The advantages of having a part-time job for students are clear: You may supplement your income while studying, prepare for future employment, and boost your resume by gaining experience!
What advantages does volunteering offer, though? Volunteering benefits you personally and physically, even though you are not paid for your labor.
In Canada, you will meet new people and be able to work more efficiently. Another wonderful method to get to know and comprehend your surroundings and neighborhood is through volunteer work.
Many non-profit organizations in Canada rely on volunteers and unpaid employees. Because volunteering has so many benefits for newcomers to Canada, many groups provide employment chances.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the benefits of volunteering while studying in Canada to understand better why you might consider this position.
1. Discover your Interests and Activities
One excellent method for discovering new interests and activities is volunteering. You will get the opportunity to explore other areas of the city.
For instance, engaging in a novel experience you haven’t tried or encountered before, or anything that tests your abilities, could lead to exciting new experiences.
Volunteering can also rejuvenate your life experience by offering you an exciting and unique perspective on the everyday. There are volunteer opportunities in various fields, including sports and health, social services, the arts and culture, working as a social worker, and many more.
It can assist you in growing in compassion and accumulating life lessons learned in a different country. It’s a fantastic opportunity to identify and pursue your passions and interests.
2. Enhance your Language Skills
Volunteering can help you get better in languages like French and English. Select your volunteer work carefully if you want to gain specific skills.
For instance, working at a community center where you frequently interact with others can help you improve your English. Take a job at a newspaper reading center to get better at reading.
3. Recharge your Life and have Fun
Volunteering means giving your time, effort, and energy to those in need. You will feel incredibly satisfied and joyful when you help other people lead comfortable and happy lives.
It might make you happy even though there is no financial gain. In addition, volunteering can help you get over sadness and boredom.
You may also experience less homesickness with the more social activities you partake in.
4. Improve your Profession Horizons
Engaging in volunteering while studying is an excellent opportunity to expand your area of interest and establish professional relationships with other staff members.
You could get experience and job skills to enhance your résumé over time. Occasionally, the organization where you did your volunteer work may be able to offer you a solid job reference.
Research has indicated that employers favor hiring candidates with volunteer experience.
5. Connect with People
Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with others. Many volunteer work requirements involve working with people at a community center.
It could be a fantastic opportunity to expand your network, meet new people, and improve your social skills. Additionally, it helps you if you’re a recent immigrant to Canada.
6. Achieve Professional Experience
It does not follow that volunteering is pointless or unprofessional if you are not compensated for your work. Volunteering can be rather beneficial.
Certain work prospects require training. Volunteering can be a great way to learn if you practice enough.
Volunteering can help you develop the working abilities needed for your professional position and gain professional experience for your future.
7. Keep you Fit and Healthy
Some interesting research shows that people who often work as volunteers stay fit and live longer than those who do not. Some research also proves that volunteering reduces people’s stress levels. Volunteering positively affects our mental and physical health.
8. Acquire Time Management Skills
While working as a volunteer, you have to learn to balance your school, work, home, and volunteering simultaneously. It can be very challenging for you, but if you see it otherwise, it can be a great opportunity to develop your time management skills.
9. Personal Development
Personal development is one of the biggest advantages of volunteering while studying in Canada. Students gain a deep feeling of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility through community service.
They promote character development and personal progress by deeply comprehending various viewpoints, cultures, and societal challenges.
In addition, students can venture outside their comfort zones and establish connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds, expanding their perspectives and fostering personal growth.
10. Cultural Understanding and Diversity
Canada is renowned for its multiculturalism; volunteer work exposes students to various cultures and cultural experiences.
Interacting with individuals from many origins fosters cultural sensitivity, appreciation for diversity, and a more comprehensive outlook on international affairs.
Through volunteering, students can develop their cultural competency and contribute to creating a more diverse community. This exposure fosters an awareness and understanding of many cultures, practices, and lifestyles, promoting harmony and tolerance.
Important Information for New Volunteers
If this is your first time volunteering, there are a few etiquette guidelines you should know. First, be aware that every organization has its policies and procedures.
Before applying, carefully study the organization’s website and any available resources. Non-profits must exercise caution when selecting new volunteers, even though they usually welcome them with open arms.
For example, they need to confirm that a new volunteer can commit to working a set number of hours or that the volunteer is authorized to work with minors.
Certain organizations mandate that volunteers contribute a predetermined amount of weeks, yearly or monthly hours for a prearranged duration.
Various Specializations for Volunteering While Studying
- You can assist others by becoming a member of any strategic planning center if you possess leadership abilities.
- To generate money for the underprivileged, join a fundraising group.
- You can form a Tenant’s Rights Association to assist the recently moved-in renters.
- Plan a volunteer schedule for a human resources event.
- One volunteer position at a resource center is data input.
- You can work at an office where you can assist guests in general.
- If you are an expert at using social media and technology. You may create a website for a company that provides senior care.
- You can establish a blog and start writing about Canadian tourism destinations.
- Volunteering at a community center allows you to share your expertise in computer education with others.
- You can construct a bookshelf for a reading area to offer carpentry services.
- Joining an NGO that promotes environmental and wildlife conservation initiatives is one option.
- You can assist the animals at a nearby animal shelter by volunteering there.
- You can assist in growing vegetables for a community center by joining any community garden.
- You may coach a group of teenagers and provide inspirational speeches.
- You can take calls at any assistance center by signing up.
- Lunch can be made in the communal kitchen.
- Offer your assistance as a volunteer and mentor a nearby team.
- By making people’s medical appointments easier, you can assist them.
- To keep senior citizens entertained, you can sing and play the piano.
- A stand-up comedian can raise money for a non-governmental organization.
- As an anchor, you can take part in community events.
How to Get Started as a Volunteer
Research: First, you need to find businesses, non-governmental organizations, and volunteer opportunities in the sector in which you are interested and want to advance your professional abilities.
Put another way, you must be informed about any volunteer requests within your community.
Connect: Email communication is a means of contacting organizations. You can research them by visiting their website or LinkedIn to obtain their contact details.
Always assess what is within your reach and what is appropriate for the talents you are asking for. Certain organizations offer platforms that serve as a means of connecting work opportunities with volunteers around Canada.
These platforms are an excellent way to begin your volunteer quest. You can also apply through International Experience Canada to work as a volunteer in Canada.
The processing time averages about four weeks, depending on where you live, particularly if you are applying from there. Therefore, it is preferable to prepare and begin using at least a year before your anticipated start date.
Conclusion
Like in any other country, there is a need for open-minded, curious, and flexible volunteers who wish to have a constructive impact on national and international concerns.
Volunteering while studying in Canada has many benefits, and you’ll leave with the knowledge that you did your part to protect the country’s most treasured aspects: its people, environment, and way of life!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you list volunteer experience on your resume?
Listing volunteer experience on your resume is all about highlighting your skills, strengths, and learnings. Detail your experience with emphasis on the tasks most relevant to your desired job position, giving clear examples of how you have demonstrated your skills.
Why is volunteering important for students?
Volunteering is important for students to gain experience and skills in a real-world environment. Although part-time jobs are often preferred to volunteering, volunteer positions are still invaluable to students looking for entry-level experience to get them started in their field.
What benefits do international students receive from volunteering?
International students receive the same benefits as domestic students when volunteering in Canada: it looks great on a resume, provides experience in many ways, and builds connections and confidence.
However, it is especially valuable for international students to become more involved in the local community, meet new people, and network with the Canadian workforce.