International Student Programs
Other Services
Volunteering with ISP
A student that is new to Australia can often feel isolated, anxious and unsure about how to best adapt to a new culture. As a International Student Program (ISP) volunteer you will share your knowledge and experience with these students, giving them the tools they need to make the most out of their stay.
Trip leader
ICIS often takes students on bus tours to local places of interest such as Canberra, the Blue Mountains, Kiama and Sydney. We require trip leaders to help the students get from A to B, do a bit of tour guide work and make sure nobody gets lost. It's pretty easy work, and you get a free day trip for your trouble as well!
Time Commitment: There is usually one trip a fortnight in session, and trip leaders can sign up for two per semester. Each trip usually takes a full day (7am-8am to 5pm-8.30pm).
International Friendship Program Volunteer
IFP is all about linking local Australians with students and their families who have come from overseas - hopefully developing friendships that last far longer than their stay in Australia. Hosts initially meet with interested students at a Friendship Program social event, beyond this they can meet up for a coffee, go to a movie or invite them home for dinner, whatever suits you and the student.
Time Commitment: IFP Volunteers are expected to keep in contact with their students they meet for one semester and you can spend as much time together as you agree upon.
English Conversation Group participant
International students new to Australia are often uncomfortable speaking English and we've found having people on hand who are native English speakers really helps them develop these skills. The English Conversation Group is an informal gathering where students, staff and community members can have a chat with international students over tea or coffee.
Time Commitment: Conversation groups usually take place twice a week in session, on Tuesdays at 5.30pm to 7pm and on Fridays from 10am to 12pm. It helps if you can notify us in advance if you can't make it on a particular week.
General volunteering
IFP always needs friendly faces to promote our services - whether it's working on a stall during student orientation or other events throughout the year, helping out with food preparation for our events or putting up posters around campus, we could always do with some help!
Time Commitment: As much or as little as you like. there's always something to do!
Momentum mentor
Students who are new to Australia often face difficulties with things that locals take for granted - using public transport, banking, knowing where to buy food and other issues can sometimes seem overwhelming to a newcomer. A Momentum mentor builds a one to one relationship with International students, answering their questions and redirecting them to relevant information when required.
Time Commitment: Time commitment is minimal, but a mentor is required to be on call to be linked with international students throughout the semester. It often helps if a mentor is available to the students via phone as well for this time.
Momentum seminar presenter
If you have specific information that is of use to international students we can arrange to host a seminar during mid to late semester so you can share this information. Current seminars include migration advice, advocacy services, campus security and employment condition seminars.
Time Commitment: Seminars usually go for 30-45 minutes plus 15 minutes of question time. A few hours of preparation leading up to the seminar may be required.
Cultural Ambassador
Cultural Ambassadors are International Students who go to schools and community groups in the Illawarra area to talk about their home country. Local school students have often never met anyone from a different culture, so it is a rare chance to learn more about the world around them . International students who have benefited from other International Student Programs often become Cultural Ambassadors.
Time Commitment: The ambassador talks usually go for half an hour or more, and a few hours of preparation is required. The volunteer can do as many or as few visits as they desire.