At Your Service: Connecting International Students to Volunteer Opportunities

When international students arrive to study in the United States, they are invariably focused on making the most of their education. By design and by necessity, the college becomes their world.

“The college bubble can be so great and so rich that stepping outside of it doesn’t feel necessary,” says Emma Swift, PhD, associate director of the Office of International Education at the University of Vermont.

But as many institutions know, the college bubble presents international students with only a partial picture of the United States and their community. To fully understand U.S. culture and deepen the knowledge they gain on campus, they need broader experiences—and that’s where volunteer opportunities come in.

“Volunteer opportunities help students, particularly international students, get out of the campus bubble,” says Eva Wong, PhD, director of the Office of International Students, Scholars, and Programs at the College of William & Mary. “It’s a great way to connect what they are learning in classrooms with things that are happening with off-campus communities.”

Creating a Full Experience for International Students

Wong notes that volunteering pays multiple benefits to students, socially, culturally, and professionally. “Experience has shown that when a student is more engaged in the campus [and the] local community, it creates a sense of belonging and helps the student flourish during their time at the university,” she says.

Building social connections is a big part of students’ experiences, and volunteering presents opportunities for them to meet and engage with their peers. “It’s a great way for