aiesec_busy, Author at AIESEC

3 Must-Dos on this World Energy Conservation Day

“Energy conservation is energy independence” – Tom Allen

This simple quote sums up the immediate need and importance of energy conservation, in the 21st century. Why? Most of us know the answers. But let me tell you again.

Up to 90 per cent of the world’s oil reserves will be depleted in the next two generations. If we do not start thinking of and implementing alternate sources of energy efficiently the world will face an energy crisis.

And it’s said that this upcoming crisis will cause a shift in global political power – the power shift that happens from nations controlling international currencies to nations with commodities such as oil, uranium, and gold.

No matter what the political or economic changes may be, we will face the biggest environmental crises due to the rising carbon oxide and carbon monoxide emissions. All thanks to our relentless and endless use of finite fossil fuel resources.

But we can always start changing our habits, and hope that there’s still time to bring some good impact.

This World Energy Conservation Day, let’s adopt some basic but effective policies that can help us delay this energy crisis!

1. Adjust your day to day behaviours

When individual efforts combine to make a huge change, every little step goes a long way, especially in the case of energy conservation.

Turning off lights and fans when you do not need them not only reduces your electricity bill, but also conserves important energy and reduces the overall need for energy. It is a ripple effect: one house, one district, one city.

We all know how small changes in our behaviour can bring a big impact.

Simple acts such as turning down the heat on our thermostat in winters and using air conditioners for a lesser period of time in the summers can be our important contribution to a better and more sustainable future.

Can you imagine how it all adds up to create a huge, quantifiable impact? 🙂

2. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

This is a very basic but highly effective method to tackle the energy crisis.

Reduce the amount of waste you produce by buying minimally packaged goods or making use of reusable packaging, and recycling them the next time you go shopping. This can significantly decrease the energy used in making and disposing these products.

Did you know that for every half a kilogram of waste you decrease, you save energy and reduce emissions of CO2 by almost 1 pound?!

Using and encouraging the use of products made with recycled elements, instead of non-renewable scratch materials, uses 30-55% less for paper products, 33% less for glass and a whopping 90% less for aluminium!

How is that for positive change with minimum efforts?

3. Adopt energy efficient appliance practices

Whereas, our traditional light bulbs are incandescent and consume an excessive amount of electricity. Let’s replace them today!

This not only saves you money in the long run, but also conserves energy. In a typical home, one CFL can save upto 260 pounds of CO2 per year!

The practices we can adopt are endless, however it always starts with the most basic level: yourself.

Talking isn’t trying Instead of preaching, it is time for us to put these practices in use and start taking these measures seriously and encourage those around to do the same.

Afterall, it is rightly said – there is too much energy conversation instead of energy conservation. It’s time to walk the talk and do our bit!

If you want to take a step further and contribute a bit more, here are “5 Creative Ways of Sustainable Living”!

Written by

Malawika is a Mass Communication student from Delhi. She is an astrophile, passionate about Stephen Hawking and Carl Sagan, and loves to listen to the Arctic Monkeys, her favorite band. Find her at her happiest while exploring new cities and justifying her love for the color orange!

4 Habits That’ll Help You Thrive in 2019

“And suddenly you know… it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings.”

~Meister Eckhart

2018 has been a roller coaster with multiple 360-degree loops and 90-degree drops. Don’t worry, this ride is almost over, and 2019 will be a whole new one.

You’re changing. You’ve become a different person from what you used to be and you’re growing more mature, wise and beautiful. Please remember that even when things are hard, it’s always for the better. Look at how far you’ve come, you should be proud of yourself.

You have new goals for yourself now, goals that you set to make yourself happy. You no longer feel the need to do something to meet another’s standards because there is no one more important to please than yourself.

Your anxiety has minimized, your smiles are wider and above all, you laugh more often. You can meet your own reflection without the need to hide.

