Youni Nip from Hong Kong has taken some time off from studies to pursue his internship in India. He is working in an online jobsite and finds it interesting. “I came to Bangalore in October and from day one, I am enjoying my work. Through my internship programme, I got the opportunity to interact with Bangaloreans,” he says.
“I have never lived out of Hong Kong and wanted to explore other countries. I always had a fascination for India and its vibrant culture. So, without a second thought, I chose India,” he adds.
Youni says that he has made many friends here. “Bangalore is such a wonderful city that it accepts everyone wholeheartedly. People here are open-minded and friendly. The weather is awesome. It is more like a second home to me,” he exclaims. He has also visited Mysore, Goa and Pondicherry.
He says he would love to watch Bollywood movies. “I have heard a lot about Bollywood from many of my Indian friends. I listen to songs on FM radio channels. You know, I am a big fan of Shah Rukh Khan,” he says.
Youni feels the education system in Hong Kong is much more organised. “In our system, we give more importance to psychology and sociology. I feel Bangalore is more into engineering and IT,” he says.
Even Pedro, an MBA graduate from Mexico, agrees, “Indian education lacks in providing a different dimension to a subject. I have studied in Belgium and Singapore where one can exploit as many opportunities as possible. Here, students are not getting enough exposure,” he says.
Annabel from China, who is working with an NGO, says that her internship made her connect with local people and address their social problems. “The NGO helped me explore Indian life closely. I would like to thank AIESEC for providing me this opportunity. I have made many Indian friends over here and am enjoying their company. These are memorable moments in my life,” she says.
Within a short span of time, she has developed a liking for Indian food. “I am staying with my manager’s family. His wife prepares wonderful dishes. I have learnt how to make chapathi, dosa and masala curries from her,” she beams.
Annabel has visited Mysore, Gokarna, Hampi, Chennai, Kancheepuram and Pondicherry and is mesmerised by the magnificent architecture there. “Every temple is awesome and each one has a story to tell. They create a magical effect on visitors,” she says.
David, another internee from France, agrees with Annabel. He has visited Delhi, Agra, Kochi and Hyderabad and says, “India is the most diverse country in the world. Because of my AIESEC internship, my life has changed,” he signs off.
What’s AIESEC?
AIESEC (Association Internationale des Étudiants en Sciences Économiques et Commerciales) is a global, non-political, independent, not-for-profit organisation run by students and recent graduates of institutions of higher education. Active in over 1,700 universities, in more than 107 countries, AIESEC enables organisations to interact and source graduates from all over the world through exchange programmes, conferences, and virtual communication tools.
The selection process for the internship consist of interview, language tests and other steps depending on the country that one has chosen. To join AIESEC in Bangalore, one can either buy a form from AIESEC Office, No 168, 8th A Main, 5th Cross, Jakkasandra Block, Koramangala or register on www.aiesecbangalore.com
