AIESEC was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1948, after World War II. Its founders were scholars from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden who wanted to rebuild contact between European countries through student cooperation. The organization was named the French Association Internationale des Étudiants en Sciences Économiques et Commerciales, commonly understood as an international association for students of economics and commercial sciences.
In the 1950s, AIESEC expanded across Europe and focused on international internships. The idea was practical: students could gain work experience abroad, while companies received young specialists with business and economic training. During the 1960s, the organization reached more than 20 countries and brought together about 50,000 students. Cooperation with enterprises made management internships one of its main programs.
In the 1970s, AIESEC moved outside Western Europe into Asia, Africa, South America, Eastern Europe, and new student markets. Its activity widened through conferences, exchanges, and cross-border projects. After the fall of communism in Eastern Europe in the late 1980s, the organization adjusted its focus, placing stronger weight on leadership development and international cooperation among young people.
In the early 1990s, AIESEC worked on strengthening its internal structure and began using technology to improve communication and daily operations. In the modern period, it operates in 120 countries, with local chapters at more than 1,000 campuses. In 2015, AIESEC International moved its office from Geneva, Switzerland, to Montreal, Canada, while keeping internships and youth leadership as the core of its global work.
Meaning and History
1948 – today
The youth organization AIESEC uses its visual identity to showcase its worldwide reach. Its logo includes figures that seem to step through the “doors” of AIESEC, illustrating the transformative experience of its members. A blue rectangle with the organization’s name surrounds this scene, signifying AIESEC’s role in positively shaping individuals. To the right, silhouettes represent those who have acquired the necessary knowledge and confidence for a future full of promise.
The logo’s text is uppercase and white, contrasting with the blue background for visibility. The large letters, set in an italicized Roman font, lend sophistication and gravitas to the logo. These characters have prominent serifs that narrow slightly at the tips, making the logo unique and authoritative.
The AIESEC logo’s design does more than identify the organization; it sends a powerful message of personal growth, development, and access to new opportunities. It demonstrates AIESEC’s dedication to equipping youth with the skills and self-confidence needed for future endeavors. The bold, italicized Roman typography underscores the organization’s significant influence, positioning AIESEC as an essential platform for young individuals eager to effect change globally.


