Volunteering for students in Canada
Why is volunteering so important to Canadians and what benefits does it bring to international students?
Volunteerism plays a huge role in Canadian culture. Canadians have even dedicated an entire month to it — April is considered National Volunteer Month.
Whether it's helping your community and the environment, participating in charity events or educational campaigns, the types of volunteering can be quite varied, but they all help to nurture a conscientious and caring individual who contributes to the well-being of society.
Volunteering has a special place in the education of the younger generation. For example, high school students in Canada are required to devote a certain number of extracurricular hours to volunteering in order to successfully complete the school program and receive a diploma. Volunteer achievements can also be considered as an additional bonus when applying to a university.
For college and university students, volunteering is not mandatory but is highly encouraged and considered an integral part of a fulfilling college life.
The value of volunteering for students
Through volunteering, students learn many different skills that, among other things, can contribute to their careers upon graduation:
- Insight into the culture and values of Canada.
- Meeting new people with similar interests.
- Opportunity to develop professional relationships.
- Language practice with native and international speakers.
- Development of soft skills such as leadership skills, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
- Benefits to society and its development.
- Prospects in the search for future employment.
In particular, it is worth noting the last point regarding prospects for successful employment. The fact is that potential employers will pay attention to whether the candidate has had experience in volunteering. In addition, the acquired knowledge and skills can be included in their resume to make it more attractive.
Canadian employers believe that an employee who dedicates time to different activities other than their job and contributes to the well-being of society is more motivated and productive. In addition, volunteering can help you make useful contacts in a professional environment and help you better identify your desired position or field of work.
Where can I find volunteer organizations?
Almost all universities are willing to offer a variety of on-campus volunteer programs, such as mentoring other students, organizing and participating in various university clubs, sports programs and activities, and so on.
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You can also always find something to do outside of your college or university. Information about outside volunteer organizations may be available on a university's website, or you can ask university staff or other students for help.
You can also visit the resources recommended by the Canadian governmental website:
Does a foreign student need a work permit to volunteer?
As a rule, volunteering is a part-time job that does not involve financial remuneration. Therefore, in most cases a foreign student does not need a work permit to carry out such activities.
However, you should be careful and check the activities you intend to engage in. Some types of volunteering may still be considered work under Canadian law, and conversely, other activities for a small fee (such as working on a university campus) may not require a special permit in certain cases.
To understand all the intricacies of the Canadian education system, you should seek the help of specialists. Our team of experts is ready to advise you on all the issues of studying in Canada, help you choose the right educational institution, prepare and submit all the necessary documents. Sign up for a consultation and find out how to start studying in one of the most developed and safest countries in the world.