Congratulations, you survived another year! Here are some things to keep in mind for the year to come:

1. Start with being really honest with yourself.

The only way to change something is to first acknowledge it. To look at the situation exactly as it is but not over-contemplating it. Look at your fears, limitations, and obstacles right in the eye.

What’s working and what isn’t? What do you want to do that scares the crap out of you? Give yourself credit for what’s working and then find ways to change what isn’t in 2019.

As they say, the truth will set you free. But before, it might hurt or piss you off. Allow the same.

2. Experience is the best teacher, so learn something new every day.

“Obstacles do not block the path, they are the path.”

The first time I heard this Zen Proverb, I didn’t get it. How could obstacles be the path? This idea of obstacles- of not blocking the way but actually being the way- sounded like an alien language to me.

But, here’s what I discovered: desires are powerful. Life is always guiding us towards what we want, but in that process, fears and failures will surface so that they can be seen and healed.

It’s okay if you’re scared of the future and you often fail at trying new things. Breathe, and remember that you are a work-in-progress. Don’t be embarrassed. Be empowered by the fact that you tried and that you are managing to grow!

Be a sponge, and take in as much as you can. Hold the mistakes and the successes close to your heart, and don’t be afraid of the people who have shaped you differently.

3. Embrace vulnerability.

Vulnerability is scary. Yet, it’s the gateway to growth, change, and connection. It’s the last thing we want to practice, but the first thing we look for in others. We cannot shut out pain, shame, and disappointment by blocking love, growth, and connection.

So, have the courage allow your deepest and most fragile parts to be seen. Allow your heart to crack right open and something beautiful will happen: you’ll be able to transform difficult feelings into love, strength, and compassion.

Few months back, I met a girl in an open space at a conference. It was the second time we met, yet I felt the urge to suddenly share the fear I had at the time of not being enough and other things I was scared of.

Apparently, she was experiencing similar sentiments. I felt relieved, empowered and more connected to her after the conversation.

4. Continue to grow

The most important lesson I’ve learned this year is that unmatchable growth happens when we are ready to face discomfort. I have voluntarily taken up so many roles, changes, scenarios that scared me but through them, I conquered my fears and allowed myself to truly grow!

Start small. Identify your fear. Let it into your life, just a fraction of it. Allow it to sit there awkwardly and watch as the person you think you are-sniffs it out, backs away, circles it warily.

Go slowly. Allow yourself to feel intense discomfort, as well as the pleasure personal growth. Approach obstacles with an attitude of personal development, not as failures.

Try a language course online. Search out a volunteer position that’s similar to your desired career. Practice writing, reading or anything that will lead you closer to your goals. Celebrate small victories with a divine piece of chocolate. 😉

And then, plan your next move knowing you’ll take care of yourself every step of the way.

It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it.

You’ll grow out of all the things you are going through.

In the process, get some sleep. Take care of yourself. Do yoga. Read every book you can get your hands on. Listen to your favorite music. But most importantly, don’t ever give up.

Let us know in the comments sections below what promises you are making to yourself at the end of the year and how you intend to keep them in 2019.

If you liked this blog, you may also like: 4 Tips for Anyone Trying to Make New Habits Stick

Written by

Studying bachelor’s in biotechnology, Aayushi is a really passionate person, who loves to read and travel. She believes people, places, and stories have the power to change anyone and help them understand the purpose of life.

Ventures in Vietnam

Volunteering is not just about bringing a positive change in the world but also an amazing means to facilitate your own personal development. Moreover, the supreme influence it might bring to your CV and professional life cannot be ruled out. Combine it with a splendid destination and you are ready to have the best time of your life.

If you desire to experience Southeast Asia’s most welcoming hospitality which not only offers you a mesmerising scenery and pristine temples but also geological wonders and mouth-watering food; then Vietnam is the place for you. From trying snake wine, the ultimate exotic drink here, to swimming, hiking, and picnicking at the Elephant Spring’s natural pools to spending an evening at Bia Hoi Junction, the city’s busiest nightlife, this country has it all.

