Work with HOST

Volunteers

Volunteering has a number of advantages; it can be a bit of fun and a chance to meet new people out of your daily routine or it can be an activity that helps you to improve your employability in the longer term, including getting a reference. We have a wide variety of opportunities of both sorts - have a look and see what appeals to you...

Adminstration Intern

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Working in the HOST office, you will:

Be available 3-5 days a week for 3 or 6 months from 10 am – 4.30 pm, with a half-hour lunch break;
Have your travel expenses and lunch allowance paid;
Support the CE and staff members with all administrative tasks such replying to queries, updating information on the database, updating boards – you will become familiar with Outlook and the HOST database, and develop your communication skills;
Take your turn on the ‘reception’ desk, answering the telephone and taking messages;
Deal directly, by phone, email and occasionally in person, with international students, volunteer Regional Organisers and volunteer hosts, university officers, the general public and any other enquirers – you will learn to deal diplomatically with a wide variety of people, to communicate with people whose first language is not English, to receive and give information efficiently, and to keep records of conversations;
Occasionally represent HOST at an international student orientation event in a London college or university;
Be given your own projects to work on – you will learn how to manage and organise your workload, and to set and work to deadlines;
As required, perform office tasks to support the work of the regional organisers – including printing, photocopying, making up information packs;
Give IT support to regional organisers who are less computer literate than you;
Assist with any other ad hoc exercises;
Contribute pro-actively to all aspects of HOST’s work;

Marketing support:

Be on the Conference planning team, assisting with logistics and contribute to the planning of the event support the CE and staff members with all administrative tasks such replying to queries, updating information on the database, updating boards – you will become familiar with Outlook and the HOST database, and develop your communication skill;
As required, perform office tasks to support the work of the regional organisers including sending publicity material for host and Regional Organiser support with volunteer services;
Assist with any other ad hoc exercises;
Contribute pro-actively to all aspects of HOST’s work

Dealing with social media such as Facebook and Twitter (increasing the number of friends, regular updates on what is happening at HOST UK);
Representing HOST at marketing events and doing presentations to promote our organisation to students/potential hosts;
Advertising for hosts/Regional Organisers;
Contributing in the planning of the events such as our yearly Conference and tasks related to Conference organisation and other events;
Assisting in effective and timely production of newsletters including Isa newsletters, annual reports, and marketing material;
Assisting with leaflet and distribution of publicity materials;
Dispatching newsletters which require mailing as well as appropriate publicity materials to Subscribing Institutions;
Assisting the CE in monitoring and acquiring statistics and qualitative measures produced in the form of reports and charts;
Update website;
Work with CE on development of income generation work in conjunction with other marketing work;
Research and assist with fundraising projects (no street fundraising or cold calling). Research possible grants for sources of funding.

Article writing (desirable) - able to write short articles for newsletters.

Recruitment method: CV and interviews. Deadline to apply: 3rd of February 2012.

To apply please send your CV and Covering Letter to Kasia.

Some quotes of volunteers who recently completed a placement with HOST UK:

"After leaving university I wanted to gain some much needed administrative experience to help me find a job related to my career. HOST UK were nice enough to take me on as a Voluntary Office Assistant and gave me real work and responsibilities. During my three months at HOST UK I learnt a lot. My achievements by the end of three months period really did improve my employability. The HOST UK Team are really friendly and I would recommend the experience to anyone who is looking to gain valuable work experience." Jon

"After leaving university I found that I did not have a lot of the experience in which most employers are looking for. The internship with HOST UK meant that I was given the opportunity to gain that experience which many other companies do not offer. From being taught how to handle the smallest tasks such as general administration duties, to larger tasks which are more specific projects. I was able to gain experience in a variety of office tasks, meaning I was constantly learning something new. This abled me to gain a confidence within the office environment which I previously did not have. The staff are extremely helpful and flexible, allowing your input into which areas you would like to learn more about. Working in a relatively small office with a friendly atmosphere eased any anxious feelings I had at the beginning, and also gave me the chance to work intimately with the staff. I am sad to leave, but greatly appreciative for the experience I now have thanks to HOST UK!!" Laura

Recruitment method: CV and interviews. Deadline to apply: 3rd February 2012.

To apply please send your CV to Kasia .

Hosts and Regional Organisers

Hosts

We are seeking host families who would be willing to offer an invitation to an International Student for a day or a weekend, or for a few days at Christmas. If you have an interest in people from other lands and cultures, then this is a great way of forging international friendships. You can “host” once a year or several times and we try and match you with students who share your interests. A token amount towards expenses is paid after a visit to those hosts who request it. There is much more information about becoming a host on our hosts pages.

If you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to call us at the HOST Office at 0207 739 6292 or email us at this address.

Regional Organisers

In particular we are seeking:

Regional Organiser for Hereford & Worcester

Regional Organiser for Shropshire

Regional Organiser for East Riding of Yorkshire

Regional Organiser for East Midlands and Warwickshire

Regional Organiser for Scottish Highlands and Islands

Regional Organiser for Cheshire and Merseyside

Each one of our team of around 40 volunteer Regional Organisers (RO) manages an area of the UK. Some do it on their own and some do it jointly with their partner (or other family member or friend) or with another HOST RO.

The job involves placing students with appropriate families based on given criteria. A friendly telephone manner and appreciation of the value of volunteers is essential. The job also includes some publicity work and recruiting of new hosts, including visiting prospective hosts in their homes. Candidates living in the specified areas are preferred.

There is the opportunity to undertake liaison with local institutions and students.

There is support from the London Office and from Regional Organisers in neighbouring regions.

Time commitment: This depends on a number of factors, and also varies during the year. Most ROs find the job is best done in odd hours here and there throughout the week, rather than dedicating a particular day to it. During the busiest period (late autumn), these hours would add up to a couple of days per week.

Time scale: We would hope that this could be a long-term commitment.

Other: Travel expenses and other charges incurred, such as phone bills, will be reimbursed.

CONTACT PERSON: Susie Alemayehu