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Volunteering

Volunteering abroad is a great way to immerse yourself in new cultural experiences while you get involved and give back to communities around the world. Whether you know the experience you want or are just looking for ways to get involved internationally, we can help you find the right opportunity to volunteer abroad.

The Career Centre has compiled a list of international volunteering resources and tips on volunteering abroad to help you find the organization or experience that is best for you.

If you have questions, or would like to discuss volunteering abroad, visit the Career Centre to get the information you need.

Laurier International and CCSC Summer Leadership Experience in China

The application process is on hold until early January, in compliance with the Laurier international travel ban. Please check back at that time for updates and next steps.

This student leadership experience is a two- or three-week program that takes place every July in China. You will have the opportunity to travel in teams to various cities in China, where you will spend each week at a different school of the Concord College of Sino Canada (CCSC), running leadership workshops for students. Topics for the workshops will be created by each student team with guidance from Laurier International and can include leadership activities, presentation skills, cultural exploration and more. You will also have the opportunity to lead evening programming such as sports nights, movie nights and dance contests.

This program is an excellent opportunity for you to build your intercultural learning, leverage your education in an international setting and represent Laurier as a global leader.

As a student leader, you will be working to develop young leaders in China who want to pursue a university degree in Canada. Through the classroom activities, you will:

  • Foster the development of leadership and teamwork skills.
  • Provide a deeper understanding of Canadian culture.
  • Assist in the development of English-language and presentation skills.

Funding

While in China, the CCSC will cover the costs of your accommodations, ground transportation and meals, as well as providing you with 500 RMB (approximately $100 CDN) per week. You will be responsible for covering the costs for airfare, travel insurance and visas. You will also be responsible for covering any costs incurred during your leisure time.

To help with costs, there are bursaries worth $500 CDN, available through the Global Engagement Mobility Fund for Non-Exchange International Learning, for students in need.

Eligibility

This program is open to undergraduate students on the Brantford and Waterloo campuses. 

Pre-Departure Information

All student volunteers will be provided with pre-departure training, which will cover health and safety, understanding new cultures and travel preparation.

Program Timeline

Even though travel takes place in July, all student volunteers are required to participate in preparatory and planning activities, as well as a re-entry session. Dates for travel to and from China will be confirmed in early January and more details about the program timeline including pre-departure and re-entry commitments will also be shared at that time.

Alternative Reading Week: Habitat for Humanity

Experience Salvadoran culture and explore housing and socio-economic realities in El Salvador on the Alternative Reading Week program offered by Laurier International. You will have the opportunity to learn about Salvadoran history and geography, as well as the approach to alleviating poverty housing implemented by Habitat for Humanity El Savador.

Over reading week in February, you will visit a Salvadoran community and meet a family that is building a new house. Most of your time will be spent on house construction activities, under the supervision of a trained mason. There are also opportunities to engage in community activities and visit tourist sites and markets.

Trained student team leaders, accompanied by a faculty member who has been on this journey many times, lead the trip, which is facilitated in the country by Habitat for Humanity El Savador.

Learn more about previous students' experiences in El Salvador: 

Pre-Departure Information

To help you prepare for your time abroad, we will provide you with pre-departure information, which covers health and safety, understanding new cultures and travel preparation.

For more information and to apply, contact globalengagement@wlu.ca. 

My World Abroad

Expert advice for anyone considering going abroad to study, volunteer, intern, teach, travel or work! This subscription is paid for by the Laurier library and supported by the Career Centre and Laurier International. Start building your global career skills today!

Register for free access to MyWorldAbroad online with your Laurier email address (@mylaurier or @wlu.ca). Alumni seeking access to MyWorldAbroad can email Katherine St. Louis at kstlouis@wlu.ca with an alternate non-Laurier email address to be granted access.