Unforgettable Experiences

Vietnam claims right to innumerable breath-taking natural backdrops along with the countless challenges it may put forward due to human inhabitance. The inspiring memory of contemplating over the eccentric panorama of limestone islands to gushing through a tsunami of motorbikes, this place won’t disappoint you. The rural adventures might lend you an amusing sight of honking pigs weave a wobbly route along a country lane whereas a solitary grave in a cemetery of thousands of war victims might persuade you to obtain a thoughtful insight into the country’s past.

History & Culture

For a nation that rose from colonialism and the atrocities of wars, Vietnam’s culture is extremely complex but, yet the story of its past makes a good one for a box office thriller. The Chinese and Hindu influences in the ancient temples to the glorious skylines defined by clusters of glass-and-steel corporate HQs, elucidate its journey on the road to prosperity. Meanwhile, the people here would leave no stone unturned to make you feel that this place is no less than your home.

Undertaking a volunteering expedition here would not only give you a chance to witness everything that a usual tourist might do but at the same time, work towards the underlying issues that the Vietnamese deal with every day. The country is still battling with poverty, gender issues, and the aftereffects of war and it significantly needs coordinated efforts of great volunteers to rise from these predicaments that are holding it back.

Be an Enabler to its Growth

The nation has made great strides of progress in terms of economic growth and reducing poverty. However, the effect of this accelerated development hasn’t been able to trickle down to the grassroot level of the society. Working here for such disadvantaged sections of the society will empower you to act as the medium to bring about a change for these people.

Reduce the Social Disparities

Working on projects that are focussed towards plummeting the gender biases or refining the quality of education the Vietnamese children receive, would enable the next generation of the nation to emerge as a force of changemakers that would drive it towards prosperity. All it needs is a few good volunteers who are willing to drive this transformation in the stage of its infancy.

Visiting Vietnam will certainly push you beyond your comfort zone where you would be able to savour a wholesome experience of enjoying new and interesting things. From the countless experiences that you would live in here, being an enabler to a nation’s growth would surpass anything that you might have accomplished before.

Brotherhood Defying the Borders

Were you aware that despite the often sour relationship between China and India, both the countries share several similarities?

Both China and India are one of the fastest growing economies with rich heritage and culture. Being the first and second most populated countries respectively, both these nations share their spiritual values and beliefs in Buddhism along with their high regard for ‘teacher’ or ‘guru’ as known in India. Additionally, both countries welcome foreigners with open arms and uphold the standard of hospitality being widely acknowledged in India as ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ which translates to ‘the guest is equivalent to God’.

With the above given facts, would you choose to believe them or still question the validity of ‘Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai’? Would you believe that you could potentially make China your second home and call its people your brothers or still continue to have fixed, rigid mindsets owing to the numerous stereotypes such as ‘the Chinese hate Indians’ or ‘the Chinese eat meat of any and every animal’?

So was the experience for our exchange participants who recently visited China for an AIESEC project. It was extremely heartwarming for them to interact with the locals who were more than happy to help people from different cultures, social and ethnic background and there was hardly any animosity or bitter feelings amongst the Indians and the Chinese as talked about generally. On the contrary, they are very helpful, humble, and calm people who do not discriminate. All our exchange participants agreed that they were made to feel at home and the only problems that they faced were that of language barriers or the difficulty to look for vegetarian food.

Yash, who is one of the exchange participant had lived with a host family in China and shared details such as the Chinese prefer boiled food to spicy food and they love welcoming and treating foreigners. He also shared more about his experience and added how he had the most fun when he and the others jumped into the Jinku late at night and how they sang songs at a bar in China. He further added how the entire experience had taught him how there are no right or wrong perspectives; only different.

Ashutosh on the other hand shed light on the personality and demeanor of the Chinese and how they are extremely punctual and dedicated toward their work and this is something that the Indians should learn from them. Additionally, he also mentioned how the Chinese should learn how to socialise and take a back seat and relax sometimes from the Indians. Ashutosh’s experience also familiarised him with the culture of China, where unlike India protests and anti- national views and opinions are not very appreciated.

