National Volunteer Week 2025 runs from 19 May to 25 May, with the spotlight being shone on the crucial contribution of volunteers to a diverse range of organisations and causes.
Wednesday’s event, the International Students’ Volunteering Expo, attracted 130 international students and 27 organisations, such as St John Ambulance SA, Scouts SA, Trees for Life, St Vincent de Paul SA, and Volunteering SA &NT.
StudyAdelaide Chief Executive Jane Johnston said international students in South Australia volunteer in high numbers.
“We know that more than a quarter of international students volunteer on a regular basis for a range of organisations, such as charities, emergency services, community organisations, festivals and events,” Ms Johnston said.
“When they arrive in Adelaide they are keen to connect with and contribute to the local community while they are here.
“The Red Cross, RSPCA, WOMADelaide, the State Emergency Service, Trees for Life and Adelaide Airport are just some of the diverse organisations we know that benefit from international students giving their time to our community.
“At the same time our students experience the Australian workplace culture and gain valuable skills for their future careers.”
Volunteering SA&NT chief executive officer Hamilton Calder said this year’s Volunteer Week has the theme Connecting Communities.
“Volunteering is a powerful way of building strong and inclusive communities where everyone feels that they belong,” Mr Calder said. “Volunteering is enriching for everyone, and international students are fantastic contributors to our movement.
“We’re proud to be partnering with StudyAdelaide to help bring internationals students together with organisations that rely on volunteers.
“When young people volunteer they become more confident and make connections. Their community becomes stronger, so everyone wins.”
Pin-Han Sung, from Taiwan, is a Master of Information Technology student at the University of South Australia. Pin-Han attended the International Students’ Volunteering Expo.
Pin-Han’s volunteering experience includes:
- Trees For Life volunteer (2023-2025)
- Mother’s Day Classic Foundation volunteer (2025)
- Australia Day Council of South Australia volunteer (2023)
- Uni Mentor, G’day Mate, and Academic Student Representative at University of South Australia (2025)
- Connections Mate at University of Adelaide’s English Language Centre (2024-2025)
- International Peer Mentor, University of Adelaide (2023-2024)
- StudyAdelaide Ambassador (2025)
Pin-Han’s Trees For Life volunteering involved planting native plants in the Adelaide Park Lands and Smithfield Memorial Park.
Trees For Life Smithfield Planting Days, 2023.
Pin-Han said, “As an international student, I had no idea about South Australia when I first arrived. Volunteering was a way for me to connect with the local community, and I’m happy to be able to give something back.”
“I believe many international students are keen to get involved, and luckily, StudyAdelaide brings organisations and students together, which motivated me to share my experience. It is rewarding to help introduce local organisations to international students and encourage more of us to take part in meaningful community work.”
He continues, “Although we are focused on our studies, volunteering is a great way to engage with the wider community. Most organisations are open and welcoming, and the impact of volunteering is really positive!”
Mother’s Day classic volunteering, May 2025.