There are many ways for students to get involved in the Renison community to develop their language and leadership skills. We are pleased to provide opportunities for both students studying in our language programs, as well as University of Waterloo students interested in developing their intercultural skills.
Volunteer Opportunities for ELI Students
Do you study in our English language programs? These opportunities are for you! Build Canadian volunteer experience for your resume and improve your language skills at the same time.
ELI Vlog Volunteer Team
BASE/iBASE Rep Volunteer
The BASE Rep Committee is a volunteer opportunity that will allow BASE students to build their communication, leadership and teamwork skills through the active planning, coordination and execution of an on-campus event for the University of Waterloo campus community.
BASE students who participate in the program will have the chance to:
- Build volunteer experience through participation
- Receive a letter of recognition and certificate for their involvement in the initiative
- Strengthen their oral skills by communicating with native English speakers
- Gain project management experience and build time management and organization skills by helping to organize a large cross-campus event
- Feel more connected to the UWaterloo community through active civic engagement
Past events that BASE Rep volunteers have organized included International Fairs, stress management events, Random Act of Kindness Day, Sustainability Fairs, and a social Paint Splash event.
These positions are posted at the start of each academic term online. Visit our social media pages to learn more when they are available for registration.
ELI Newswriting Volunteer
The ELI Newswriting Team is a volunteer opportunity that will allow BASE, EFAS, and GEAR students to build their communication, writing and teamwork skills through writing news stories that will appear in weekly newsletters.
Students who participate in the program will have the chance to:
- Build volunteer experience through participation
- Receive a letter of recognition and certificate for their involvement in the initiative
- Strengthen their writing skills by practicing their writing and working in teams to write stories for the weekly newsletter email
- Attend events at the University of Waterloo and write stories about the events to be published in the newsletter email
- Feel more connected to the UWaterloo community through active civic engagement
These positions are posted at the start of each academic term online. Visit our social media pages to learn more when they are available for registration.
EFAS Student Council Volunteer
The EFAS Student Council team is a volunteer opportunity that will allow EFAS students to build their communication, leadership and teamwork skills through the active planning, coordination and execution of various events for other students in the EFAS program.
EFAS students who participate in the program will have the chance to:
- Build volunteer experience through participation
- Receive a letter of recognition and certificate for their involvement in the initiative
- Strengthen their oral skills by communicating with native English speakers
- Gain project management experience and build time management and organization skills by helping to organize a large cross-campus event
- Feel more connected to the UWaterloo community through active civic engagement
Past events that the EFAS Student Council have organized included International Fairs, Movie Nights, volunteering at UWaterloo's Canada Day celebration, volunteering at Trick-or-Eat with the Feds Food Bank, flower canvassing, and other fun social events.
These positions are posted at the start of each academic term online. Visit our social media pages to learn more when they are available for registration.
Join a campus club
The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association manages more than 200 campus clubs that cover many different topics and interests, including clubs that fall into different categories such as:
- Academic
- Business and entrepreneurial
- Charity, community service, and international development
- Creative arts, dance, and music
- Cultural
- Environmental and sustainability
- Games, recreation, and social
- Health promotion
- Media, publications, and web development
- Political and social awareness
- Religious and spiritual
Visit the WUSA Clubs website to learn more about all of the clubs available to join.
Join a sports club or intramural team
Join a sports club or intramural team
If your ELI program pays an Athletics or Gym Membership fee (particularly BASE, EFAS, and EFS students), you are eligible to participate in the sports clubs or join an intramural sports team.
Warrior Recreation provides numerous opportunities to get involved with a variety of clubs. Each club offers a unique experience for participants, skill levels can run from beginner to expert in almost every club. Clubs are open to any University of Waterloo student, faculty, or staff that have a current athletics membership.
Most clubs have a try-it session at the beginning of the term, where you can attend a practice and determine if you would like to join the club. Joining a club is a great way to meet people, develop new skills, melt away stress, and stay physically active.
Learn more about the sports clubs on the Warrior Recreation website. Please note most sports clubs have a membership fee associated with joining.
