Name: Todd Bui
Semester Abroad: February 2008
Host Uni: Edith Cowan
University - Perth, Australia
Home Uni: Chapman University
Academic Major: Athletic Training
Activity: Volunteering!
Todd Bui has been researching volunteer opportunties in Australia since he decided to study abroad. As a student at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Todd has become involved in many volunteer organizations on and off campus.
What kind of volunteer activities are you planning to do in Perth/Australia?
While studying abroad in Perth, Australia, I have already volunteered with the Conservation Volunteers of Australia (CVA) program and with the sports science program at my host university; Edith Cowan University (ECU). The CVA program took place at the Blue Wren Reserve in Mundaring, WA and had us participate in activities that would help preserve the wildlife within the area for years to come.
My volunteer opportunities with the sports science program at ECU has consisted of my participation in a study that measures “The influence of strength level on the ability to adapt to power training” and another study that measures “The differences between the effects of electrical pulsed current and alternating current on muscle damage and hormonal responses.” Not only am I going to try to continue to volunteer with these programs, but I also intend to volunteer with the Perth youth advisory council (PYAC).
How did you hear about these opportunities?
I found out about the volunteer opportunity with the Conservation Volunteers of Australia through AustraLearn. With regards to the sports science volunteer opportunities, I stumbled upon these by exploring the sports science building and reading the numerous message boards. The opportunity to volunteer with the Perth youth advisory council was one that I found through internet research before I arrived in Western Australia.
What steps did you have to take in order to plan your volunteer experience?
Australearn made it extremely easy and convenient for those to participate in something that they are genuinely interested in; such as volunteering. I simply expressed interest to AustraLearn about participating in a volunteer program and they made it happen. I didn’t have to really do anything other than read my e-mail on when and where to be. Volunteering at ECU has also come very easily and effortlessly. ECU does a good job of posting numerous fliers on campus that advertise anything from volunteer opportunities to parties. Once I found a few studies that I was interested in volunteering for, I would e-mail the graduate student conducting the study and then I would be participating in the study within a weeks time. It’s that easy! With regards to volunteering with the Perth youth advisory council, I e-mailed the youth development officer and set up a meeting for the upcoming week. Again, it’s that easy!
What are you hoping to accomplish by volunteering in Australia?
By volunteering with programs such as the CVA and the Perth youth advisory council, I hope to gain a better and broader understanding of Western Australian (WA) culture, Perth city, and what WA has to offer. Of course a goal of mine is to visit and see as much of the “tourist” attractions that WA has to offer, but I also want to become familiar with its wildlife, lesser known attractions, and community. I also hope that, by possibly volunteering with the Perth youth advisory council, I can also gain insight into how Perth city operates, what the youth does for the city, and what the city does for its youth.
The fact that I can make a difference while having the time of my life by exploring different aspects of WA is what makes volunteering such a great opportunity. I also expect a lot out of my volunteering experiences with the sports science program. Prior to coming to Australia, I knew that I would not be taking any athletic training courses due to the specificity of the athletic training courses back home at Chapman University; as a result, I made a conscious effort to become involved as much as possible with the sports science program here at ECU. I hope that the numerous studies that I have participated in will give me a different insight to sports science and allow me to share what I have learned with my classmates back at Chapman.
How do you think this will enhance your time abroad?
I believe that the volunteer opportunities will give me a better appreciation of my stay abroad. Within a months time, it has already made me more appreciative of Australian culture and their distinct wildlife. My participation within the sports science studies at ECU has already given me knowledge and insight within the field that I did not have prior to arriving in WA. I also hope that by volunteering for the Perth youth advisory council, that I can have the genuine opportunity to give back to a country that has, so far, given me the time of my life. Volunteering and my stay abroad has given me bonds and friendships that I hope to maintain past my stay here in Western Australia.
What advice do you have to students interested in volunteering during their time abroad?
I encourage everyone to partake in a volunteer/conservation project while they are studying abroad. It gave me the priceless opportunity of seeing a side of Australia that I would not have otherwise seen. Of course the usual tourist sites are advertised, but how often does one become aware and appreciative of the true wilderness of Australia? You will also be given the opportunity to work with others who share your passion for volunteering. It is a win-win situation! Also, be sure to make the most of all of your opportunities while studying abroad because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity that others dream of partaking in.
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