CVIP is always looking for qualified, enthusiastic community volunteers. You can find descriptions of all of our active programs under the Program Overview. In addition to participating in CVIP programs, you can also become a volunteer in  CVIP Administrative Services.

To apply for any CVIP program(s)  please go to the end of this page.

Volunteer Once or Twice a Year  

The Global Gift Shop

Once a year, you could help to staff the Global Festival Global Gift Shop, a fundraiser for the CVIP Lillian Kumata Scholarship Program. No sales experience is necessary.

Administrative Services Public Relations Committee 

You could assist the Communications Coordinator and Office Manager in co-editing, designing, and publishing an e-mailed newsletter several times per year. Some editorial experience is required, and the ability to use Mailchimp is desired but not necessary. 

Volunteer Once or Twice a Month 

International Friendship Program (IFP)

There are two ways to volunteer:

1. You could offer to be a friend to an international student. Local friends meet with their students once or twice (or more, if desired) a month, for mutually enjoyable activities.  Meetings could feature a shared meal, a sports event, a shopping excursion or anything else that might inform the student about American culture and customs.  An orientation session is required of all volunteers, but no experience is required.

2. You could help the IFP leaders to match local community volunteers with international students and to assist with orientations and record keeping.  No special experience is necessary.

International Speakers Program (I SPEAK)

When students have to make presentations to schools/organizations off campus, you could drive them to and from their speaking engagements.  Having a valid driver’s license, car insurance and vehicle registration are all required.

International Student Lending Center

The Lending Center is staffed by volunteers twice a week, on Tuesday 1-2:30 PM and Thursday 3-4:30 PM. You help international students and their families select appropriate household wares to borrow from the Center. Volunteers staff the Center as often as once or twice a week or only once a month.  An orientation to the operation of the Center and university background check is required of all volunteers.

CVIP Public Relations Committee

You could assist the Committee chairperson to promote CVIP with visual and artistic skills to create publications.  Social media skills are always needed to keep up with best ways to reach students. Time commitments vary with the type of promotion effort involved. Some acquaintance with word processing and graphic software programs is necessary.

Volunteer Once a Week 

International Spouse Connection (ISC)

The spouses of international students meet for a few hours, once a week throughout the year at Friendship House. You could help the ISC chairpersons arrange the weekly programs and activities, attend meetings and plan and provide transportation for field trips as needed. No special experience is necessary.

Volunteer English Tutoring Program (VETP)

Become a conversation partner and meet one-on-one with an international student once a week to help the student practice speaking English. Meetings usually last an hour and are held at a mutually convenient time and place.  There are no special requirements but an enjoyment of meeting new people, learning about new cultures, and a willingness to act as a guide to the language and culture of the U.S.

CVIP Administrative Services

You could volunteer a few hours in the CVIP Office in the MSU International Center once a week. Duties include checking for mail, phone messages, and being available for anyone stopping by. A thorough orientation to office routines is offered. 

Apply to Volunteer 

If you wish to volunteer as an International Friendship "friend", use the IFP Volunteer Application.

Volunteers interested in the VETP should use the Volunteer English Tutor Application.

All others, use the Community Volunteer Application.