Intramurals are recreational sports that are organized in teams that you can join each term. The term 'intra' means that you would compete with other students who are also studying within the University of Waterloo.
Learn more about intramurals on the Warrior Recreation website. Please note more intramural teams have a membership fee associated with joining.
Volunteer Opportunities for Waterloo Students
Our volunteer opportunities are a great way to build your peer mentorship skills while helping our students develop their language skills and meet other students studying at the University of Waterloo. You can choose to attend our events, help with our student volunteer committees, attend classes alongside our students, or meet one-on-one with our students to help them practice their skills. We have many different opportunities available throughout the year.
BASE / iBASE Rep Peer Helper
BASE Rep Peer Helpers are student volunteers who support English Language Learner students on a volunteer committee (called the BASE Rep Committee). This opportunity may be great for you if you are interested in building your cross-cultural skills while volunteering your time helping English Language Learners practice their language skills. The Peer Helpers will support these students in developing their language skills through positive leadership and role modelling of Canadian norms and traditions, and help them to plan a big campus-wide event at UWaterloo.
The BASE Rep Committee is a volunteer opportunity that allows English Language Learner students in the BASE (Bridge to Academic Success in English) program to build their language, leadership and teamwork skills by planning and executing activities for the University of Waterloo campus community. The team will meet, along with the BASE Rep Peer Helpers, approximately seven times throughout the term. You will attend these meetings with the students.
In the meetings, you will work alongside the students to plan an event on campus and participate in cross-cultural communication and leadership skill development. Your role will involve helping to facilitate brainstorming and icebreaker exercises during the meetings, encourage the students to use their oral English skills, and to also be a positive support as they build their presentation, facilitation, and communication skills.
The iBASE Rep Peer Helper position is very similar but operates in a condensed timeline during the months of July and August each year.
These positions are posted at the start of each academic term online. Visit our social media pages to learn more when they are available for registration.
GEAR Peer Helper
GEAR (General English at Renison) Peer Helpers are student volunteers who support English Language Learner students in classes as peer support. The Peer Helpers will support these students in developing their language skills by attending English classes alongside the students and engaging students in English practice during class and group discussions.
This opportunity may be great for you if you:
- Are interested in building your cross-cultural and peer mentorship skills while volunteering your time helping English Language Learners practice their language skills in class
- Are interested in working or teaching second language learners in the future and would like to be exposed to second language acquisition
- Are an English Language Learner yourself and would benefit from improving your conversational English and grammar skills with free language class practice
GEAR (General English at Renison) is a 4-week English language program designed to sharpen students’ English skills. With classes in reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar and Canadian culture, students develop skills that allow them to confidently communicate in diverse situations.
As a Peer Helper, you would be assigned to one or more language classes based on your availability to attend. Classes include Writing/Grammar, Listening/Speaking, Reading, and Canadian Culture. You will not be expected to participate in any assessments (assignments, tests, quizzes), but you would be encouraged to participate in class and group discussions.
Your role as a Peer Helper is a four-week commitment where you attend approximately 5 hours of classes each week for the duration of the program. We operate the GEAR program from September-May every year with a new intake of volunteers each month.
This position is posted regularly throughout September-April. Visit our social media pages to learn more when they are available for registration.
International Social Volunteer
As an International Social Volunteer (ISV), you will support international students who visit Canada during June, July and August and participate in the English For Success (EFS) program activities. The EFS program focuses on building confidence in English communication and presentation skills as well as discovery of the 6 different Faculties that the University of Waterloo has to offer. There are three separate intakes of students for a four-week period during the months of June, July, and August.
ISVs will communicate with and support these students in developing their language by attending social activities throughout the summer. Potential events you could attend include bonfires, bowling, talent shows, karaoke, campus tours, etc. You can pick the events you want to attend, based on your schedule!
As an ISV, you will also receive one hour of in-class training in intercultural awareness and cross-cultural experience when supporting English Language Learners (ELL's). You will help to provide a truly immersive Canadian experience by building friendships with these students.
The goal of the position is to provide you with an opportunity to learn about other cultures and have an excellent cross-cultural experience, while having fun and making some new friends along the way!
