FAQ - SIFE Frequently Asked Questions
- What does SIFE stand for?
- What is a SIFE Team?
- Is there a typical SIFE project?
- What are the main rules for structuring a team?
- What is the right way to organise and run our SIFE team?
- How do I get involved?
- Is there a recruitment process?
- What are the benefits to me?
- I am already doing a project that is similar to SIFE projects. Can I still take part?
- Is SIFE for business students only?
- What are the benefits to the university/staff members?
- What are the rules for participating?
- How is SIFE The Netherlands funded?
1 - What does SIFE stand for?
SIFE stands for 'Students In Free Enterprise'. SIFE's aim is to provide university students with the best opportunity to make a difference and to develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills through community projects that help others develop their skills and knowledge.
2 - What is a SIFE Team?
A SIFE team is a group of people working together at a university to learn, practice and teach others how to succeed in a global market economy. They do this by devising, developing, delivering and documenting educational outreach projects in their community. A SIFE team comprises a number of students, a member of university staff and an advisory group of business people.
3 - Is there a typical SIFE project?
No, there is not a typical SIFE project. See our project section, which show the diversity of projects.
4 - What are the main rules for structuring a team?
There are intentionally very few rules or procedures established for organising and structuring the teams. Most questions that a SIFE team may ask are answered in the 'Participating in SIFE' section (some questions below).
5 - What is the right way to organise and run our SIFE team?
Every university is unique, like the community it works with; thus the flexibility in organisation allows each SIFE team to structure itself in a manner that best fits its academic, student and community needs. So, there is not one absolutely correct answer.
6 - How do I get involved?
Contact us and we will get in contact with you. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
7 - Is there a recruitment process?
Each university team is given the freedom to set its own process for recruiting team members. If you are interested to become active in SIFE, please do not hesitate to contact your university team.
8 - What are the benefits to me?
SIFE is unique
SIFE allows you to set your own aims and use your skills, and then gives you recognition on the national and international business stage. You would struggle to find a better way to make your CV different.
Make a lasting impact on others' lives
Each project helps others to develop their skills and knowledge, and so to improve their quality of life.
Improve your skills
In carrying out your projects, you will develop real skills, in leadership, finance & economics, communication and teamwork. SIFE’s added value also lies in the fact that all this is practiced in real life situations.
Networking
SIFE has an international network which brings together students, university staff, business leaders, and the community.
Enhanced employment prospects
Each year, it turns out that SIFE sponsor companies are keen to recruit SIFE students throughout the world.
9 - I am already doing a project that is similar to SIFE projects. Can I still take part?
SIFE is based upon the idea of students developing themselves by helping their community. If you are doing this already, then you may be able to join SIFE. Contact us to find out if your team is eligible.
10 - Is SIFE for business students only?
No, SIFE is for any student.
11 - What are the benefits to the university/staff members?
- Adds the value of practical experience to education
- Provides opportunities to network with other academics, at the national and global level - both at competitions and in carrying out projects
- Successful teams can get national recognition in the media
- Encourages the development of links with local, national and global business
- Enhances relationships within the community
12 - What are the rules for participating?
The University
Each University may have only one SIFE team. Nevertheless, each SIFE team is encouraged to run a number of different projects. This may mean that each project has a team assigned to it by a SIFE management team. University Advisers
To be recognised by the SIFE headquarters, each SIFE team must have a university adviser who must be employed by the university they represent. There are no restrictions made as to the specific nature of the adviser's role within the university. Each SIFE team may have more than one university adviser.
Students
Any person officially registered as a student at a university, whether full - or part-time, is eligible to participate in SIFE. Students are required to register on this website and once they have launched a project to register on the international website:www.sife.org. Each individual SIFE team has authority to establish restrictions or qualifications for membership beyond those outlined here.
Alumni
To be a member of the SIFE Alumni Association, an individual must have been actively involved in SIFE as a student and must have graduated from the university at which he/she was an active member of the SIFE team. Upon graduation, registered SIFE team members can join the SIFE Alumni Association by registering on the international SIFE website.
To become a member of the SIFE NL Alumni Group, please contact Lilia Planjyan
13 - How is SIFE The Netherlands funded?
SIFE Netherlands is a not-for-profit registered Dutch organization; it is funded by a number of sponsors, mainly from the Dutch business community. Please see the sponsorship section on this site for more details.