General Accountability
All International Orientation Volunteers are accountable to the University of Waterloo to ensure the successful implementation of Fall 2024 International Orientation.
Nature and Scope
The University of Waterloo welcomes approximately 1200 international undergraduate students each Fall. The International Student Experience team is recruiting three senior undergraduate or graduate students to assist with the planning and execution of several programs that support international students in their transition to life in Canada and Waterloo. This will include supporting Airport Pick-up, International Orientation, Waterloo Ready, and other programs.
Program dates vary throughout the Spring term with International Orientation happening from August 29-31, before Orientation for all first-year students. More information can be found on the Welcome Warriors webpage.
The International Student Experience team is now recruiting volunteers to assist with all aspects of the new International Orientation program. International Orientation Volunteers must have a desire and passion for helping first-year international students and English Language Learners, and must be positive role models both personally and academically.
International Orientation volunteers will need to be flexible and possess the ability to work closely with and lead others. This requires clear analytical thinking and excellent interpersonal skills. Preference will be given for students with international or cross-cultural experience, and/or additional language competencies. See below for specific accountabilities and requirements.
All International Orientation volunteers will receive a free t-shirt, lunch during their training day, all meals during their volunteer shifts, and will be invited to an appreciation event post-orientation.
International Orientation Event and Logistics Volunteers will provide key support and service to ensure that all orientation participants feel welcome and are comfortable navigating campus throughout the program. This includes but is not limited to:
- Upholding the principles, mission and policies of the International Student Experience department, Waterloo Orientation and the University of Waterloo
- Providing positive and meaningful interactions with first-year students and their families
- Packing swag bags and collecting/assembling all session materials
- Serving as airport shuttle/parking lot greeters
- Offering check-in/registration support
- Assisting new students and their families with loading/unloading their luggage, and navigating UWaterloo residences to find their room
- Providing campus tour support and communicating information to participants as necessary
- Supporting the set-up and take-down of all sessions and events
- Encouraging student participation and engagement in social activities
- Supporting all other event logistics and execution as necessary
Qualifications:
- Registered UWaterloo student (undergraduate, graduate, first-year, or senior student)
- Knowledgeable about the first-year student experience and passionate about sharing your experiences
- Knowledgeable about campus services and supports
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Exceptional customer service skills
- Experience participating in international or cross-cultural living and learning opportunities
- Willingness to take initiative to get things done and act as a role model
- Excellent problem-solving skills and good judgment
- Skill and ability to communicate in an additional language is an asset
Mandatory Dates
- International Orientation: August 29-31
- Each volunteer shift will be 3-4 hours in length. You will be expected to complete at least one shift per day of the program (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), although exact scheduling can be flexible. You will be permitted to volunteer for multiple shifts per day (with breaks in between), if this is of interest.
- You will be able to indicate your preference for particular types of shifts. The finalized volunteer schedule will be available by mid to late August.
- Please note that the Fall 2024 co-op term begins on September 6, which may require students on co-op in the Fall to make arrangements with their employer to be available during International Orientation.
- International Orientation Volunteer Training (see below)
- International Orientation pre-event preparations and logistics:
- Event and Logistics Volunteers: 5-10 hours per week during the period August 19-28. Pre-event preparations will include but are not limited to:
- Preparing swag bags, gathering/assembling event supplies, reviewing program schedule and logistics plans
International Orientation Volunteer Training
- All International Orientation Volunteers are required to attend a one-day training session. This session will cover general information about the International Orientation program as well as content specific to their role.
- Participants will receive a free lunch during training.
- Training will be offered on select weekends in August. Successful volunteer applicants will be provided more information in July.
Please email Roohina Ismail, Coordinator, International Student Transition at roohina.ismail@uwaterloo.ca with any questions or concerns.
Please note: Only successful applicants will be contacted.
