OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER

 

with Virginia Tech's Cranwell International Center

 

 

 

 

There are more than 2000 international students from approximately 120 countries at Virginia Tech. Join an exciting team of volunteers who are involved in meeting the mission of Cranwell International Center.

 

The Cranwell International Center (CIC) is committed to the university's global initiatives and serves as the primary support service provider for the international community.  The CIC promotes intercultural exchange, fosters a welcoming environment, and enhances the experience of all university and community participants.  The CIC contributes to the university's focus on teaching and learning, research and discovery, and outreach and engagement through our commitment to quality programming, strong advocacy, collaboration, valuable services, and a dedicated facility.

 

If you are interested in working with international students and developing your intercultural competencies, become part of the Cranwell International Center. Opportunities to get involved include, being an English Conversationa Group facilitator, being part of the International Friendship Program, being part of International Street Fair, or being an Orientation Mentor. With over 2000 international students on campus each year, the Cranwell International Center is looking for student volunteers to help ease the transition of our international students and to participate in our global community.For more information, please contact Rachel Christensen, Community Liaison, at 231-6527 or rachrist@vt.edu.

 

 

Ways to volunteer:

 

English Conversation Group Facilitator

The Cranwell International Center offers weekly English Conversation Groups. The intention of the English Conversation program is to provide members of the international community in the New River Valley area with the opportunity to develop their conversation skills. The groups are structured in a manner where information exchange is informal therefore allowing non-native speakers to become comfortable communicating so that they can better navigate daily routines in a foreign country. To successfully facilitate conversation groups, it is important to learn more the cultural background of group members and be sensitive to political situations and religious beliefs. In addition, it is critical to keep an open mind and think positively. The conversation group should be a fun and safe learning environment. Volunteers are needed to facilitate of co-facilitate weekly one hour classes.

 

International Friendship Program

The Virginia Tech International Friendship Program pairs community residents of all ages with international students attending the university. The students do not live with their hosts. The friendships formed by sharing time together about once a month enrich the residents' lives and expand the students' educational experience. Students discover a more personal approach to American culture, and community members gain intercultural understanding. This program offers a wonderful way to make a difference in the lives of international students who seek a community connection. Volunteers are needed to host international students.

 

International Street Fair

The International Street Fair is one of the most colorful and bustling events of the spring semester. College Ave. and Draper Rd. turn into a crowded marketplace. Exotic dishes and even some tongue twisting names are traded in a festive mood. The participating international organizations bring their best to your taste buds, while the performers make you move with their native folkloric rhythms. Arts and crafts from countries around the world are also a part of this beautiful display.

Volunteers are needed in the following areas:

1.      Publicity: Help get the word out about street fair. Post flyers and posters around campus and in the New River Valley. Create A-Frames to set on the drill field and by Squires.

2.      Food Preparation: Help organize all of the supplies necessary for the international groups so that they can prepare their food and serve it the day of street fair.

3.      Planning: Serve on the planning committee for street fair. This involves doing a little bit of everything in order to pull of the event.

4.      Set-Up & Clean-Up: Come on the day of the event and help us set up and clean up. We need many helping hands to set up tables, canopy tents and backboards for the booths. These hands are also necessary at the end of the day.

Holiday Invitations

Community residents invite two or more international students to join in their celebrations of the Thanksgiving holiday and/or winter holidays (i.e. Christmas, Hanukah). Volunteers are needed to host two or more international students for a holiday meal.

 

Orientation Mentors

The Orientation Mentors assist new international students with their adjustment to Virginia Tech University and the surrounding community. The role of the Orientation Mentor is to help in numerous areas. In the past, Orientation Mentors led campus tours, planned social activities, assisted with the shuttle service to and from the Roanoke Airport, and worked in the welcome center and temporary housing. Volunteers are needed to help with the above mentioned roles.

 

Special Events: Graduation Luncheons and other Annual Events

Community residents assist with hospitality at graduation luncheons in May and December, a January potluck welcome dinner, and similar events. Activities usually include setting up tables and chairs before the events, cleaning and then taking down the tables and chairs after the event, food preparation, keeping the food and beverage tables clean and supplied. Volunteers are needed to help with the above mentioned roles.

 

Special Projects

Ongoing projects to support the international community, including tasks such as putting together 400+ admissions packets in January/February and putting together 500+ packets for incoming students in July. Volunteers are needed to help with these and other projects as they arise.

 

Welcome Activities for newly arriving international students, August

In August each year, Virginia Tech welcomes ~500 new international students. Volunteers are needed to help with the following areas:

~ Hosting a simple meal or cookout for a small group of new students

~Taking a few students shopping

~Participating in social activities sponsored by Cranwell, such as Cookies & Conversation.

~ Helping students move out of temporary housing into their permanent housing; or

~Serving as a greeter for a shift at the Welcome Center, held daily at Cranwell.