AIESEC in Egypt

Heidi in Egypt (MC CEED 4 Dec 2007 - 10 Jan 2008)

2008-01-14T07:10:00.000-08:00

My CEED reflection post are thoughts that are up there in the clouds as they reflect who I am. I've tried to make it less so, but it hasn't worked, as I know not of any other way to capture all my thoughts and feelings on a page of words on a screen. This is my umpteenth attempt. So for those who hate fluffy stuff, I apologise.

In summary,

The AIESEC work was interesting, but it was not the key.
It was the meeting people from all walks of life in a place that is so full of character, and so dissimilar to what you're used to.
It was working with and becoming friends with people who grew up in a different environment and have a different thought process.
It was understanding how these friends thought the way they do and believed in the things they do.
It was feeling the pinnacle of loneliness and finding comfort in it.
It was messing up and feeling lost, but looking past it, and moving on, striding along when you could have just crumbled to the ground.
It was waking up to an adventure everyday rather than a chore.
It was meeting people who make up the world and realise how it's every single one of us who make the world the way it is, frustrating yet beautiful.
It was waking up to the sun rising against the Red Sea, and realising how big the world is.
It was standing in the middle of the traffic and chaos and feeling how small you are, but how much there is you can do.
It was experiencing feelings and thoughts at their extremes, and knowing how to use them to build you.
It was seeing the bigger of everything.
It was meeting friends who are so much more than that, who make you realise the strength you never knew you had in you, or forgot you had in you; who make you a much fuller self on your own just by being who they are. Persons in your life and daily thoughts no matter the distance.
It was seeking inspiration and courage and finding it.

It was something staying at home would not have triggered or given, at such a pace.

-----------------------------

I'm writing this in a very jetlagged state, so I apologise for any bad English.

My Cairene trip and MC CEEDership has ended. Too quick, too soon. But I couldn't have asked for more.

We go through many phases in our lives. Times when we are learning all we can from the people who teach us, when we are constantly observing and absorbing everything that is happening in the world around us, when we are seeking for something bigger and larger, or something more specific, when we are just rushing through our days, trying to get objectives accomplished, when we slow down, breathe, and take in all the beautiful sights and sounds surrounding us.. My life is a constant sliding through and between these different phases and more, all to satisfy my passion for finding my place in this world.

Why an MC CEED?
I had just had an intense year in Melbourne - my LCP term was nothing less than many continuous big bangs, my university and personal life followed not far behind. Though the outcomes were rather delightful, I was burnt out and unfeeling towards everything that made up my life. An MC CEED in a MENA country, (the region I'm intrigued with, next to India, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam and CEE) felt like it could be just what I needed. It involved flights, travelling, meeting people, living in a different world. And the AIESEC work couldn't be too hard now, could it? Seemed just about the most interesting way I could spend my summer break. Moreover, a friend read in some fashion magazine that Egyptian styles were in this season, so why not go right to the source and stock up my wardrobe there. :)
Some emails and Gmail/Skype chats followed and I was getting ready to fly to Egypt.

Cairo - home?
For 30 odd days, I spent my time living in Cairo. I bought groceries from the corner store and cooked, threw out rubbish, washed up dishes, took the metro to work and back on my own, took cabs on my own, with the little Arabic I knew, and got lost several times, got death stares from cab drivers who insisted I paid too little, befriended the staff of the deli nearby during my daily coffee runs, got used to calling my Long Black an Americano, got asked numerous times about whether I was married, and then if my imaginary boyfriend was as beautiful as I was, was welcomed to Egypt by random strangers on the streets many times over, set my death wish in stone by crossing the roads, had the most exciting car rides with Hossam & Abdo, singing and dancing to Amr Diab, Halili and Aicha, all whilst weaving through the traffic, smoked shisha at Candela, smoked many other shishas, learnt how to prepare a shisha, attempted smoking smoke rings, gained weight from all the koshari, futir, sharwarma, fuul, super crunchies, shrimp sandwiches, acclimatized to the thick polloution, recovered from two bouts of cold with the help of Congestal, learnt who Elissa and Haifa were, laughed hard over the Melody Tunes videos, and Booby, facilitated the Jordanian Delta Conference and travelled through Jordan with Abdo, and much more. I've been through the incredible highs and the absolute lows, and times when I wondered what I was doing in this crowded crowded place, and who I was there.
But after all that, Cairo not only became a place which I was comfortable in, I grew familiar with the way the city and its people worked. Most of all, it felt like home. Somewhere where I felt like I belonged. It took me 2 1/2 years to call Melbourne home. Moving to and living in a different country became one of my biggest challenges and fears. This time, to my pleasant surprise, it honestly took me 2 1/2 weeks to call Cairo home. Which made leaving so hard.

