Volunteer

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Get involved and expand your intercultural skill set!

University of Alberta International (UAI) recruits over 200 volunteers a year. We offer a wide variety of 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 UAI? Our annual volunteer recruitment happens in February & March and invites interested, current students to attend an info session.

Upcoming Sessions:

  • March 10: 12 - 1 PM, Room 134, TELUS Centre,  North Campus
  • March 15: 11 AM - 12 PM, Room 134, TELUS Centre,  North Campus
  • March 17: 11 AM - 12 PM, Room 134, TELUS Centre,  North Campus
  • March 23: 12 - 1 PM, online via ZOOM
  • March 24: 12 - 1 PM, online via ZOOM
  • March 30: 11 AM - 12 PM, online via ZOOM
  • March 31: 10 - 11 AM, Room 134, TELUS Centre,  North Campus

Note: We can only accept current students of the U of A.

Volunteer opportunities:

Event Assistant

Role:

  • Assist large ISVS programs or events (International student orientation events, UAI annual Winter Party, Futsal Tournament)
  • Assist smaller one-time events throughout the year (field trips, Canada Day)
  • Assist with event logistics

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:

You must attend an Info Session.

Application Deadline: Ongoing.

International Student Advisory Committee Member
The International Student Advisory Committee (ISAC) advises University of Alberta International (UAI) staff on issues international students face. Participating in ISAC allows you to serve your fellow students by giving meaningful input to UAI.

Role:
  • Provide feedback on ISS programs and services
  • Suggest future improvements
  • Belong to a working group dedicated to programs or communications
Key Requirements:
  • Diversified in programs of study
  • Actively involved in many areas of the campus community
  • Hold a valid study permit
*Preference will be given to those who have not been involved with ISS before.

Commitment:
  • One full academic year
  • Attend monthly meetings
  • Perform tasks with an assigned working group
  • Some members also serve as student representatives on high-level University committees
*This position is selection-based.

Application Process:
  1. Express interest when you attend an Info Session.
  2. ISS will contact you in the summer to submit an application
Training: You must attend an Info Session.

Application Deadline: TBD
Office Volunteer
Role:
  • Prepare mass mail outs
  • Put up posters before events
  • Compile welcome packages for new students
  • Data entry
Commitment:
The approximate maximum time per semester is 20 hours, based on office needs.

Training: You must attend an Info Session

Application Deadline: Ongoing
Senior Peers
Senior Peers 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
  • Organize one event per semester with fellow peers
  • Participate in events organized by other Senior Peers
Commitment:
Throughout the entire 2023 - 2024 academic year, starting in August.

Training:
  • Online training throughout the summer
  • In Person Training sessions in August dates, TBD 

*This volunteer opportunity qualifies for CIL Points.

Tax Clinic Volunteer
Role:
  • Assess client's eligibility to file a tax return at the ISC Tax Clinic
  • Ensure the client has all of the required documents (tax slips)
  • File client's tax return
  • Educate client on Canada's tax system and the importance of filing a tax return every year
Qualities we look for:
  • Professional work etiquette
  • Strong English communication skills
  • Able to successfully obtain the EFile number and pass the EFile security check
Commitment:
  • Available Monday - Friday during the Tax Session times
  • Attend a mandatory half-day training session in Telus 134
  • Attend a mandatory orientation session in Telus 134
  • Minimum of 20 hours during ISC Tax Clinic season (March 23 - April 30, 2023)
  • Shifts are not scheduled during final exams.
This position is selection-based, and there will be a mandatory group interview for selected candidates.

Application Deadline: TBD
Welcome Ambassadors
Role:
  • 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 acknowledgement that includes the hours you volunteered for UAI and (possibly) a reference letter. Contact us if you have any questions.

QUESTIONS?

For any questions, contact Gavin Palmer, Student Engagement Programs Coordinator
gavin.palmer@ualberta.ca
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