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Volunteering in Scotland
Improving your English and making new friends are just two of the benefits of taking on voluntary work in Scotland for people who do not speak English as their first language.
Guide books and the internet can help with information about Scotland, but visiting the country allows you time to understand the people and culture.
Volunteering allows you to become more confident in your conversational English, gaining work experience in a range of jobs, from shop assistants to mountain rescuers.
Volunteering Centre Network in Scotland
The local Volunteer Centre is the place many potential volunteers go for advice. The first two in Scotland opened in Edinburgh and Glasgow in 1970 and there are now over 32 offices around the country offering help and advice to residents.
According to Paul Wilson, Depute Director of Volunteer Centre Edinburgh, there are some common reasons for volunteering amongst non-English speaking volunteers.
"A few years ago we saw a huge influx of people from Eastern Europe coming to Scotland and we noticed that the majority of volunteers wanted to improve their language skills, integrate into our culture and make friends with people who lived here." says Paul.
"People wanted to give something back to the city they were making their home."
Because organisations are looking for keen, skilled and above all willing volunteers, Paul warns against the idea that volunteering is just a quick way to build up a CV.
"Most of our volunteering opportunities usually require a 2 - 6 hour commitment per week for a minimum of 3 - 6 months, so you will need to make sure you can stay for long enough to meet this commitment."
"However, once you've made the decision to volunteer, you'll find a huge amount of opportunities waiting for you. There's something for everyone."
The next steps
If you reside legally in Scotland you are free to undertake voluntary or unpaid work.
Temporary workers who want to come to the United Kingdom to do temporary work for a licensed sponsor should refer to the Temporary worker information on the
Home Office UK Border Agency website.
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