Volunteering ideally is about giving your time voluntarily to an activity you enjoy, for an organisation that provides services that match your interests and values. You can work towards a cause, make a difference, all whilst meeting new people and having fun, alongside developing skills and experience to add to your CV.
You hopefully will build confidence, add to your social and professional networks and gain an insight into the sector(s) you volunteer in. Organisations should be appreciative of your time, some may recognise your efforts with, for example, a certificate, and most will be happy to provide a future work reference.
Before volunteering consider your own personal motivations, what you want to gain from it, what you want to give and be open to opportunities that are short-term and flexible, long-term, in-person or online.
If you are an international student, please check the terms of your visa before committing to any volunteering opportunity. You can contact the International Student Advisers for further guidance on visa conditions. Email student.international@abdn.ac.uk . Useful information is also provided by .