Global Action

UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme)

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme offers undergraduate students (within the middle years of their degree) the chance to gain hands-on research experience on projects covering all disciplines across University. Our research projects last six weeks over the summer break, or can be part-time over a longer period, and those involved with the scheme will receive a bursary. In the past we have seen research projects investigating how ‘home’ students and international students work together and projects investigating farming practices in other countries. Keep a lookout between February and April each year to find UROP opportunities with a global link.

Reading Students' Union Opportunities

Your student union,Reading Students' Union organises lots of volunteer opportunities which will not only help you in giving back to the local community but also provide a great opportunity to make friends.  Below are some specific volunteering opportunities we have identified that would support your activity hours for the award:

Modern Foreign Language (MFL) Club : A new volunteering project to help develop secondary school pupils' language skills. 

 

Buddy Up – if partnered with another student from a different culture: A volunteering project designed to help students create new friendships on campus, giving you the chance to meet new people to build a stronger sense of community at Reading Students' Union. The Buddy Up project gives you the chance to be paired with another student, known as a Buddy Volunteer, who has similar interests to you, providing you with new social opportunities and the chance to meet other students. This is a great opportunity to meet others that are from a different culture than you and broaden your global awareness.

 

Once a Month:  A student-led project aimed at relieving period poverty in Reading. The group run packing sessions, events and fundraise to support those that cannot afford period products to maintain hygiene or participation in day to day activities . An opportunity to start local as you consider the global perspective of this issue. 

There are also one off Reading Students' Union volunteering opportunities, and you can keep up to date on these by signing to the volunteering newsletter. 

 

Also don’t forget if you are a committee member of a society or student-led project, with a global or cultural focus this can also be counted as part of your activity hours. 

 

Fairtrade Auditing

The University of Reading is Fairtrade certified. Every two years it requires to be audited by its own students to check it still meets the Fairtrade criteria.  This volunteering opportunity involves 6 hours of your time (including training) and you would be working with a small team of 2-4 other student auditors. For further details, contact Mark Laynesmith (co-chair of the University Fairtrade steering group). 

 

The Student Transition at Reading (STaR) Mentor Scheme - when mentoring students from other cultures

STaR Mentors are current students that have been trained to help new students with their start at Reading. Mentors contact new students by email before they start and in person during the first semester. This is a great opportunity to mentor someone from a different cultural background to yourself and support them whilst they get settled into life at Reading.

 

Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) 

Reading Voluntary Action is a local organisation that support voluntary organisations to find volunteers. Head to their website to search for opportunities as well as sign up for their weekly newsletter. Examples may include volunteering for a refugee or asylum seeker group.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad at another institution and use this opportunity to learn about their culture and gain experiences/skills alongside your studies. 

This is not an exhaustive list, other areas you may like to get involved in could be participating in other cultural or religious community groups. If you would like to confirm your potential activity is eligible to count towards this award, please do contact the RED team.