Living in a different country and the people
We always say that living in a different country is a life-changing experience (which is why exchange is one of the main parts of our corework). This is so true, even when you are moving for the second time. Each time you move, you know yourself better. I've figured that this is the result of a combination of many different factors. Physically and mentally being in such a foreign country - environmentally and culturally, having to learn virtually all over again how things work, how people work, being on your own after leaving a safe support network, not easily getting things we take for granted at home - be it food, people or a rather efficient public transport system, wondering how you fit into the this big unfamiliar picture, and in addition, not knowing the language can all be rather displacing.

But being placed in this deep end is when we break and retreat, or we learn and grow.

And this learning and growing is so much more enhanced by the people that walk or run beside you during this part of your life. I'm incredibly lucky that I ended up in Cairo. Like one of my favourite Cairenes described to me, Cairo is a place where people pass through. It's a somewhat melancholy thought because of the stream of farewell parties that are held, but with the lows comes the highs. Living in a melting pot of people from all walks of life, from every corner of the world, opens up so many doors - in life and in our own minds. I came to Cairo in search of inspiration. This inspiration wouldn't have been there if not for the fleeting or long deep conversations I've had with people I never would have thought of meeting, or with the fascinating stories I've heard of people who have passed through. Learning, interacting and living in a different country and amongst a different culture with locals and with friends from other walks of life also produces one of the steepest learning curves about life and the world that can be experienced. Especially when you realise how much you have in common, or try to search for the root of differences in thinking. The people that we grow with are always the best reflection of who we are I say.

AIESEC
And if we think back to AIESEC, AIESEC is all about the people I think. Without the individuals or collectives, we don't have the diversity, the identity, the clashes, the assimilations, the amalgamation. We also don't have the dreams or vision or motivation or simply the reasons for doing what we do. We will of course also not have the results or create the impact we set out to make. Without the people, we will not try and fail, we will not come up with revolutionary ideas, and where will the passion for making a positive impact come from? The first time the power of AIESECers (as global youths who have come together) hit me was watching my very own EB team of 07 growing, and leading the LC, lifting it to amazing heights in all senses of the word, each and every one of us becoming more defined, strong individuals in our own ways. This is the second time. Living in Cairo with.. yep, amazing individuals with big personalities whom I would never have imagined spending a part of my life with. Who bring so much to this world in their very own ways, who each play a role, and who's absence will be felt.

And with the more concrete AIESEC responsibilities, of course I had them. In fact, there are still action points that must be completed. Haha. But as with all AIESEC work, it's as interesting as we make it to be. And trust me, when it is in a country like Egypt, it's hard to find anything boring. Not just yet anyway.

I left Cairo last night when it was raining the first time I was there. The smell of the rain in that polluted city was wonderful :). Now I'm back in Singapore/Malaysia, getting ready for my flight to Perth later today. Tomorrow's the start of our pre-National Conference Meetings. I'm excited about being back, and seeing the friends and family I've sorely missed, all whilst looking forward to all those small and big bangs that the future holds, but I'm rather split. Part of me is living it up, part of me is wishing I never left Cairo.

It's so hard to put everything that I've felt or thought or experienced in this intense 36 days in words. I hope what I've said strikes a chord.

I came to Egypt seeking inspiration, seeking a reason for the things I do, and for some vague direction. I came hoping to get to know myself better and be comfortable and proud of who I am.
I left not only with all that I was looking for, but am now so much more a fuller person (in all senses of the word) than I ever was before. This empty vacuum I had in me when I arrived is now filled, and in fact overflowing. Every small thing excites me again. Every small beauty takes my breath away again. Every simple day presents a whole bang of excitement and opportunities again. And every word or sight jogs a string of thoughts in my mind again.

I've much fire to fight in my AIESEC role in Australia right now, but I couldn't be more excited about putting out the fire, building again, and relighting a fire of a wholly different kind, One that inspires and drives and not destructs.

And it's an amazing feeling. To instinctively view the world this way.

