Volunteering not only allows students to give back to their community, but it also provides them a chance to learn more about American culture, build friendships, and develop a sense of empathy and social responsibility. From cleaning school buses to helping non-profit thrift stores and sorting shoes for children in need, volunteering gives the opportunity for Aspect students to make a positive impact!
Volunteering with some of my exchange students and making a difference in our community! Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls is a non-profit group that provides new shoes and socks to children and families around the world. It’s been in operation for 25 years and has given 5 million pairs of new shoes and socks to children in over 80 countries and within the United States.
At the volunteer warehouse, we helped sort shoes and write notes to children who would receive them. Shoes are a basic necessity, and many people in poverty cannot afford new shoes. Since shoes are also required to attend school, Buckner helps ensure these children have the necessary footwear.
– International Coordinator Brittani from Texas
I have never volunteered before in my home country. Since I came to the US, volunteering has turned out to be my favorite part of my exchange year. I have volunteered in many different places such as thrift stores, film festivals, and the church, etc. Most of my volunteer hours were spent at the thrift store. Sometimes I interact with people and little children, helping them find what they need or playing with them. My goal was initially 100 volunteer hours, but now I just want to help people from my heart. Even though I am almost done with my 100 hours, I will continue volunteering. Volunteering brings me happiness, and it is valued more than any money.
– Amikk from Mongolia, part of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State
Right images: Adoray’s Treasures, where Muhammadaziz volunteers and learns new skills
I am volunteering at a shop called Adoray’s Treasures from the Heart in River Falls. At this shop, mostly seniors work here and do some volunteer work. They need younger people to carry the boxes from downstairs to upstairs, and I am so glad to help them with this kind of work. In addition, I am happy to have the opportunity to work with the community of River Falls and to learn some communication and selling skills during my volunteer hours.
– Muhammadaziz from Uzbekistan, part of the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State
Right image: School buses where Pavle spends his time volunteering by helping drivers
I volunteered with school bus drivers! I helped them clean their buses and I was at their meeting where they were talking about the school year and they were pointing out the problems they had on routes, so I got to see how they spent some of their time besides driving the bus, and I saw that it’s not easy to be a school bus driver. I now understand what responsibilities they have. I enjoyed it because it was a way for me to say thank you to them for driving me to school and home safely.
– Pavle from Serbia, part of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State
I helped serve food at a trunk or treat event! I dressed up as a butterfly! It was so much fun interacting with people. I also help pack food for kids and families in need during the weekdays. I always felt really happy while doing it because I felt like I was contributing to something meaningful. I also volunteered at our county’s theatre play by painting and helping backstage. It brought a smile to my face whenever people said the props were amazing!
– Cisem from Türkiye, part of the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State
Aslan from Kazakhstan joined me and the Kiwanis Club at the Boys & Girls Club to hang out with kids during Parents Night Out. Before we left, he handed out chocolate bars from his home country to other volunteers. They all loved him, and he said he really enjoyed working with the kids there. He is an amazing young man!
– International Coordinator Laura from Nevada
Are you interested in making a student a part of your family? We are looking for American host families to welcome a student for the upcoming 2025-26 school year! Check out the profiles of our wonderful students! New profiles go online every Thursday!
