AIESEC, always there

Being in Shanghai is not only a "dejavù" of São Paulo (see previous post) but also a dejavù of Amsterdam. The reason is AIESEC. Although I left the organization as an active member in 2005, 2.5 years ago, nobody can say we "leave AIESEC"... it's always there. Some people don't make use of it, but it's always there.

Before leaving Denmark I contacted some old AIESEC friends like Jingwei Zhou (which was president of AIESEC in China while I was president in Brazil) and she sent me to the local AIESEC list and connected me to other people in town. As we arrived in Shanghai and the Spring Holidays ended, the gang reunited. Over 20 interns, dozens of Chinese AIESECers and dozens of "friends", or people who became part of the network because they knew AIESECers somehow.

The traditional "De Heffer" Monday night drinks are replaced in great style by "Zapatas" free drinks Monday night - and the regulars even become known as Zapatarians ;-). Wednesday is ladies' night at Barbarossa, Thursday fuss ball night at Tequilaz and weekend partying :) Of course I'm not an intern anymore, as I used to be (a rich abn intern by the way ;-)) I have to be very careful with my limited budget...

Zapatas last Monday - Feb.18

Besides the social events, many interesting connections and opportunities also come from the network... it makes me feel quite proud to see such openness and curiosity among interns and alumni anywhere we go.

AIESEC, always there.