The Power of International Student Volunteering
As an international student, leaving home to study in the UK is an exciting and thrilling adventure, but it is considerably challenging as well. Meeting people, making new friends and immersing yourself in a new environment and culture all while juggling studies and assignments can wear you down, particularly once you start feeling homesick. I know, because I’ve been living in the UK away from my children, and this year away from home has challenged me in so many ways I couldn’t have foreseen when I first arrived in Swansea last September.
But I’m not here to tell you about the downside of studying abroad; I’m sure you don’t need reminding from me and have your own experiences to match! You’re here because you’re an international student who has heard about volunteering and wondering whether this could be a missing link to feeling better connected to this community you find yourself in.
Volunteering with Discovery, for me, has been a game-changer.
In today’s interconnected world, with social media constantly distracting us and often, subtly, eroding our sense of belonging, this can make it harder for international students to handle homesickness and feelings of isolation. If you’re like me, you might spend a lot of time indoors, binging Netflix between classes and assignments to self-soothe.
I picked up volunteering early this year at the recommendation of a friend. In the past few months, I have attended a number of one-off volunteering opportunities and joined two projects I felt drawn to on a personal level due to the important work they do with children, and the elderly stuck in hospital: the ‘Inspire’ and the ‘Helping Hands’ projects. Through these projects and opportunities, I have met new people and feel like my time and service are making a difference for those who most need it. Even if it was just writing a letter for a pen pal to help develop their experience and confidence in reading and writing, or creating arts and crafts with people with additional needs. I always walk away feeling like I am part of something bigger than myself.
It’s also helped me embrace cultural diversity. As a volunteer, I’m meeting people from all around the world while experiencing Welsh and UK culture first-hand. It’s always so interesting to meet people from a country I’ve never visited and get to also share a bit about my tiny island country, Samoa. I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for diversity and made connections with people from various backgrounds, which as an international student, is really at the heart of why I chose to study abroad in the first place.
On a personal level I have grown so much: stepping out of my comfort zone through volunteering has challenged me to develop my resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. I’ve built my confidence, developed increased empathy and compassion, and feel like I’ve been shaped into a more well-rounded individual.
But more than that, I’ve also gained some really valuable skills that I can credit to my time volunteering. As a Masters student, I am assessed on how well I’ve been able to attain the knowledge and lessons of my course modules, but through volunteering, I’ve been given a chance to apply all that I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Working within a team, taking leadership, and seeing what it takes to be a project manager are all skills needed to contribute to solutions for global issues we face today.
And, most importantly, I get to make a difference. Through volunteering my time and service, I can actively contribute to the sustainable development of the Swansea community and the city that I have grown to love like a second home. Volunteering is a chance to get involved in addressing social, environmental, and economic issues, and becoming a better global citizen committed to positive change. This is something you can easily take back home with you, or wherever your career path and life goals will lead you next, and could even be what helps you expand your network and career prospects: because volunteering allows you to connect with professionals, local organisations, and fellow volunteers. These connections can provide insights into different industries, access to internships, and unique career opportunities. And the great news is the team at Discovery is constantly looking for ways to support you and are more than happy to connect you with the organisations and people related to the field you work within or are interested in.
For international students, volunteering is a powerful way to learn more and grow personally and professionally, all while making a positive impact in Swansea which, if you’re like me, has come to hold a special place in your heart.
Or if it isn’t, then it could be exactly what you need to help you connect with this wonderful community. I know because I was you at the start of the year.
I hope you’ll open yourself up to something new just one more time and allow volunteering to take you on a transformative journey of self-discovery, global citizenship, and personal impact. This is an opportunity to enrich your life, broaden your horizons, and make a lasting difference.
But only if you give it a chance. I promise it isn’t as demanding or scary as it might seem. And you’re already here doing new and scary things! What’s one more?
Try volunteering with Discovery here:
https://volunteering.discoverysvs.org/
Written by Angelica Salele