History of AIESEC

In 1944, AIESE was unofficially founded by two students in Stockholm, Sweden, in response to World War II. The two founders, Jaroslav Zich and Stanislas Callens created AIESE “to help develop friendly relations between members (of different) countries”. Finally in 1948, AIESE was officially founded and its name was changed to AIESEC.
Being an organization that strives for a mission that parallels many others in the public, AIESEC quickly became popular. By the end of 1960, there were 2467 exchanges, and 4232 by the end of 1970.

AIESEC is recognized and approved by every American president since John F. Kennedy.
The former general secretary of the United Nations, Kofi Annan said:

“The United Nations has long recognized that the imagination, ideals and energies of young men and women are vital for the continuing development of the societies in which they live. AIESEC has contributed to this development by serving as an agent of positive change through education and cultural exchange to develop a broader understanding of cultural, socio-economic and business management issues.”

Promotional Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=DHYC1FtvCGY

Purdue

AIESEC Purdue began in 1978. After the end of the Vietnam War and with the political turmoil of the early 1970’s, AIESEC was started at Purdue with the hope of accelerating college students’ minds beyond their own preconceived notions of other cultures and countries. With the Cold War keeping tensions between the USA, Europe and the USSR at a high, and countless battles in Africa and the Middle East AIESEC was as important as ever.

Purdue’s first chapter started out small 30 years ago and over the course of the last three decades has improved drastically. Through positive leadership and committed membership our chapter continues to improve. By keeping a committed team of students working for our local chapter, increasing outgoing exchange, and working to increase trainee opportunities we have developed a strong organization that has a thick foundation for success. Every year at Purdue new members who have missions aligned with the mission of AIESEC are added and senior members graduate and move on, taking the lessons of AIESEC with them. The passion and leadership that make AIESEC members what they are is not lost when new leaders come into rolls. This cycle is one of the reasons that AIESEC Purdue continues to be an influential organization on campus; constantly expanding and developing the global leaders of the future.