Volunteer
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Get involved and expand your intercultural skill set!
International Student and Visitor Services (ISVS) recruits over 200 volunteers a year. Through our ISVS Volunteer Program, We offer various volunteer opportunities that start with basic help, such as an Event Assistant or Office Volunteer, to positions with more responsibilities you can work up to, such as a Welcome Ambassador or Senior Peer. Explore your options and discover your best fit!
Volunteer Recruitment
Interested in volunteering for ISVS? Our annual volunteer recruitment begins in June. Interested current students are welcome to attend an info session.
Volunteer opportunities
Role:
- Assist large ISVS programs or events (International student orientation events, UAI annual Winter Party, Multicultural Fairs)
- Assist smaller one-time events throughout the year (field trips, Canada Day)
- Assist with event logistics
- Assist with outreach
Commitment:
- Requires at least 20 hours during fall Transitions orientation in late August
- Additional hours are flexible, based on events throughout the academic year
Training:
Any required training will be held prior to the event but could be held on the day of the event.
Application Deadline: Ongoing.
Peer mentors are matched with new international students.
Role:
- Assist international students settling in U of A
- Support and encourage first-year international students to maximize their overall U of A student experience
- Help to develop international students' confidence in a new language and culture
- Maintain mentorship relationships
- Peer mentors must commit to a minimum of 2 meetups with mentees per month for 1 semester
- Mentors and mentees must attend one checkup meetup per month with the Engagement Coordinator
Commitment:
Throughout the entire 2024 - 2025 academic year, starting in August.
Training:
- Online training throughout the summer
- In-person training sessions in August dates, TBD
Role:
Airport Welcome Ambassadors
- Welcome newly arrived students at Edmonton International Airport
Campus Check-in Welcome Ambassadors
- Deliver one-on-one orientation to newly arrived students
- Sign students up for Transitions
- Answer new students' questions
Qualities we look for:
- Patience
- Cultural sensitivity
- Possess imaginative quick thinking
- Have a good knowledge of on and off-campus resources and services
Commitment:
- 20 hours minimum in the fall term
- 5 - 10 hours in the winter term
Training:
- Online training throughout the summer
- Training sessions in August dates, TBD
*This volunteer opportunity qualifies for CIL Points.
Benefits of volunteering include:
- Volunteer experience for your resume
- Achieve recognition with the co-curricular record
- Gain valuable work experience
- Develop interpersonal skills
- Learn and develop leadership skills
- Work within an office environment
- Receive a reference letter (after 20 hours)
- Make new friends and contacts
What you will learn:
- Teamwork
- Interpersonal communications skills
- Presentation preparation
- Public speaking
- Leadership skills
- Event planning
Some positions are selection-based and require past UAI volunteering experience.
NOTE: Volunteering with UAI is recorded on your Co-Curricular Record account, organized by the Students' Union. We offer a letter of acknowledgment that includes the hours you volunteered for UAI and (possibly) a reference letter. Contact us if you have any questions.