Volunteer Opportunity - Youth For Understanding (YFU) Canada - Orientation Camp Leader

 

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 and student arrival to Canada. 

Volunteer Orientation Leader Role:  
  

Orientation leaders act as an ambassador for Canada and are an integral part of the  orientation helping to introduce students from Germany, France, China, Australia,  Switzerland, Spain, and many more countries 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 group of students over a four-day period (August 26th- August 29th inclusive). The arrival orientation camp takes place at an outdoor education centre, near  to Toronto with an excursion to Toronto taking place, as well as the arrival night taking  place at a nearby airport hotel. 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 at the end of the orientation.  

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 airport hotel for the  first night, and should be prepared for spending time outdoors in a camp environment. 

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 airport hotel on August 26th in the late afternoon or at the  airport directly on August 26th, based upon orientation schedule, and be  available for the duration of the orientation, on site/at the airport, until 6pm on  August 29th 

• A current criminal reference check processed by our provider, or able to provide  a current 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 inbound@yfucanada.net (Only those selected for an interview will be contacted)