-The International Office

Online Handbook
Working for the Aim Higher Scheme at the University as a student ambassador, tutor and mentor, I work with children that have difficulties, one of which is a low level of English. I am currently working with three Polish children and helping them with English so that they can progress in their school. This is good for both sides - the students improve their language skills and I feel that I am using my abilities to help them.
Jan Gajde, POLAND
Voluntary Work
For more information about voluntary work contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator: Anna Boneham, ext: 3198, email: A.Boneham@bath.ac.uk or visit the Volunteer Centre in the Students' Union, 1East level 3 next to AWARE.
Contacts

 

Online Handbook
Working

Voluntary and community Work

Voluntary work is unpaid work for charities and in the local community. It gives students a great opportunity to develop new skills and meet new people and to be involved with something worthwhile.

The Volunteer Centre

The Volunteering Centre in the Students' Union offers a variety of voluntary work placements - placements that will introduce you to new people, develop communication and team skills, increase work experience (and improve CVs) and help you experience different aspects of British culture. It will also help you to improve your English. If you are considering volunteering it is advisable to bring with you a Certificate of Good Conduct from your country as there are some regulations for volunteers working in the UK, especially when working with children. If you do not have one, don't worry - some placements don't require one.

SCA (Student Community Action)

SCA is an ideal opportunity for first year international students to get involved in volunteering. SCA organises fundraising and community projects, for example SCA organises a children's Christmas party, a sports activity day for local children, an older persons' tea party and a fun run! They also organise a trip to a Romanian orphanage for a few weeks at the end of the year to work with the children there.

ProExperience

ProExperience organises residential group volunteer projects in vacation periods serving the community or doing conservation work. The projects all seek to encourage greater cross-cultural interaction among students and increase greater social engagement and cultural awareness. Search for news of ProExperience on the University homepage.

Multi Cultural Sessions

The Volunteer is aiming to develop a project where international students can go into local schools and inform the pupils about their culture and country. Schools find this very useful and the sessions can be made very interesting by taking in resources like traditional costume, books, food etc.

Other volunteer opportunities

The Volunteer Centre has over 70 organisations on its database where you can volunteer in a variety of headings such as volunteering with animals, young people, old people, environment etc. Visit www.bathstudent.com/volunteer for more details.