Bringing volunteering to international students with AusLEAP
August 28th, 2024
Meet AusLEAP, the University of Technology (UTS) program connecting international students with volunteer opportunities.
Dr Sojen Pradhan is the driving force behind the program, helping participants to make new friends and to build connections.
We spoke to Dr Sojen to learn more about AusLEAP and what makes it such a great opportunity for young international students.
What is AusLeap’s mission?
AusLEAP’s mission is to bridge the gap between international students and the Australian community through meaningful volunteer engagements.
AusLEAP is dedicated to empowering international students from diverse backgrounds by introducing them to volunteering experiences. Through our comprehensive workshops, we demonstrate how volunteering can enhance social integration, foster effective communication, develop leadership and team-building skills, and help navigate the workplace culture in a host country. Our mission is to support students in their journey towards meaningful community engagement and personal growth in new environments.
Tell us more about the program.
AusLEAP conducts a series of workshops to prepare students for their volunteering roles, focusing on skills such as networking, public speaking, cultural awareness, and leadership. It also matches students with volunteering opportunities that are aligned to their interests and career goals.
Alumni join the program as mentors, to guide new participants by providing continuous support and development. New participants benefit from the volunteering experiences of the alumni, while alumni have an opportunity to learn from their mentees.
Who is AusLeap’s program designed for?
The AusLEAP program is specifically designed for international students enrolled in university or other higher education institutions and helps them to integrate into Australian society while developing critical skills through volunteering.
Participation in volunteering activities plays a crucial role in the personal development of young people, fostering greater empathy, social awareness, and a strong sense of responsibility. Volunteering experience helps to enhance their skills and boost their self-confidence and self-esteem through meaningful contributions to the community.
How do you involve young volunteers?
AusLEAP incorporates a structured match-making volunteering component within its overall program structure. This makes the pathway to volunteering easier for participating international students, because involving young volunteers effectively requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses their needs, interests, and capabilities while providing meaningful opportunities for engagement. By utilising the official university communications as well as social media and digital platforms, the program engages and extends its reach to connect with potential young volunteers. Recognising and rewarding the efforts of young volunteers with certificates, awards, and public acknowledgments is also important for continued motivation and engagement.
What are some of the barriers to young people getting into volunteering?
Young people face a range of barriers to volunteering. Time constraints are one of the most significant barriers as students can struggle to balance volunteering with their academic commitments, extracurricular activities, and work. With the rising cost of living, young people often do not have the financial resources to cover the costs associated with volunteering, such as transportation and meals.
In addition, young people are simply unaware of the volunteering opportunities available to them. Furthermore, challenges such as limited language or practical skills, lack of confidence and cultural traditions may have a collective impact on their ability to take on volunteering commitments.
Are there any barriers for young people after they begin volunteering?
After they begin volunteering, students may encounter several barriers that can affect their experience and continuation in volunteering activities. Time management is still a big concern as they try to manage volunteering alongside academic, personal and work commitments.
Young volunteers often require more guidance and feedback to ensure that they are on the right track. Lack of supervision can lead to feelings of isolation and uncertainty about their contributions. They may feel undervalued if their contributions are not acknowledged appropriately. Sometimes, cultural differences and language barriers can create challenges in communication and social integration within the volunteer group.
How can we overcome these barriers?
Overcoming barriers to young people’s involvement in volunteering requires a strong support system. The mentorship program ensures volunteers feel supported and provides ongoing support through regular check-ins to address any concerns they might have.
Pathways to volunteering through facilitated programs are also vital, especially international students who are new to Australia, or participants who may be looking to learn about volunteering and immerse themselves in volunteering opportunities for the first time. Additionally, regular recognition helps volunteers to feel appreciated and motivates them to continue volunteering.
By addressing cultural and language barriers, equipping them with tools, resources, and support, we encourage more students to participate in volunteering.
What difference do young volunteers make to your organisation?
Young volunteers bring new ideas and innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the organisations that they serve. Their fresh perspectives in developing creative approaches to problems can improve the efficiency of operations. Often, young people are more adept with modern technology and social media, which can help organisations improve their digital presence and reach a broader audience. They can assist with tasks such as social media management, digital marketing, and website development. Similarly, young volunteers can influence their peers to get involved, expanding the volunteer base and increasing community engagement.
The diverse backgrounds and experiences of international students contribute to a richer organisational culture, promoting inclusion and diversity.
What impact do young volunteers have on the communities you serve?
Young volunteers significantly enhance the communities they serve by addressing immediate needs, fostering social cohesion, promoting civic engagement, contributing to the local economy, building organisational capacity, advocating for social change, and developing into future community leaders.
AusLEAP exemplifies the multifaceted impact international students can have, demonstrating the profound and lasting benefits of youth engagement in community service.
Volunteering fosters connections among community members, helping to build strong social networks and a sense of belonging. This is particularly beneficial in multicultural communities where young volunteers can help bridge cultural divides and promote inclusivity.
Are there any misconceptions about youth volunteering?
Unfortunately, yes. Young people are often perceived as unreliable, inexperienced and likely to abandon their volunteer commitments.
It is often assumed that young people prefer short-term or one-off volunteering opportunities due to their transient lifestyle and changing interests. Additionally, some organisations feel that youth volunteering is not sustainable due to the high turnover and short-term nature of many youth volunteering engagements.
What resources on youth volunteering would you recommend?
Resources on youth volunteering we recommend include:
- The Centre for Volunteering: a key resource for anyone interested in volunteering in NSW. They offer a range of services and support for volunteers, including training, resources, and volunteer opportunities. The Centre provides a comprehensive database of volunteer opportunities across the state, as well as support for volunteers, including information on rights and responsibilities.
- Study NSW: a government initiative that supports international students in NSW. They offer a range of resources and support services, including information on volunteering opportunities.
What is the number one lesson you’ve learned from your work with young volunteers?
The primary lesson from working with international students as young volunteers is that structured support and meaningful engagement are key to unlocking their potential and maximising their impact.
By providing comprehensive training, continuous mentorship, clear communication, and aligning roles with interests, programs like AusLEAP ensure that international students are not only effective in their roles but also grow personally and professionally through their experiences.