Volunteer Opportunities with International Programs & Studies
Office of International Programs & Studies
MSC06 3850, 1 University of New Mexico
2111 Mesa Vista Hall
Phone: 505.277.4032, Fax: 505.277.1867, Email: oips@unm.edu
http://www.unm.edu/oips
Airport Pick Up and Short-Term Stay
The International Students Inc. (ISI) organizes airport pick-ups and short-term home-stay arrangements for new international students and scholars arriving in Albuquerque. Since many new students have never been to the US before, they really appreciate any help they can get. Volunteers who would like to get involved in these programs should contact Glenda Demmie at ISIABQ@isiwebnet.net or by telephone at 505.301.142.
International Friendship Program
The International Friendship Program pairs international students and scholars with local individuals and/or families to provide an opportunity for cross-cultural learning. Students are typically invited by their hosts to participate in home activities, recreational outings, and holiday celebrations. Both parties will have a chance to learn about each other's culture and share a unique friendship together. Friendship Partners are encouraged to participate in our semester welcome events to meet new students and scholars (fall picnic and spring potluck.) Contact Linda Melville at lmelvill@unm.edu (505.277.4032) or Glenda Demmie at ISIABQ@isiwebnet.net (505.301.2142) for more information.
International Festival
The International Festival is a true celebration of culture and diversity at UNM, occurring annually during the spring semester and featuring food, crafts, and performances from all over the world - ranging from Middle Eastern Belly Dancing to Traditional African Drums. The festival generates great energy, rhythm and color by bringing the world closer to the UNM community. Volunteers can help with event planning, decoration, food, advertisement, entertainment, set up, clean up and a variety of other events. This is a great campus celebration–truly a community effort enjoyed by all! Contact Stephanie Suliman at steph376@unm.edu for more information.
English Tutors and Conversation Partners
The Center for English Language and American Culture (CELAC) looks for volunteer "Tutors" or "Conversation Partners" who would like to help International students with English language practice. CELAC students are enrolled full-time in the intensive English program here at UNM, and often are looking for further practice in English with a native English speaking person. Tutors should have some knowledge or background in ESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). Conversation partners do not have to have experience and would meet on campus with the student and practice informal conversation. Please contact Tatiana Minot, Program Manager, or Paul Edmunds, Academic Manager at 505.277.4032, or celac@unm.edu.
Garage Give-away
ISI and the Office of International Programs and Studies organize an annual Garage Giveaway for approximately 300 newly arriving international students every summer. The primary goal of this effort is to collect furniture and other essentially needed items useful for students moving into unfurnished or sparsely furnished apartments. Any help with donations or the event organization is welcome and extremely appreciated. Volunteers who would like to help should contact Glenda Demmie at ISIABQ@isiwebnet.net or by telephone at 505.301.2142.