IAESTE Iran

History

At the time of IAESTE Iran's founding, Japan and Iran were the only Asian members in IAESTE. Many universities and companies worldwide were involved in the student exchange scheme for practical, field-specific, and technical training in sciences, management, and humanities. IAESTE activities in Iran continued until 1978 when it was terminated under the Islamic Revolution.

Later, in 2002, Dr. Masoud Motavalli from EMPA (Switzerland) who was a regular contributor to research at the University of Tehran, suggested that students could improve in their technical field by attending training programmes worldwide. The University of Tehran then initiated sending and receiving students for practical training in their field of study through the IAESTE scheme. This was an important step in expanding students' experiences in relation to their studies as well as familiarizing students with different ways of expanding their technical knowledge and expertise. This idea was then followed by Dr. Mohammad Shekarchi, Prof. Parviz Jabehdar, Mr. Alireza Mohanna, and their team of volunteer helpers from different universities in Iran. An application was submitted to the IAESTE International which was accepted in July 2002. University of Tehran became a new co-operating institute. Attending the 55th IAESTE general conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Iran exchanged 20 offers with 13 countries, even more than some established members. The number of students exchanged increased to almost 100 students at the next conferences. In 2005, because of the extensive hard work by the University of Tehran and the development of a well-organized committee, Iran became an associate member which was a level below full membership. 4 years later, in 2009, after terrific improvements in the expansive function of the NC, especially in statistical records and training qualities across Iran, and through stability of the Committee in handling and managing its affairs based on IAESTE international bylaws and standards, and by the devotion of its volunteer staff members, whose innovations and creativity pushed IAESTE Iran forward, Iran became a full member at the annual conference held in Warsaw, Poland by receiving 98% of votes from 50 present full member countries.

This international voting was a time-consuming, meticulous, and difficult process which was only possible due to the magnificent work carried out initially at the University of Tehran and consequently at other universities across the country. Despite the negative press of Iran in the international media (such as human rights and nuclear program), many students from different countries visit and enjoy Iran. By travelling and passing traineeships in Iran, they experience Iran's unique example of hospitality which is historically known worldwide, its wonderful diversity, its particular cultural and linguistic varieties, as well as a plethora of exchangeable skilled training, subject-specific knowledge, and learning in highly accredited educational and art institutions within Iran, in addition to enjoying Iran's wealth of historical standing in Persian rugs, Iranian poetry, historical sites, and last but not least its diverse delicious cuisines. Iranian students also broaden their horizon by traveling abroad. Thanks to the University of Tehran and its IAESTE staff, IAESTE Iran has been acknowledged for the invaluable efforts of its voluntary and established staff who worked so hard to re-establish this educational programme.

How it works

Students who wish to pass a traineeship abroad in the following summer of each academic year, need to apply for IAESTE traineeship in the autumn-winter of the previous year. Each year after the annual General Conference - which is usually held in January - IAESTE Iran receives a list of available traineeships in various fields and different countries. Thereafter, the scientific committee (whose members are Iranian university lecturers and professors) select appropriate candidates from applicants according to their qualifications, work experience, CV, and best fit for the traineeship. For each offer of training two or three students are nominated. The final nominee is selected after an oral English interview. There is an official communication between IAESTE committee of Iran and host country for work permits and visa procedures - which are often quite difficult for Iranians. Final approval is announced after receiving the acceptance from the host country.

Normally, 60 and 30 percent of offers are in engineering and scientific fields. The rest comprises management and languages. The average duration of offers is categorically between 8 and 12 weeks, although these periods can be extended if the mentors see the candidate as potentially exceptionally well-equipped in knowledge to continue for another short period. Sometimes long-term offers are available up to 6 months. The student committee of IAESTE Iran is responsible for various activities mainly concerned with IAESTE trainees who come to Iran. The duties include obtaining visa, pick up & drop off from/to the airport, introducing life in Tehran and other cities, connection with the host companies, social events/gatherings and local trips. Each IAESTE trainee has a direct Iranian student as mentor. The students who help with all such tasks are volunteers and they do so in order to provide non-stop guidance to incoming students and also to help them get better acquainted with Iran's cultural richness and diversity. National Committee's secretariat of IAESTE Iran is now located at the University of Tehran where Dr. Mohammad Shekarchi is Head of Secretariat and manages a team of volunteer students and participant universities.

List of Iranian participating universities