One of the most valuable experiences that we offer international students at the ELC is the opportunity to interact with native speakers of English. We try to connect ELC students with Canadians in a variety of ways during our programs and are always looking for new volunteers.
While our students gain many new language skills by conversing in and practicing their English, they also learn many details and unique perspectives about life in Canada by spending time with our volunteers. We look forward to helping find the ELC volunteer opportunity that’s right for you!
In-person volunteering
ELC Learning Centre
This is a drop-in facility for all students enrolled in an English Language Centre program at UVic. As a Learning Centre and/or Conversation Circle volunteer, you can expect to chat with students and help them with homework assignments including reading, vocabulary and presentations. The conversation and cultural exchange that our Canadian volunteers offer, provide a very special and memorable experience for all ELC students.
September to June: The Learning Centre is generally open Monday to Thursday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm, except for short breaks between terms (in December and April). From January to March 2025, The Learning Centre will be open 11:30 am–3:45pm Monday to Thursday.
July and August: The Learning Centre is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm.
Classroom Volunteers
This is an ideal opportunity if you:
- would like to participate in an EAL classroom
- would like to interact in activities with international students under the guidance of an experienced EAL teacher
- are a UVic Applied Linguistics student looking for more classroom experience in Applied Linguistics
- want to meet people from different parts of the world and learn about other cultures
ELC classes run from Monday to Friday in the mornings and afternoons. Class times are typically from 8:30 am–12:45 pm and 1:00–5:15 pm.
ELC Volunteers
Volunteer opportunity for current UVic students.
Are you looking for a volunteer experience where you can connect with people from around the world, while building your international communication and leadership skills? As an ELC volunteer, you will work with trained UVic facilitators as you support English as an Additional Language (EAL) students by participating in conversation activities and games.
Conversation Club runs on Wednesdays and Coffee Social runs on Fridays. These events provide a fun, casual environment for our students to practice conversational English. ELC volunteers and our students explore cultural diversity, common interests and learn about each other through group activities and games led by our team of Cultural Assistants (CAs).
Virtual volunteering
Online Café Social
Volunteer opportunity for current UVic students.
As an online Café Social volunteer, you will chat in English in a virtual environment with students from our English Language Online programs. Planned activities on Zoom include small-group conversation games, trivia challenges or discussions about the host city, Victoria, BC. Students and volunteers will enjoy creating an online community atmosphere benefiting all participants!
We are currently looking for volunteers to join us on Mondays, 5:00–6:00 pm. You can volunteer from anywhere in the world, as long as you are enrolled as a UVic student.
Plan to attend one of our events and you will want to join them all!