Can volunteering abroad build the next generation of global citizens?

For many young people who feel disconnected from global political issues, engaging in international volunteering offers a tangible way to experience global citizenship firsthand. This approach fosters understanding through interaction in classrooms, communities, and cultural exchanges rather than distant political debates.

AIESEC, one of the world’s longest-running youth organizations, founded in 1948 after the second world war, provides an opportunity for young adults to engage directly in global challenges. The organization emphasizes cross-cultural understanding, a mission born from Europe’s post-war need to rebuild trust across nations. Today, more than seventy-five years later, that mission remains relevant. Through its Global Volunteer program, AIESEC facilitates international placements for volunteers aged 18 to 30, lasting typically between four and eight weeks. These projects connect with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and include fields such as education, first aid, tourism marketing, economic development, marine conservation, and initiatives aimed at reducing prejudice.

Mary-Treesa Rozario from AIESEC’s Sydney University branch highlights the central role of global volunteering, stating, “The reason why conflict

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