Volunteer

Position Objective: 

 Student volunteers meet international participants at the International Centre as a group (about 20 participants – 10 volunteers) in Mitchell Hall to engage in language and cultural learning through English conversation in an upbeat, small group environment.  

Volunteers are also encouraged to host one session per term, creating a short presentation or activity for students to engage with – bank of resources to be provided.  

Time Commitment

Sessions run both academic terms. ~10 sessions 1 1/2 hours each. Dates and times vary. 

Tasks/Responsibilities

• Volunteer Responsibilities  

• Support learners in their language skills acquisition 

• Build a respectful, trusting and inclusive rapport with sessions’ attendees 

• Attend program training sessions and program meetings 

• Engage in some planning of activities and/or presentations  

• Engage with the program team, work effectively with peers and supervisor 

• Participate in program feedback and surveys  

• Contribute to promotional materials, such as profiles, testimonials, or short videos 

What will you gain?  

• Develop transferable skills such as proactive inclusive communication, interpersonal communication, active listening, feedback and encouragement 

• Facilitation and presentation skills  

• Gain understanding of language use in relation to specific contexts 

• Enhance own intercultural competency and opportunity to develop international connections  

• Positively contribute to Queen’s community by aiding the international student transition experience 

Requirements

We are looking for:  

• Students currently enrolled at Queen’s University 

• Fluent in English with excellent language proficiency, clear speech, and strong communication skills 

• Able to engage and encourage others while facilitating conversations (strong interpersonal skills)  

• Curious, open-minded and with appreciation of diversity and respect towards cultural differences 

• Passion for intercultural learning and a desire to develop own intercultural competence 

• Wanting to support international students/participants who are experiencing new environment & culture 

How to Apply

Volunteers are regularly recruited in the winter (e.g. February 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year). However, if you are interested even past a deadline you are welcome to email a statement of interest to quic@queensu.ca and ask about volunteering in the World Link Program. NOTE that  requests may not be able to be met outside of this period. 

Why Volunteer with World Link?

World Link volunteers work with program staff to assist in social events and cultural exchange sessions to engage students (especially new international students) while sharing their own cultures and learning. Our goals are to support international students in their transition to Queen’s, and to contribute to the university experience of all participants by building community connections and enabling cultural learning. Volunteers assist in social events, host participants, and facilitate conversation and engagement. Social events include movie nights, campus/downtown walks, crafting afternoons, game nights, seasonal cultural events, or walks in nature.

Time Commitment 

 Events run throughout the Summer, Fall and Winter Semesters. About one 2-hour event a week is available for students to volunteer at – required to volunteer at ~2 events/bus trips/activities per term. Additional duties may be required to support events set up and take down, orientation week tours and socials, hosting monthly soup lunches, travelling on a bus, etc. Note you are not required to be available over the summer to be a successful candidate. 

Volunteer Responsibilities

• Contribute to online or in-person activities/events organized for the program
• Proactively host and engage event participants
• Build a respectful, trusting, and inclusive rapport with others in the program
• Attend all program meetings and training sessions, and provide program feedback
• Generate social event ideas, and engage in event planning and delivery
• Work proactively in a team to complete project tasks
• Assist in event promotion through student networks 

Requirements

We are looking for:  

• Students familiar with the University and campus life 

• Excellent communication, teamwork and time management skills; ability to engage others 

• Passion for intercultural learning and a desire to develop own intercultural competence 

• Understand some of the challenges faced by international students experiencing a new environment and culture 

How to Apply

Send your resume and a statement of interest from your Queen’s email address to QUIC@queensu.ca with the subject line "Volunteer in World Link."

Make sure you include your phone number, program and expected graduation, and any relevant experience (academic, extra-curricular, volunteer).

More information coming soon! 

Drop in and chat! QUIC’s Intercultural Wellness Leaders are a social support for International and second-generation Canadian students at Queen’s. Perhaps you are experiencing a time of stress such as feeling homesick, culture shock, and feelings of separation on campus. If you would like a sympathetic ear to listen to in a comfortable and safe setting, then please join us. 

Visits are available on a drop-in basis at the QUIC and can be accessed through front desk.

IWL's are available on different dates each week from Monday - Friday from 1:00pm - 3:00pm throughout the winter semester. Check out our social media or event calendar for the weekly schedule.