Volunteer

Program Overview:

The Peer Support Network is designed to help new international students feel welcomed and supported as they transition into their academic and social environments. By becoming a “Buddy,” volunteers play a critical role in guiding new students, answering their questions, and offering emotional support as they navigate life in a new country and educational system. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing leadership, communication, and cultural competency skills.

What Volunteers Do:

• Provide One-on-One Support: Volunteers are paired with new international students, offering support through virtual interactions such as phone calls, video chats, or email.
• Offer Academic Guidance: Help new students understand school expectations, assignments, and resources, ensuring they feel confident in their academic journey.
• Social & Cultural Guidance: Assist in acclimating students to social and cultural norms, including understanding extracurricular activities, local events, and student life.
• Be a Listening Ear: Sometimes, the most important thing is just having someone to talk to. Volunteers offer a friendly, non-judgmental space for new students to ask questions or share their experiences.
• Provide Resources: Volunteers can help new students navigate essential resources like transportation, food, accommodations, and local customs, making their transition easier.

Program Duration & Commitment:

• Volunteers are expected to commit to a set number of hours over a specific period (e.g., 10 hours over the course of 4-6 weeks). This ensures that both the volunteer and the new student have enough time to build a connection and provide consistent support.
• The number of hours can be tracked easily through emails, phone calls, or virtual meetings.

Hours Tracking:

• Volunteers will log their time spent interacting with their buddy through ICL’s online platform.
• The time will be tracked based on the duration of calls, video chats, or email exchanges with the new student, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Earning Volunteer Hours:

• Volunteers can earn hours for each interaction, whether through an introductory email, weekly check-ins, or providing help with specific questions.
• For example, a 30-minute virtual meeting with a new student can count as 0.5 hours. Volunteers are encouraged to set up weekly check-ins to provide consistent support over time.

Certificate of Completion:

• Volunteers who complete a set number of hours (e.g., 20 hours) or remain engaged for a minimum of 4 weeks will receive an official ICL Peer Support Certificate.
• The certificate will acknowledge their commitment to helping new students, highlighting the number of support hours provided.
• Certificates will be issued digitally, and volunteers can download or share them for their records and future opportunities.

Benefits for Volunteers:

• Develop Leadership Skills: Becoming a buddy fosters leadership, empathy, and communication skills as volunteers take on a mentorship role.
• Cultural Exchange: Volunteers will learn about different cultures, perspectives, and challenges faced by international students, broadening their global understanding.
• Build Connections: Volunteers have the chance to meet new people and build long-lasting friendships across cultures.
• Boost Your Resume: Earning volunteer hours and a certificate from ICL is a great way to enhance your resume and showcase your commitment to global leadership and service.

How to Join:

1. Sign Up: Fill the form below.
2. Pairing Process: After signing up, volunteers will be paired with new international students based on their availability, interests, and academic background.
3. Get Started: Once matched, you will begin your first communication with your buddy through email or video call. From there, set up weekly check-ins or whatever works best for you and your buddy.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Becoming a Buddy in the Peer Support Network is a powerful way to contribute to the success and well-being of new international students. Not only will you be helping others, but you will also gain invaluable skills and connections that will last a lifetime.