Thank you to many. The person who hooked me up with Annika. That email opened the doors to a wonderful time and an amazing person in my life. To Magda who put me up in Alex. To Sally, who's the most wonderful and fun host ever. Friend too. ;) To all whom I've hung out with in Alex and Cairo, who've brought me around to the Bibliotecha (that was such fun!), to have cheap seafood, to smoke shisha in Candela, Dunes and many more. To scrabble nights and karaokes, and the New Year party I hear so much about, thank you so much.
To the Egyptian AIESECers, I failed to meet or spend time with, time was not a luxury to me this time round. But in the near future, insha'allah.
AIESEC Jordan, you'll have a separate post on my blog.
And to my teammates of 36 days, you each know what I think of you. (If not, you'll meet with the Egyptian Post soon ;). ) Thank you. Really. Yallah, come visit in Melbourne already.

If you have a chance to go on a CEED, especially to a country like Cairo, grab it. Grab it and do not let go. You have lesser responsibilities than an internship, but the chance to not only learn a lot more about a different country and culture, but a whole lot more about yourself. AIESEC's all about self-development and developing others tza? And the people you stand to meet, need I say more?.. :)

Yallah AIESEC Egypt, there is sooo much in you, that is untapped or still can grow. A country and people of such richness I've never fathomed. Good luck to all the MC candidates.You are going to have such a time of your life with so much to be done and so much that can be done. Not without the LCs of course. I cannot wait to be back and work for/with you again. And maybe see the pyramids too. ;)

Thank you for everything.

Much love from Aussie-land, Heidi

Annika in the AI Office

2007-12-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

Well, may be it's something that not everyone knows which is that Annika, our President, is currently at Rotterdam where the AIESEC International Office is located.

Annika is there to attend the Steering team meeting.

The Steering team is a team set from different MCPs from different countries, and since our MCP is really cool, she was selected to be in the Steeting team. This team works together to give input on AIESEC International Strategies and Future plans.

Be proud of your MCP,

Hossam,

One BtG EP back & One is going out,

2007-12-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody,

Welcome back Hany Ramsay, the 2nd AAST Alex EP who went on a BtG internship to AIESEC US. Hany had awesome time there and looking forward for re-integration at his Home LC AAST Alex.

And guess what, Noha Gohar, the newest BtG EP from AAST Cairo is matched to a very cool internship at AIESEC US. Noha is almost done with her preparation and really looking forward for an awesome experience in the States....The MC wishes you good luck Noha....

Hossam,

Newsletter released

2007-10-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Check out the brand newest edition of the AIESEC in Egypt Newsletter right here!

This one highlights..
- Exchange numbers of quarter 3! Check how your LC is performing compared to others
- See who will be facilitating and chairing at ACTIVATE!
- Get the infos of an exciting new opportunity in a beautiful country full of mountains and chocolate...

Mentorship Taskforce Cancelled

2007-10-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

Due to lack of interest and participation, the Mentorship Taskforce that was supposed to happen tomorrow wednesday evening is canelled.

It's a shame, as this was a chance for you to shape and contribute to the national strategies; an easy chance that only needed an evening of your time and some thinking for ideas.

What will happen next is that the Mentorship concept and how it will be implemented will be designed by the MC and launched at ACTIVATE.

Congratulations Reham!!!

2007-09-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

The next time you see Ruma from AASTC make sure you say congratulations as she has been selected for be AIESEC Abu Dhabi Expansion CEEDer!!!

AIESEC Egypt gone Global!

It is so great to see the MENA cooperation -- the expertise of Reham will contribute immensely to the initiative.

Once again, Congratulations!

Participate in the Mentorship Taskforce

2007-09-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in shaping the direction that AIESEC Egypt will take this year in terms of Mentoring? Would you like to be part when the national Mentoring concept and strategy will be created?
Do you have good ideas and inputs on how to improve Mentoring in AIESEC Egypt?

Then participate in the One-evening-taskforce to shape the national Mentoring concept on the 3rd of October at 7 pm in the MC Office in Maadi!

You can apply by sending an email to Laura (laura.schmid@aiesec.net) answering the following questions:
- why would you like to join the Mentoring Taskforce?
- What is the number one thing you want to see changed in how Mentoring is currently implemented in AIESEC Egypt?

Deadline is the 30st of September in the morning.

Members from all backgrounds and stages of the AIESEC XP are free to apply!

Looking forward to receive your mails!

Newsletter Released

2007-09-24T04:04:00.000-07:00

The AIESEC in Egypt Newsletter is out! Read it now here!

Exclusively on this weeks newsletter:
- What awards will be given out at ACTIVATE??
- A super exciting Opportunity to send your EPs!!
- General news and updates!!

have fun!

2 days left

2007-09-20T03:48:00.000-07:00

...to apply as a facilitator for ACTIVATE 2007!

