Volunteering for international students

Volunteering is a great way to supplement your studies whilst at university. There’s something for everyone, whatever your interests, skills and availability.

Does my visa allow me to volunteer?

As an international student, you can complete your volunteering without restriction in the UK. And, unlike unpaid employment, volunteering doesn’t count towards your working hours. If you have any questions, please contact via visa@manchester.ac.uk.

What is a DBS check?

Opportunities volunteering with children or vulnerable adults may need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to find out if a potential volunteer has a criminal record. These can be hard to get if you’ve not been in the UK very long. The organisation you’re volunteering for should organise the check for you.  

You’ll need a National Insurance (NI) number to complete the form. If you don’t already have one, you can apply by phone or in person at a Jobcentre Plus (full details on the UK Government website). You don’t need to complete the employer’s declaration if you are volunteering.

You may also need a Certificate of Good Conduct from your home country (full details on what documents you need from each country are on the UK Government website).  

However, don’t let this put you off – the Volunteering and Community Engagement Team is happy to support you through the process and there are lots of volunteering opportunities that don’t require a DBS check.

English isn’t my first language

Volunteering is a great way to practise speaking English. If you’re nervous, tell the organisation or speak to the Volunteering Team about your concerns. And you could always volunteer with a friend!

I don’t have much time

Volunteering is completely flexible, so you can fit it in around your other commitments. Look out for Volunteer Days – one off opportunities from the Volunteering Team, where you can try out different types of volunteering.

Do I need experience to volunteer?

No. Volunteering is a great way to develop new skills and, as an international student, you’ll bring a unique perspective to the organisation.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact the Volunteering Team via volunteers@manchester.ac.uk.

Alternatively you can book an online support call with one of the team. If you would rather meet a member of the Volunteering Team in person or speak to them over the phone, we can easily arrange this. Just email us to arrange this. 

 

Bokyung (above) from South Korea, volunteers with Enactus and Multilingual Manchester, opportunities she found through the Volunteering Fair in her first year. Both projects focus on improving the participants’ spoken English, which fits well with Bokyung’s discipline, Linguistics.

Volunteering has had so many positive impacts that I didn’t expect. One of the best things about volunteering is that it works two-ways. Volunteers help other people, but I have also gained skills from volunteering, including one that I really appreciated – time management! I can now use my time effectively, so I can balance my social life, volunteering and studying.

Bokyung Kim