Benefits of Volunteerism: How Volunteering Leads to Professional Skill Development

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

4:10 PM – 5:10 PM CDT

Location: Schaumburg H

In many countries, volunteerism is not part of the culture. However, volunteering aids to create community engagement, fostering relationships, while also providing opportunities for professional skill development. In this presentation, we will share how connecting students to volunteering positively influences their exchange experience and enhances their professional skill development to support their careers. We will discuss strategies to illustrate how volunteering can lead to internships and potential job opportunities, whether abroad or in the U.S. Also included in the presentation will be a discussion on considerations to factor when advising students about volunteering including impact on the community, defining volunteerism, and impacts to the F-1 visa regulations. The presentation will be modified to appeal to all audiences including folks in International Student and Scholar Services and Education Abroad.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss benefits of volunteering as an international and/or education abroad student, including technical and soft skills, community engagement, sense of belonging, and building a professional network
Develop strategies to support students in gaining valuable career necessary skills through volunteering
Brainstorm volunteer opportunities available in local/regional areas

Presenter(s)

KC

Kayla Chepyator, MA

Program Coordinator, Community College Initiative Program
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Chair and Presenter(s)

EO

Elizabeth O'Brien (she/her/hers)

Benefits of Volunteerism: How Volunteering Leads to Professional Skill Development
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Presenter(s)

Allisen Stojanovic (she/her/hers)

Manager International Student Services
Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton, Wisconsin