Take up your chance! Get the application material by emailing laura on laura(dot)schmid(at)aiesec(dot)net

Application deadline is the 22nd of September at 11:59 pm GMT +2
any questions also to Laura...

I'm looking forward to read your application.

the conference NAME is out!

2007-09-17T05:58:00.000-07:00

Many hours and discussions have been invested already in the design of the upcoming conference. And many hours are yet to come for the many people who will be involved (Check out the Faci Opportunity on your right -- it could be you!).

As of yesterday night, we have the name of the Conference!!!

From now on, AIESECers in Fall will be looking forward to...

ACTIVATE

The Conference will ACTIVATE new members, to start to discover and develop their potential. It will ACTIVATE them, to become active in their LC and to become responsible for their actions and their learning. The Conference will also equip them and give them a strong basis to make things happen.

The People in the Taking Responsibility Track will get reACTIVATEd, as they will have the chance to see what is AIESEC for them, what are their Opportunities this year and how will they best find which path is right for them in AIESEC. The conference aims to develop their team and leadership skills so they get fully equipped to take up the opportunities open to them, and therefore be ACTIVATED.

The Leaders of our organisation will get all they need to put their great plans and motivation into ACTION in their LC and to ACTIVATE their LC as well as themselves. After having done planning and started running some activities, it is now time to unleash your full potential and make your LC ACTIVE: the leaders will see how to align their LC with the national and global direction, and also they will get equipped with the right knowledge and skills.

One thing the conference does not do: The conference will not run the activities for you. But it can give you a platform to get ACTIVATED so all of your members will be ready and can't wait to go home and make it happen for 07/08!

Looking forward to see all of you at ACTIVATE 2007!

Message from one of our ambassadors abroad...

2007-09-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

Hany Ramsay, one of our ambassadors having an amazing life changing experience, doing his internship in the States.

After his 3 years in AIESEC AAST Alex, Hany decided to go for an internship, and it was really great seeing him fighting to get everything done, VISA issues, paper work, getting permission from his university to skip few weeks, and here is Hany sending a message to all AIESEC in Egypt.

"Ramadan Kareem!!! I really miss Ramadan in Alexandria, cause here everything is closed by 9 pm. It's really a big difference but I can manage.

So far the internship is goin well, AIESEC people here are cool, I attended one meeting already and I intend to attend the following as well.

As for work so far i only worked a day and its pretty well the environment and the work itself is pretty great.

That's it so far, will keep you posted soon....

Ramadan Kareem"

Deadline Extended

2007-09-13T03:50:00.000-07:00

If you haven't applied for the OC for the Fall Conference, you have not missed the chance yet.

The Deadline to apply for the OC is extended to the 16th of September 11:59 pm.

You can find the application here.

Don't miss the chance! Being in a conference OC is one of the best experiences you can have in AIESEC. Take the challenge!

Ramadan Kareem!

2007-09-13T01:48:00.000-07:00

Wishing Everyone peace during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The power of conversation

2007-09-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

I remember sitting in a room in the Netherlands listening to last year's PAI Edyson Dos Santos talk about the power of conversation. He spent a great deal of time talking about the importance of one of one conversations in AIESEC, and in the world really, and how they change lives. I remember shrugging off his advice at first, thinking yeah yeah, my job is to be the MC VP ER in the country I need to focus on the important things like proposals, presentations and how to do a proper market segmentation.

It was partway through my term last year when this idea came back to me. I had spent so much time designing the exact pitch to companies, to students and to anyone around me that I began to forget about the amazing experience that I am living. It became less about trying to convince someone of the power of AIESEC through abstract forms and figures and more through convincing them through being myself, through living all these values and principles that I continuously describe.

It's that time of year again when we get out there on our campuses, through classroom presentations, at booths, in information sessions and we tell the world about this wonderful thing called AIESEC. Recruitment only comes a couple times a year and it is crucial that we make the best of it so that the rest of our year is as fantastic as we envision it to be.

Remember while you're standing out in the sun at your booth or giving a presentation that the most powerful representation of AIESEC that anyone will see is you. They don't see the exchange, the leadership, the conferences, the learning environment. They see you. It is a big responsibility!

But it's also exciting. It's a chance to share your passion, your excitement, your stories. To connect these to the bigger picture of what AIESEC envisions. No conversation is too insignificant -- having the right people will attract more of the right people.

So have a wonderful recruitment and remember that you Are an AIESECer.

your MCP,

Annika

Dutch Interns are leavin...