The entire experience enabled the exchange participants to break free from the stereotypes that one usually holds for China and its people as they were able to live their experience in a new country, with new people, through their own eyes and truly embrace every single bit of it.

7 Important Things You Can Learn From The Chinese Work Ethic

China is considered to be an economic superpower and with good reason. People from Asian countries are often referred to as hard working and China is no exception. The Chinese culture work ethic is based on a Confucian Principle, which demands respect for the elderly and perfection in work. Although Confucius was a philosopher centuries ago, his teachings are held in highest regard in China today and shape their society and culture.

The Chinese do not shirk away from hard work, but embrace it, believing it begets success. Discussed below are seven aspects of the Chinese culture work ethic we can learn from:

1) Time Perception

Punctuality is extremely important in China and is even considered a virtue. The Chinese are always on time (if not early) and will easily take offence to tardiness. The same is seen even in Japan. The rules concerning time and punctuality are somewhat lax in India. It isn’t uncommon to arrive 10-15 minutes after the designated time. However, this attitude would not work well in a country like China.

2) Focus on results

The Chinese have several proverbs that demonstrate their attitude towards hard work. The ethos of the Chinese culture work ethic is that hard work pays off and contributes to a happy life. One such proverb is shìshàng wú nánshì, which translates to “nothing is impossible to a willing mind”. The Chinese use sheer determination and diligence to achieve their goals, whatever it may be. This attitude and principle is a strong reason for the presence of many Chinese owned companies and projects flourishing world over.

3) Chi Ku

The Chinese are driven by results and leave no stone unturned in delivering the best. A 2014 Wall Street Journal article, reported that the average Chinese worker puts in somewhere between 2,000 and 2,200 hours each year. This again goes back to the Confucian work ethic, one aspect of which being “Chi Ku” – the act of persisting through hardship. Chi Ku is a valued way to earn respect — and possibly a promotion.

4) Success isn’t left to chance

You’ve heard the saying “hard work beats talent” Well, that’s something the Chinese attest to. Right from school, the Chinese are taught that anything can be achieved through hard work and diligence, not just talent. And this is testament to the fact that they are referred to as an economic superpower. In a time where global economies are plummeting, China continues to show staggering growth. Their rapid development over that last decade isn’t because of their technological advancement – it’s a tip of the hat to the Chinese culture work ethic of the locality.

5) Striving for Perfection

You’ve heard of several western companies employing a predominantly Asian workforce. This is purely because of how willing they are to reach their end goal. This isn’t to say that people from other parts of the world aren’t hardworking, but the Chinese are hard-wired to achieve success. Being competitive and having a goal-oriented spirit is inherent to every Chinese person and is further instilled at a very young age. The proof lies in the fact that multitudes of their countrymen are employed in companies all over the world.

6) Laziness is a crime

American satirist Mark Twain once observed that “a lazy Chinaman does not exist,” and added, “He always manages to find something to do.”

Mr Twain pretty much summed it up there. The Chinese didn’t get to where they are today by sitting around, twiddling their thumbs. The Chinese are so used to working hard that many of their companies reward employees for completing a project in advance. In fact, the norm is to finalise projects in the shortest possible time to take on a new one.

7) Don’t just work hard, work smart

Everyone in China strives to do their best, especially when the going gets tough. Obstacles or inconveniences don’t deter them – they just find a way around it. They come up with alternate methods to achieve their goals. The Chinese have a phrase for it – cha bu duo, which translates to “good enough”. In cha bu duo, the focus is less on process and rules and more on the result.
Now that you have a better understanding of the Chinese culture work ethic, it is time you chase new footprints and transform your career with an internship from China. Visit AIESEC for a Global Volunteer Program spread in leading countries across the globe. You can check out our blog on how to prepare for an internship interview and 6 countries that have an easy visa process for Indians for deeper insights.