These positions are posted in May each year online. Visit our social media pages to learn more when they are available for registration.
Conversation Partner Volunteer
These opportunities are managed by the Renison International Office.
Every term, the Conversation Partner Program offered through the Renison International Office (RIO) pairs English language learners with volunteers to provide a cross-cultural experience through conversation and activities around the city.
As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to learn about various cultures around the world and gain a memorable cross-cultural experience while helping an international student practice their English. Now is your chance to explore the area even more with your partner and have fun while making a new friend! Please note that this program counts towards the cross-cultural volunteer experience (CCVE) for the Global Experience Certificate (GEC).
These positions are posted September, January, and April each year on the Renison International Office website.
Paid Leadership Opportunities for Waterloo Students
Our paid leadership opportunities are perfect for students international or cross-cultural experience, and/or additional language competencies. This position is ideal for students with a strong knowledge of campus services and resources, student leadership experience, and a good understanding of the international student experience.
Our Peer Leaders must exhibit strong mentorship skills and facilitation experience. They must have a desire and passion for helping international students and English Language Learners, and must have working knowledge of the needs of these students. They must be positive role models both personally and academically, and exhibit awareness and knowledge of strategies for academic and personal success. They must be in good academic standing.
BASE Peer Leader (Fall & Winter terms)
We recruit a team of four (4) upper-year students to serve as BASE Peer Leaders each year. These student staff will work 6-8 hours per week. Hours will vary depending on times when BASE students are not in class, including lunches, evenings, and occasional weekends.
The Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program is UWaterloo’s English language foundation program that helps students improve their skills in reading, writing, and speaking English while they work towards their degree in Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Engineering, Environment, or Science.
The BASE Peer Leaders coordinate event programming, coordinating regular one-on-one check-in meetings with each student, and provide success coaching support to help students with developing their academic and personal goals.
The positions are a four-month contract position, with an opportunity for renewal for the winter term. BASE Peer Leaders are recruited for winter terms on an as-needed basis.
BASE Living-Learning Peer Leader (Fall & Winter terms)
This opportunity is managed by Renison Housing and Student Life.
We recruit one (1) upper-year students to serve as a Living-Learning Community BASE Peer Leader each year. This student staff member will work approximately 6 hours per week. Hours will vary depending on times when BASE students are not in class, including lunches, evenings, and occasional weekends.
The Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program is UWaterloo’s English language foundation program that helps students improve their skills in reading, writing, and speaking English while they work towards their degree in Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Engineering, Environment, or Science. This role specifically supports BASE students living in the Renison Residence.
The Living-Learning BASE Peer Leader coordinates event programming, coordinating regular one-on-one check-in meetings with each student, and provide success coaching support to help students with developing their academic and personal goals.
The positions is a four-month contract position, with an opportunity for renewal for the winter term. A BASE Living-Learning Peer Leader is recruited for winter terms on an as-needed basis.
This position is posted annually in January on the WaterlooWorks website's Other Jobs board.
ELI Peer Leader (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer terms)
ELI Peer Leader (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer terms)
At various times throughout the year, we hire ELI Peer Leaders to support two of our English language programs. We typically hire 2-4 Peer Leaders in the fall term, 2-3 Peer Leaders in the winter and spring terms, and 4-5 Peer Leaders for the summer term (July/August).
Over the course of the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms, we operate the English for Academic Success (EFAS) program, a 14-week and 6-week English language program. During the Fall and Winter terms, there is also the General English at Renison (GEAR) program which is a 4-week English language program designed to sharpen students' English skills. Throughout both programs, students are encouraged to practise their English outside of the classroom by taking part in programmed recreational activities on and off campus.
ELI Peer Leaders support students in both programs. Student staff will work 6-8 hours per week, or as much as 10-12 hours during peak periods. Hours will vary depending on times when ELI students are not in class, including lunches, evenings, and weekends.
The positions are a four-month contract position during the Fall term, with an opportunity for renewal for the winter term. ELI Peer Leaders are recruited for winter terms on an as-needed basis. The Spring term position is usually a three-month position whereas the summer positions are two-month roles.
