In this biannual Volunteering Elective Course, International English Center faculty use service learning as a foundation to help international students improve their English skills, interact with community partners and critically reflect on their experiences. The students–mostly from the Middle East, Asia, and South America–volunteer with CU Boulder campus programs such as the Libby Hall “Creative Minds” and Baker Hall “Environment and Natural Sciences” Residential Academic Programs as well as Ralphie’s Green Stampede. Students also volunteer at nonprofit organizations throughout Boulder County including local elementary schools, retirement communities and food banks. Students also volunteer independently and work in teams to run donation drives for local charities.

Through their experiences, students gain beneficial English language skills, increase their cultural awareness and knowledge and cultivate relationships within the community. Not only does volunteering increase the students’ university and community engagement and meet the needs of partner organizations, but these interactions also strengthen CU Boulder’s engagement with the local community and promote CU’s service and diversity missions.

• CU and Boulder Volunteering

  Additional Info

  During the Spring 2023 semester, International English Center (IEC) students created an International Chai Time event for Baker and Libby Hall RAP (residential academic program) students. The event focused on Kuwait culture since it corresponded with Kuwait National Day. Students had booths teaching RAP students about Kuwait and they did a Kahoot quiz about cultural topics. Students also volunteered at Baker Hall to help with their Lunar New Year celebration.
  
  In Fall 2023, IEC students put on another International Chai Time event focused on Kuwait and Japan. Students had multiple booths for teaching RAP students about culture: making origami, learning how to write their names in Japanese, playing Kuwait games, having their name written in Arabic, and learning facts about both cultures.
  
  For individiual volunteering projects, many students volunteered with Ralphie's Green Stampede at football and basketball games.

  ---

  Location

  on campus

  Dates

  Ongoing

  Public or Private

  Private Program (by request only or for a specific audience or group)

  Program Fee

  Yes

• Front Range Volunteering

  Additional Info

  Students volunteered regularly at Golden West Senior Living, where they presented mini-presentations on their culture. Students sat in small groups with a few Golden West residents. The residents learned about different cultures and discussed related topics. The International English Center students had learned about U.S. culture of senior living centers and prepared questions to ask residents about their lives and happy memories. Residents and students reported this was one of their favorite activities.
  
  Students went on a tour at Community Food Share and then volunteered sorting food for delivery to families in need. For individual volunteering projects, some students went to Denver to help puppies socialize and acclimate to humans.

  ---

  Location

  in colorado

  Boulder

  Dates

  Ongoing

  Public or Private

  Private Program (by request only or for a specific audience or group)

  Program Fee

  Yes