2007-09-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

After doing their 2 month internships, it's the time for the BtG Dutch interns in our country to leave and say goodbyes to everyone...

They have been exposed to several learning events/activities that made their internship a great one.

After getting some of the feedback sheets, they are all thanking the Cairo LCs for their support and they have all a common big thank you to the AAST Cairo Servicing team for the job they have done and the high quality of the events/activities organized by this team....

Good Job Servicing team of AAST Cairo,

Back from IC

2007-09-09T06:39:00.000-07:00

The MC and 3 LCPs are back from IC in Turkey. We were an awesome delegation who rocked and networked, and no doubt, looked good. Check us out!

And what was IC about? Here some key points:

MENA & Africa GN premeetings

Premeetings are a chance to go in depth into the reality of the GNs we are a part of, learn from other countries and what they are doing, gain a deeper understanding of the projects running in the GN and get to know the other people in the network. Key projects running in each GN:

MENA is running the Nour program, not to be confused with Nour associated with the Netherlands, which is an umbrella program of the following projects:

Bridging the Gap between the Arab and Western World

Asiana -- a project capitalizing on the market trend of countries in China, India and Singapore who are expanding into the Middle East and need talent from the region or would like to bring people from these countries to MENA.

MENA Talent Exchange -- A project aimed at exchanging talent within MENA, particular focusing on balancing the talent gap and surplus in MENA countries.

Africa is running the Empowering Africa Program which is an umbrella of the following projects:

YES -- a project working to build entrepreneurs in the region

Afritour -- that aims to positively impact a significant amount of African youth by offering them a platform to acquire knowledge, skills and values to increase competitiveness in this sector.

ASK -- aims at creating peer educators on HIV/AIDS in Africa

The Fifth Global Focus Area: Alumni Engagement!
2008 marks the 60th Anniversary of AIESEC globally and thus AIESEC International has chosen Alumni Engagement as a key focus area this year. Alumni events will be held all over the world in the coming year, culminating in Brazil in 2008. Find out how you can get your LC involved in alumni engagement and contact: abdelrahman.assem@aiesec.net

The new IS system: myaiesec.net

The last day of IC we had the chance to preview the new IS platform of AIESEC around the world. Look forward to getting a taste of the new system in the next few months

Measures of Success

With the new IS system we will finally be able to more accurately measure our success through making sure the AIESEC Experiences that we are having are Quality. At the end of each stage of your AIESEC XP, you have to apply to the next stage and take a short survey regarding the quality of your experience which will translate into a rating system. More information coming soon!

Overall IC was a wonderful learning experience where the MC & LCPs had the chance to interact with delegates from over 100 countries around the world and to gain the skills and the network in order to increase the number and quality of lives that we impact.

OCP selected

2007-08-20T02:03:00.000-07:00

The Person who will be leading the Organising Committee of the Fall Conference 07 has been selected! Please give it up to...

MOHAMMED JAMAL ABDELFATTAH ELGOHARY (Jimy)
from AAST Alexandria

I'm very happy to make this announcment and as the conference manager, I'm looking forward to working with you, Jimy. Please guys give all your support and congratulations to him!
If you are interensted in joinging the OC, get in touch with him.

Hugs from Turkey!

Apply for OCP Fall Conference 2007!

2007-08-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

The Fall Conference, Previously known as NLDS, is the biggest event happening in AIESEC in Egypt, bringing together all members of AIESEC in Egypt, the Members Committee, numerous international facilitators and our external Partners.
In different tracks, delegates get equipped to face their job within their Local Committees, they have the chance to network with delegates or externals, to challenge and to truly get to know themselves.
It is therefore one of the most fascinating happenings of the year.

The Organizing Committee is the group of people who will make this conference happen. They are going to have one of the most intense team and event management experiences they could get, and the OCP will be the one guiding them through it to a successful Fall Conference 2007.

Are you up for the challenge? Then fill in the application, which you find here, and send it to the conference manager at laura.schmid@aiesec.net until the 9th of August at 11:59 pm.

We are looking forward for receiving your application.

Your Members Committee 07-08

Welcome

2007-08-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new blog of AIESEC in Egypt.
If you want to know what the MC is up to, what we are working on all day long, what is happening in our activities, if you want to see pictures and here stories form the latest events and gatherings, if you want to find out about upcoming opportunities or if you just simply want to have a place that links together lots of blogs, homepages and other cool stuff, you are in the right spot here. It has it all.
The MC Blog! Check it out.