Spring, Summer and Fall positions are posted annually during the last week of February on the WaterlooWorks website's Other Jobs board.. Winter positions are posted on an as-needed basis in November each year.
iBASE Peer Leader (July/August)
We recruit a team of two (2) upper-year students to serve as iBASE Peer Leaders each year. These student staff will work 8-10 hours per week. Hours will vary depending on times when iBASE students are not in class, including lunches, evenings, and occasional weekends.
The Intensive Bridge to Academic Success in English (iBASE) program is UWaterloo’s English language foundation program that helps students improve their skills in reading, writing, and speaking English while they work towards their degree in Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Engineering, Environment, or Science.
The iBASE Peer Leaders coordinate event programming, coordinating regular one-on-one check-in meetings with each student, and provide success coaching support to help students with developing their academic and personal goals.
The positions are a two-month contract position that operate in July/August annually.
These positions are posted annually during the last week of February on the WaterlooWorks website's Other Jobs board.
English For Success Peer Leader (June-August)
We recruit a team of three (3) undergraduate or graduate students to serve as English For Success (EFS) Peer Leaders from late May to August annually.
English for Success (EFS) is a short-term summer program for students wanting to improve their presentation and communication skills in an English immersion environment. The students are encouraged to practise their English outside of the classroom by living in residence and by taking part in programmed recreational activities on and away from campus.
These student staff will work 25-35 hours per week. Hours will vary depending on times when EFS students are not in class, and are usually during lunches, evenings, and weekends.
These positions are posted annually during the last week of February on the WaterlooWorks website's Other Jobs board.
Exploring Science & Business Leadership Peer Leader (July/August)
We hire two (2) undergraduate or graduate students to serve as our Exploring Science Peer Leaders for the month of July annually and continue as a Peer Leader for our Business Leadership Program for the month of August.
Exploring Science is a three-week program combining English instruction and exploration of science. The students are encouraged to practise their English outside of the classroom by living in residence and by taking part in programmed recreational activities on and away from campus.
The Business Leadership Program is an intensive three-week program for approximately 40 students from Rikkyo University in Japan, focusing on business development and leadership skills. Students will work on a business proposal that they develop and present at the end of the three weeks. By engaging in the various classes, the students will incorporate these new learnings into their final presentation. As a Peer Leader, you will assist with the execution and assessment of this program.
These student staff will work 25 hours per week in July and 35 hours per week in August. Hours will vary depending on times when students are not in class, including mornings, lunches, evenings, and weekends.
These positions are posted annually during the last week of February on the WaterlooWorks website's Other Jobs board.
Business Language & Leadership Program Peer Leader (August)
In addition to two roles that serve as an Exploring Science and Business Leadership Program Peer Leader for a two-month period, We hire a total of seven (7) undergraduate or graduate students to serve as a Peer Leader for our Business Language & Leadership Program for the month of August.
The Business Language & Leadership Program is an intensive three-week program for approximately 40 students from Rikkyo University in Japan, focusing on business development and leadership skills. Students will work on a business proposal that they develop and present at the end of the three weeks. By engaging in the various classes, the students will incorporate these new learnings into their final presentation. As a Peer Leader, you will assist with the execution and assessment of this program.
These student staff work 35 hours per week in August. Hours will vary depending on times when students are not in class, including mornings, lunches, evenings, and weekends.
These positions are posted annually during the last week of February on the WaterlooWorks website's Other Jobs board.
Residence Dons (Fall, Winter, Spring terms)
Throughout the year, upper-year undergraduate students are regularly hired as Residence Dons to support ELI's English Language Learners who have selected to live in an on-campus student residence.
The Renison Residence Life Team is tasked with building a strong Renison community, enhancing the student experience and fostering student development through interactions with residents and targeted programming. Resident Dons also create a safe and inclusive environment by enforcing the community standards and reporting issues to the appropriate individual. As a team, these Resident Dons work in collaboration with other student leaders under the guidance of the Assistant Director, Housing and Student Life and the Residence Life Coordinator.
These positions are posted annually in January on the WaterlooWorks website's Other Jobs board.
These opportunities are managed by Renison Housing and Student Life.