Benefits of volunteering
Volunteering can enrich your personal growth while benefitting your local community. As an international student, volunteering can open doors to a range of opportunities and advantages, empowering you to make a meaningful difference while building your skills and experiences.
Volunteering can help you to:
- Create meaningful connections with your local community.
- Meet new people, make friends and build your professional network.
- Feel connected and integrated with Adelaide and its unique culture.
- Gain practical experience in a real-world setting.
- Increase your job readiness and employability.
- Experience the reward of helping others.
How to become a volunteer in Adelaide
Volunteering in Adelaide is an exciting opportunity to contribute to your community. Before you begin your volunteer search, consider these:
Assess your availability: Carefully review your current study and work commitments and determine how much time you have available for volunteering. It’s important that you don’t overcommit or neglect your study, work or other commitments.
Consider your interests and goals: Understanding why you want to volunteer can help you find a genuinely rewarding position. This is helpful for both you and the volunteer organisation.
Prepare your application: When applying for a volunteer position, it's important to treat the process similar to applying for a job. Ensure your resume and cover letter are current and tailored to the volunteer role. For some positions, Police Checks may be required, so be prepared to provide one if necessary.
Where to volunteer
There are many places to volunteer in Adelaide. Here is a list of websites that regularly post volunteering positions:
- Volunteering SA & NT
- Go Volunteer
- Seek Volunteer
- City of Adelaide
- Your local council
- Conservation Volunteers Australia
- St John Ambulance
- Events South Australia
You could also approach:
- Community groups
- Places of worship
- Your university or education institute
Understand your rights and responsibilities
As an international student studying in Adelaide, you have the opportunity to engage in volunteering activities that enrich your experience and contribute to the local community. Unlike the 48-hour fortnight work restrictions for student visa holders, there is no limit on the amount of time you can volunteer, so you can get the most out of your volunteering experience.
It's important to ensure that your volunteering activities align with your visa conditions and, while most student visas automatically grant Permission to Work, you should understand your rights and responsibilities and how the Fair Work Ombudsman defines volunteering.