AIESEC and USAID establish internships in Irbid, Jordan

The internships are supported by USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ), as a part of its grant to AIESEC: 'Developing Entrepreneurial Jordanian Youth through Internships'.

The project aims to enhance the quality and quantity of Jordanian interns, increase the understanding of Jordanian youth about entrepreneurship -- what is required to own and run a business-- as well as build a strong network of institutions supporting entrepreneurship in communities in the regions of Jordan.

"The internship was one of the most important stages in my life. I have gained a huge working experience, improved my communication skills and received so many qualities that people need to improve in their own personality,"

says Kofahi, who gained a professional working experience beyond his university major.

Sayyaf Kofahi, whose job revolves around Public Relations and Information Technology, carried out his internship alongside another AIESEC member and intern from Nairobi, Diana Kilel.

The internship undoubtedly added value to the careers of Kofahi and Kilel and provided them with real work experience while preparing them for the global labor market. The internship experience opened doors to opportunities that Jordanian youth can benefit from.

"By sharing different experiences and cultures, I believe that Diana and I made a positive impact on Irbid's Chamber of Industry and the employees themselves," Kofahi said.

Apart from bringing an international perspective to her place of work, Diana Kilel employed her English skills to help the Chamber deal with its English-speaking clients. "Being native in English, this helped the Chamber in reaching the English public by translating its communication materials from Arabic to English." Diana's specific contribution in the field of Public Relations has benefited Irbid Chamber of Industry by enhancing the relationship between the management and the employees.

According to Kofahi, the experiences he went through can be easily transferred to the young people of Jordan. He encourages young people to take part in several internships, and to ultimately broaden the number and kind of experiences they have as part of their career and job training and preparation.

The experiences of Kilel were different from what she expected but enriching nonetheless. "It has been a learning experience in terms of Public Relations; the way things were run in the organization was both different and similar to how things happen back at home." Language remained one of the few barriers that stood between Kilel and her experience in Jordan; she saw it as an opportunity to learn more about the Arabic language, and for her colleagues to learn a bit more English. "All in all, it has been an amazing experience!"

AIESEC is new to Jordan, as it was established in 2006, but has been in operation for 60 years and is currently in 100 countries around the world, including 10 countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.

In Jordan, AIESEC members, who are students at the University of Jordan, Yarmouk University and Princess Sumaya University of Technology are tackling the issues of Corporate Responsibility, Entrepreneurship and Cultural Understanding and Expanding Markets, using international internships as a main component of learning in the project. Students working on the projects make connections in the community, bringing together organizations in the corporate and non corporate sector to work together with the Jordanian students and international interns. AIESEC has had 24 international internship placements to date, and has sent five Jordanians abroad on international internships. AIESEC partners in Jordan include Sustainability Excellence Arabia, The American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan, OnCampus Magazine and Jordan Exporters Association.