Volunteer with International Students and Scholars Program (VISAS):


Please read the information below before filling out the on-line application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the application deadline, January 30, 2008 at midnight.  Students will be selected and contacted on a rolling basis until the deadline.
 
The VISAS Program. Why is it needed?
If you have ever been abroad, you may know what it’s like trying to adjust to a new language and culture. Many international members of our community report that they have trouble meeting American students, practicing their English, and asking questions about U.S. culture. Some of these international students have the additional challenge of teaching in a U.S. classroom where language and cross-cultural communication skills are critical. The Teaching Resource Center and Center for American English Language and Culture developed the VISAS program to help prospective international TAs improve their language, intercultural communication and teaching skills.

An incredible opportunity, right in our own backyard…
We are lucky at U.Va to have such a diverse representation of students and scholars from around the world. Many American students seek opportunities to travel in order to get to know another culture, but right here on Grounds is a hidden opportunity to forge a personal connection to another culture. VISAS volunteers recognize the benefit of bringing together individuals of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Four different ways to volunteer:

• Student LANGUAGE Consultants (LCs) – 
  1 hour weekly meeting  with conversation partners.
  The volunteer program has expanded to include international graduate students  
  and scholars who may not be TAs, but who want to improve their oral English  skills 
  and learn more about American culture. LCs meet with 1-2 international  partners for 
  an hour a week for 10 weeks of the semester. Rather than a  tutoring session, this is a 
  time for relaxed English conversation on topics of  mutual interest.  You must be a 
  native speaker of English in order to  apply for this position. Other than that, an 
  interest in getting to know  international students and share one’s own culture is 
  the only requirement. 

• Student CLASSROOM Consultants (CCs) –
  Work with a small group of international TAs in training.
  Four times throughout the semester, Classroom Consultants visit a course for international TAs in training. The volunteers provide a realistic audience for prospective TAs who perform short teaching demonstrations on material from their field of study. Classroom Consultants observe, interact, and give feedback about the lesson. Volunteers and international students also have time to converse and meet over refreshments each class period so that they can get to know each other better. This is a good position for those interested in teaching and cross-cultural perspectives.
  
  Commitment for CCs: For the spring semester, those applying for a Classroom Consultant position MUST BE AVAILABLE on the following Wednesday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m., February 27, March 26, April 9, and April 16.
  
  
• Student TEACHING Consultants (TCs) –
  Observe and work with a new international TA.
  A few times throughout the semester, Teaching Consultants visit the section of a new international TA who may need some extra support. Volunteers sit in on the class as a student and observe what seems to be going well and what areas the TA could improve upon in the classroom. Teaching Consultants then meet with the international TA to discuss observations.
  
  
• ESL Assistant (EAs) -
  Spend an hour a week assisting graduate students from other countries as they work on their oral English in CAELC ESL classes. Engage in class discussions, contribute your knowledge of English usage and slang, and provide helpful feedback as students perform oral presentations.

Requirements for all positions: You must attend a training session, agree to fulfill the duties for your position, and touch base weekly with VISAS staff and other volunteers. The training session will be held on February 5 from 7-8:30 p.m. in RFN 241 , during which you'll be given guidelines and hints, ideas and resources.  We will have a make-up session for those who absolutely cannot make that meeting.

Benefits:  Volunteers report that they learn a great deal about other cultures, have a great time, and build enduring international friendships. Many participants go on to work or volunteer in related fields such as ESL/EFL, international development, and education.

Telephone (434) 924-3371         FAX (434) 924-1483
caelc@virginia.edu