International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience is an independent, non-profit, non-political and non-governmental international association that deals with the exchange of students for technical training. It was established in 1948 by ten European countries, but today it has 85 plus member countries. It offers students the opportunity to have a practical training in a company/institution abroad and also to get to know another country and its culture through daily life. It advances international understanding and the cooperation between people of different countries. Since its foundation in 1948, IAESTE has exchanged around 300,000 students worldwide, playing a key role in the development of engineers and scientists, and enabling them to make their mark in a global economy. Serving as a training ground for tomorrow's global technical leaders, IAESTE offers career-building opportunities to the best and brightest engineering, science, and other technical students who study at the nation's top technical universities. IAESTE maintains a consultative and operational relationship with the EU (European Union), OAS (Organization of American States) and the following agencies of the United Nations: UNESCO UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ECOSOC UN Economic and Social Council UNIDO UN Industrial Development Organization ILO International Labour Organization IAESTE is a confederation of National Committee representing academic, industrial, and student interests. Each National Committee is responsible for the administration of the exchange in its own country. The National Secretariat of IAESTE India is based at Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal (a constituent institution of Manipal University) and is responsible for managing the exchange of students between India and 85 member countries of the IAESTE.