About YFU Canada:
At YFU Canada we provide intercultural student exchange programs to high school
students from across the globe, inviting international students to study and experience life
in Canada. YFU Canada is part of a global cultural exchange network representing over 50
different countries, with the mission to advance intercultural understanding and provide
lifechanging experiences.
YFU Canada provides an arrival orientation camp for students to commence their program
in Canada and we are seeking enthusiastic individuals to volunteer to assist with the
student orientation camp.
Volunteer Orientation Leader Role:
Orientation leaders act as an ambassador for Canada and are an integral part of the
orientation helping to introduce international high school students from Germany, France,
Belgium, China, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia and Finland to Canadian culture,
language, and customs prior to the students commencing their homestay and academic
program. Orientation leaders are part of the programming that helps set students up for
success, providing a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Canada.
As an orientation leader, you will assist throughout the orientation by leading and
chaperoning a small group of students over a four-day period September 1st – September
4th inclusive). The arrival orientation camp takes place at an outdoor education centre,
near to Toronto with an excursion to Toronto. Orientation Leaders will stay at the camp
and assist the students through a variety of camp and team-building activities.
Orientation Leaders also welcome students upon arrival at the airport, assist with airport
transfers, and check-in on the day of departure.
As a volunteer, Orientation Leaders gain valuable experience working with students from
other cultures while building their leadership skills in a unique environment. Groups of
approximately 15-20 students will be assigned to each Leader. The Leader is responsible
for ensuring the students feel welcomed, assisting with their adjustment to Canada during
the camp and supporting students.
Orientation Leaders will have accommodations in a camp cabin and should be prepared
for spending time outdoors in a camp environment.
Accommodation at the camp, meals and activities during the orientation, and
mileage/transportation costs to and from the camp will be covered for all camp leaders. This is an unpaid volunteer role.
Why Volunteer with YFU Canada?
- Volunteering provides an opportunity to develop important career skills such as
leadership, intercultural communication, planning and much more.
- Volunteering at YFU opens a world of opportunity. You can become a part of an
international family for the first time or renew cultural connections through our
global network.
- You can be part of building a life changing experience for students.
Requirements:
- Available for an online orientation prep and training meeting within two weeks of
the camp.
- Access to a vehicle, with a valid driver’s license and comfort driving or
transportation to and from the Toronto Airport and/or the camp venue.
Transportation to the airport or camp venue is the responsibility of the leader.
- Arrive on site at the camp on September 1st or at the airport on September 1st,
based upon orientation schedule (be available from the morning (time TBD based
on flight schedules), and be available for the duration of the orientation, on site,
until 6pm on September 4th.
- A current criminal reference check, or able to provide one prior to the orientation
camp.
- A great deal of energy and enthusiasm. The success of the activities is largely
dependent on the passion of the leader and the ability to make the students feel
welcome and comfortable quickly.
- Mature, responsible, and well organized to ensure the smooth running of the
orientation and supervision of the international students.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience working with youth, high school students or international
students in an educational setting, camp, or club/activity. Experience with
teaching, education, camps, or student events/activities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge and awareness of various cultures.
- Involvement with volunteer and/or student organizations.
- Experience in guiding or leading groups of students.
- Completion of high school diploma.
- Experience living or studying abroad is an asset.
- First Aid qualifications are an asset
How to Apply:
Please email a brief cover letter and resume to Scott Baird
at [email protected]
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Work Location: In person
