization as a new member and as on old one!

The impact of this event was a positive one and we will organize another Gala in December hoping that more an more AIESEC members name will be written on the nominalization list! Until then, act with commitment and feel with Joy all AIESEC experiences!