IAESTE is the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience, a global organization which enables students in scientific and technical studies to perform an internship abroad. The association was established in 1948 at the Imperial College in London, Belgium being one of its founding members. For over 75 years, the IAESTE network has continued to grow and now includes more than 80 member countries.

IAESTEs aims:

  • To provide students in higher education with technical experience relevant to their studies
  • To offer employers well-qualified and motivated trainees
  • To be a source of cultural enrichment for trainees and their host communities

IAESTE Belgium is currently active in three university cities, GhentBrussels and Leuven, each of which have their own Local Committee (LC).

The local committees promote the IAESTE program among students and organize accommodation and activities for foreign trainees. Additionally, they maintain close bonds with companies and institutions in their region.

Our national secretary, Nele De Wolf, provides administrative support and represents the local committees on the international level. Each year, about 80 Belgian students are offered the opportunity to gain work experience in a foreign company or research institution. The IAESTE program thereby enables these students to enhance their independence and flexibility, communication and foreign language skills, as well as to contribute to their personal and academic development.