Centre for Learning and Professional Development

Talking with Aussies

A Volunteer Program for International Students

Aims of the Program
The CLPD (Centre for Learning and Professional Development) Volunteer Program for International Students is about language, culture and social connection. It aims to improve students' English language skills, engage them with aspects of Australian culture and provide opportunities for social contacts with local people. In doing so it addresses possible frustrations and confusions that students can experience in an unfamiliar environment, and does this in a friendly, informal manner. The aim is not to offer formal language tuition or academic tutoring. Rather, it is to increase the students' confidence in a range of academic and social situations. It provides both students and volunteers with the opportunity to relate informally with someone from another culture and so has potential benefits for all involved.

Job Description
The program has two components, group and individual. The group session is held at the CLPD each week and involves the coordinator and several volunteers talking with a group of international students for an hour each week. The session is planned and run by the coordinator, the role of the volunteers being to work with the students in small groups under the guidance of the coordinator.

Volunteers are also matched with individual students and arrange to meet with them on a regular basis. These meetings are at a time and place that suit the volunteer and the student, typically in a café on campus or in the city. Depending on the needs of the student and the skills and interests of the volunteer, the meetings can take other forms such as outings to places of interest or with other family members. Communication may be by phone or email as well as in person. While there are general guidelines, the frequency and nature of the meetings is negotiated by the individuals involved. As well as setting up the initial matchings, the coordinator continues to be a point of contact throughout the program.

Volunteer meetings are held 3-4 times a year and volunteers are expected to attend if they are able. These meetings provide an opportunity for sharing ideas and discussing issues which may arise. They represent a process of ongoing skill development for the volunteers.

Skills Required
Volunteers come from all walks of life - employed, unemployed, retired people and students are welcome. The most important qualities are an interest in people from diverse cultures, and a willingness and ability to listen to and talk with students from other countries who are studying in Australia. Personal experiences of living, working or studying in another culture, learning another language and studying at university are also helpful but not essential.

Training
The coordinator meets individually with prospective volunteers to provide an initial induction and ongoing liaison through email phone or in person is available as required. Participation in the group sessions can provide ideas and develop skills in working with international students. The volunteer meetings also offer opportunity for mutual, ongoing skill development.

Adelaidean article: Volunteer program wins international praise

Further information: An application form to become involved as a volunteer are available on the CLPD website at: www.adelaide.edu.au/clpd/all/intntnl/.

Contact the CLPD by telephone (8303 5771), email: clpd@adelaide.edu.au or visit the CLPD Reception, Level 2, Schulz Building West, North Terrace campus, The University of Adelaide.