Helping International students settle in to University life and the local community SUITABLE FOR WE MODULE

What You'll Do: 

To attend 1 Language Café session per week to meet and chat to international students, providing information and advice about life in the UK, Middlesbrough and at university to help them improve their English. Initiate conversations (using or providing prompts/controversial questions, magazine articles etc.). You may also be required to organise some activities. Meet students from all over the world and learn about different cultures and countries. Develop effective communication / interpersonal skills for dealing with non-native English speakers, useful if seeking work abroad/in a global company/in TEFL. Volunteers are required to sign up for 1 (or more) of the 2 sessions and attend this session every week during term time.  Meetings are on Wednesdays and Fridays in the Love IT Lounge, Students' Union, 15.30 - 17.30 pm. - (Must be able to interact and engage with International students from various language, cultural and religious backgrounds)

Why You'll Love It: 
You’ll love volunteering at The Language Café because it’s a vibrant, welcoming space where you’ll meet students from all over the world, make meaningful connections, and learn about different cultures firsthand. Every session is a chance to engage in fun conversations, play games, and help international students feel at home while improving their English. It’s incredibly rewarding to see students grow in confidence, build friendships, and thrive in their new environment—all while enjoying a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
What You'll Learn: 
Volunteering here will help you develop strong intercultural communication skills, adaptability, and empathy as you interact with people from diverse backgrounds. You’ll gain experience in informal language support, teamwork, and event coordination while enhancing your own understanding of global cultures. It’s also a great opportunity to improve your leadership and mentoring abilities by guiding students through their questions about university life, local events, and more.
What We're Looking For: 
We’re looking for friendly, patient, and approachable volunteers who enjoy meeting new people and have an interest in different cultures. While experience in English language support is helpful, it’s not essential—enthusiasm and a willingness to chat are key! You should be happy to assist with setting up refreshments and activities, sparking conversations, and offering advice on student life. Most importantly, we need people who are passionate about creating an inclusive, supportive community for international students.
Summary
Volunteering
Community
Culture
Mental Health
Social Care
Young People
Middlesbrough
8 Weeks Minimum
4 Hours / Week
Skills you will develop: 
Communication
Problem Solving
Public Speaking
Teamwork/Collaboration
Time Management
Skills you should possess: 
Teaching / Training
Intermediate
Languages you should know: 
English
Professional working
Requirements: 
In-Person Interview

Similar Opportunities

 
Meet and Greet Volunteer
Teesside Hospice
Min. 0 Weeks Minimum weeks
Meet and Greet Volunteer
Volunteering

As a Meet and Greet Volunteer, you’ll be the welcoming face of Teesside Hospice, offering warmth and reassurance to patients, families, visitors, and professionals as they arrive. Your presence helps create a friendly and supportive environment, ensu

 
Borderlands Volunteers
Borderlands
Min. 0 Weeks Minimum weeks
Borderlands Volunteers
Volunteering
Community, Education, Arts, Environment, Health

Borderlands is on the look out for flexible volunteers to help us deliver our creative and cultural programme across Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland. The roles we are offering will be events-based, at different venues around the local area.

 
Community Sewing Volunteer
Neuthread (part of Daisy Chain Project Teesside)
Min. 0 Weeks Minimum weeks
Community Sewing Volunteer
Volunteering
Community, Refugees, Poverty, Arts, Disability

Through volunteering, skill-building, and shared action, we are empowering people to take positive steps for the environment while strengthening connections within the community. We are looking for volunteers to help with sewing repair tasks.

Related Articles

Volun-tees
Hannah Barstow - Psychology Graduate
Volun-tees
What Volunteering Reveals About You to Employers
Volun-tees
MAKE A DIFFERENCE Interior Design Project - The Salvation Army