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.
International Orientation Facilitators will play a key role in supporting students’ reflection, learning, and engagement in session/workshop content throughout the International Orientation program. These volunteers will ensure that sessions run smoothly, and will critically impact the learning and sharing that happens among participants. They will also exhibit flexibility and will work with other volunteers to support event execution and logistics as necessary. Key areas of accountability include but are 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
- Being front-facing representatives of the University of Waterloo in facilitating check-in/registration services and campus tours
- Serving as presentation (session/workshop) room hosts; introducing/thanking speakers, welcoming participants, and ensuring rooms are clean and presentable for subsequent sessions/workshops
- Preparing discussion questions and facilitating critical reflection and sharing among participants during academic and service session break-outs (opportunities may exist to facilitate discussion in additional languages)
- Networking with participants and their families during social events
- Supporting the set-up and take-down of sessions and events
- Encouraging student participation and engagement in social activities
- Supporting all other event logistics and execution as necessary
Qualifications:
- Registered UWaterloo student; preferably senior undergraduate student or graduate student
- Knowledgeable about the first-year student experience and passionate about sharing your experiences
- Experienced on-campus student leader; strong understanding of campus services and supports
- Group facilitation experience/training is an asset
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills and good judgment; ability to think on your feet and navigate difficult discussions or situations with diplomacy and tact
- Experience participating in international or cross-cultural living and learning opportunities; ability to approach cross-cultural communication and inter-group dynamics with sensitivity and respect
- 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:
- International Orientation Facilitators: 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.
