Volunteer to support exchange students in Renison's short-term English language program: General English at Renison (GEAR)! In late February, Renison University College will welcome a group of Japanese exchange students for our one-month GEAR program. As a volunteer with GEAR, you can help our GEAR students learn about student life in Waterloo and help them build their English language skills.
We have two distinct volunteer roles available:
- Peer Helper: join students during their English language and culture classes in the GEAR program. As a Peer Helper, you will visit GEAR program classes, participate in class activities, and help students practise their English language skills. You will also have the opportunity to join students during events and activities outside of class time, providing even more opportunities to connect with our GEAR program students. The Peer Helper program is a great opportunity for students who are considering teaching English as an additional language. The GEAR Peer Helper Program runs from February 24 to March 20. GEAR Peer Helpers who complete 20 hours of volunteer service will receive a letter of recognition as proof of their volunteer experience.
- Peer Mentor: provide personalized support to a small group of GEAR students. As a Peer Mentor, you will be matched with up to three GEAR students for personalized conversation practice. The Peer Mentor role begins virtually, with mentors connecting with their students (whom we call mentees) via texting apps like LINE and WhatsApp to introduce themselves and answer questions about life in Canada. Once our GEAR students arrive in late February, Peer Mentors will meet with their mentees in-person for one hour each week over the course of the four-week program for conversation practice. The GEAR Peer Mentor program runs from February 9 to March 20. GEAR Peer Mentors who complete six hours of volunteer service will receive a letter of recognition as proof of their volunteer experience.
To register as a Peer Helper and/or Peer Mentor, please complete the form below. Once we receive your registration, we will contact you with instructions for completing your volunteer training. Please note that spaces for both the Peer Helper and Peer Mentor roles are limited, and as such Renison cannot guarantee a volunteer placement for all students who register to participate.
The deadline to register is Sunday, January 25, 2026.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Andrew Dixon, Learning Skills Advisor, and he will be happy to help.
