Volunteer
You have probably heard about WUSC at Trent University and are asking yourself: “What can I do for this organization? What can this organization do for me?”. As it turns out, the answers to both these questions are linked. Through participation and support in WUSC you gain the satisfaction of having done your part in helping to change the world for the better! Furthermore, unlike other non-profit organizations, you also gain valuable experience by bridging theory and active practice. Find out about how these things can be achieved by reading more about the Student Refugee Program (SRP) and Students Without Borders (SWB).
Student Refugee Program
This program offers refugees the opportunity to resettle, and at the same time resume their post-secondary education. Learn how you can help a young sponsored student reach his/her academic aspirations by becoming a volunteer in WUSC at Trent University.
In 2008 WUSC welcomed its 1,000th sponsored student! 2008 also marked the 30th year of the SRP.
In 1978, WUSC gave birth to its brainchild the Student Refugee Program (SRP). Through this undertaking, students whose livelihoods have been interrupted by war or political oppression are given the opportunity to continue their tertiary-level education in Canada. WUSC holds strong ties with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the UNHCR and other prominent agencies, which continue to ensure the annual success of the SRP. As a result the program has grown tremendously over the years and as many as 45 students are allowed into Canada annually from developing countries. On average, 50% originate from Central and Eastern Africa, 21% from West and Southern Africa, 25% from Afghanistan and 4% from Burma. The SRP is unique to WUSC as it is the only organization in Canada that manages this laudable task.
How does the program work?
The Student Refugee Program is unique to North America. The program focuses on young refugees whose academic aspirations have been derailed by conflict in their countries of origin. It’s the only program that offers refugees the opportunity to resettle, and at the same time resume their post-secondary education. The success of the program is due to the dedication and hard work of over 60 Canadian university and college members, student-led Local Committees throughout the country and our partner organizations, volunteers and donors.
At Trent University, one refugee student is permitted to continue his or her studies each year, through the efforts of the WUSC at Trent University Local Committee. This is accomplished in part by the annual student levy administered to all Trent students. The levy ensures that the student’s university and residence fees are paid and basic living needs are met for their first year of study at Trent University.
What are the program’s benefits?
Trent University and the wider Peterborough community stand to benefit from the SRP just as the student benefits from these charitable services. The student serves as a primary resource, offering an insight into a life heavily impacted by war and political dominance. Holistically, the Canadian society is granted the opportunity to learn of global issues, first-hand. The WUSC at Trent University Local Committee recognizes these benefits and is committed to organizing numerous addresses where people are invited to attend and be enlightened on world issues, which may lead to combined efforts to bring about change on a global scale.
You can start getting involved in the SRP by joining its sub-committee under the executive body of WUSC at Trent University. The SRP sub-committee meets regularly to discuss plans for new sponsored students and to also assist currently-sponsored students in transitioning into Canadian life.
Students Without Borders
Are you interested in going abroad and applying what you learn to help persons in disadvantaged communities? Perhaps you want to apply your knowledge and skills in a real work environment, while simultaneously earning credits towards your program of study.
Students Without Borders™ is another program run by WUSC at Trent University and many WUSC Local Committees at other post-secondary institutions. Are you interested in going abroad and applying what you learn to help persons in disadvantaged communities? Then read on and consider engaging in Students Without Borders™ for a life-changing experience!
What is SWB and why should I consider it?
Students Without Borders™, or SWB, is an overseas learning program offered by WUSC on Canadian college/university campuses. It allows students to earn not only earn credits towards their program of study, but also to apply the knowledge and skills gained in a real work environment. If you have that inner desire to contribute to tangible development projects in places around the world where help is needed, then Students Without Borders™ is for you!
Where are students placed when in the SWB?
Because Students Without Borders™ assists in providing international learning opportunities, there are a few countries outside of North America where placements are offered. These include Botswana, Burkino Faso, Ghana, Malawi, Peru and Vietnam, all of which encompass the continents of Africa, Asia and South America. A list of current placement details can be found on the WUSC.ca website.
Who is eligible to take part in SWB?
Any student attending a Canadian college/university is eligible! However, priority is given to student and institutional members of WUSC Local Committees. As a result, it helps to be a member of WUSC at Trent University if you plan on taking advantage of this great opportunity! Although students in any program of study are generally accepted, the majority of placements occur with students in areas of Administration, Agriculture, Commerce, Ecotourism, Education, Engineering, Environment, Gender Advocacy, Health, Information Technology, Law and Policies, Marketing, Social Work and Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). The 3 placement streams that are available fall into the categories of International Community Service Learning (CSL), Co-op and Internship for which further details can be found on the WUSC.ca website.
When do placements begin for SWB?
Placements start in January, May and September of each year to coincide with the academic term. Therefore, it is very important that you complete your application early and submit all the necessary documents before the appropriate deadlines. As a member of WUSC at Trent University we can help you in the process of getting things ready.
So are you ready to get started? Simply contact us and express your wish of participating in the SWB. You will be supplied with additional details thereafter.