Many opportunities exist for involvement with our office. These unique volunteer opportunities are open to all students and your involvement can and will make a difference. Our volunteers are highly motivated in all our programs, gain excellent volunteer and cross-cultural experiences and create friendships that last a life time.
How do I get involved?
If you are interested in volunteering, please download and fill out our Volunteer Application Form and drop it off at our office.
Additional Volunteer Information
Volunteer Policy & Guide 2010-2011 [PDF 145k]
International Student Orientation
Our office organizes a new student international orientation at the beginning of each fall and winter term. Each orientation includes workshops, welcoming ceremonies, fun events, prize give-aways, breakfasts, lunches and field trips. International Student Orientation offers domestic and international students many opportunities for involvement in this program. You become an integral part of welcoming new international students to Dalhousie University and familiarizing them with the campus resources and services. Opportunities range from working at the registration desk, campus tours guides to student team leaders.
International Welcome Buddy Program
Students who have been at Dalhousie for at least a year are qualified to be “Welcome Buddies” for new students. Welcome Buddies provide the friendly face, helping hand and first Halifax friendship that can make a world of difference for new international students. Typical activities might include showing international students around camps, locating banks, grocery stores near the university or chatting over a cup of coffee. Being a Buddy is a great way to meet students from different cultural backgrounds and help them to become familiar with Halifax and Canadian culture.
ESL Conversation Program (Coach or Tutor)
The ESL Conversation program helps second language students who wish to improve their English conversation skills. This program is especially geared towards volunteers who would like to gain experience teaching and tutoring. Coaches meet with student groups regularly in a classroom environment while tutors are paired with individual students on a one-on-one basis. Syllabi are provided for both coaches and tutors and the Student Volunteer Coordinator regulates the coaching and tutoring hours.
International Education Week (IEW)
Dalhousie University celebrates International Education Week every November. It is designed to showcase the significant contribution that international education makes in preparing Canadians for the global world and supports Canada’s efforts to engage effectively on the international stage. IEW is an opportunity for Dalhousie students to join international students and better understand cultural differences and gain a new perspective of the world.