Volunteering
Volunteers interact with students in the classroom, during Cultural Intensive & English Program (CIEP) activities or one-on-one. Volunteers help participants strengthen their cultural competency as they exchange experiences.
Additionally, volunteering is a great opportunity for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) education students to work with emergent bilingual students at the collegiate level in addition to their level work for teaching licensure.
The Office of International Engagement (OIE) depends on volunteers to support the growth and education of our international and domestic students through our English learning programs. We serve international students, Cedar Valley residents and online students.
Conversation Partners
Conversation Partners are asked to meet with their assigned student(s) at least once a week for one hour to practice listening/speaking skills with the student. Volunteers may also be asked to clarify English items regarding homework or conversation in addition to providing cultural insight to U.S. American culture.
Time Commitment | 1-3 hours/week (as decided between partners) | 1 full semester
Applications for the 2023-24 academic will open in mid-August
Talk Tuesdays Volunteer
Talk Tuesday volunteers are asked to help facilitate discussion with students/participants during our hour-long weekly sessions. Talk Tuesdays are in person but can take place virtually over Zoom. Volunteers and participants are provided with questions regarding a specific weekly topic. Volunteers are expected to provide appropriate English input and explanation for participants with respect to their current English proficiency
Time Commitment | 1 hour/week | ½ semester
Class Exchange Volunteer
Class Exchange volunteers are called upon sporadically throughout the semester to assist in courses (online or in-person) that are co-taught by UNI and CIEP faculty. Class Exchange volunteers may be asked to lead activities, facilitate discussion, or provide insight to U.S. American culture.
Time Commitment | 1 hour/week (as needed) | ½ semester
Classroom Volunteer
CIEP Classroom volunteers are asked to assist with activities, homework comprehension, and mini-lessons as needed. Volunteers attend CIEP classes two or three hours per week in order to provide support to the CIEP instructors, particularly within combined-level classes. Volunteers serve as resources for the CIEP students and assistants to the instructors.
Time Commitment | 2-5 hours/week (as dictated by student availability and instructor preference) | ½ semester
On-Call Volunteer
The OIE runs a number of immersion and class exchange programs that operate throughout the semester at times different from regular CIEP classes and activities. We often need volunteers for a one-time event or a commitment of a few weeks throughout our sessions to help with these programs. Joining our on-call list means that you would receive emails about opportunities and could opt to participate if they work with your schedule.
Time Commitment | Varies | 1 full semester
Volunteering for Credit
Students studying within the languages & literatures department may receive credit (per class participation) for their volunteer work with the OIE. Students should check with their professor to ensure they are offering credit for volunteer work. Review the Guidelines for Volunteering for Credit. If these guidelines are not followed during one's time with the OIE, we can't guarantee that the student will receive an evaluation for credit upon completion of their volunteer hours.
The University of Northern Iowa and OIE is committed to providing an educational environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. We ask that all volunteers acknowledge and welcome people of diverse beliefs, backgrounds, views, voices and opinions. We seek to foster a culture of inclusion where all feel respected and valued. Thus, we affirm the rights of all hold true to their beliefs and be free of harassment as according to UNI Policy 13.02 (PDF).