Information for Applicants

UBC Leave for Change program participants will embark on an incredible overseas volunteer opportunity, sharing their talents and expertise with non-profit organizations during their two- to four-week trip. We encourage all eligible UBC applicants to apply.

If you have questions about the application process or about the volunteer experience, you can contact a past participant, or read about the volunteer experience at the Leave for Change blog.

Applications have closed for the 2013 program year. Please check back next fall for the 2014 program applications.

Supervisor Permission

If you are interested in applying for the Leave for Change program, we encourage you to speak with your supervisor as soon as possible. You should also be prepared to estimate when you will be leaving (the month) and the duration of your trip (between two to four weeks), so that your supervisor is kept apprised of the situation, should your application be successful.

Please direct your supervisor to our Information for Managers/Supervisors section.

If your supervisor or manager requires more information about the Leave for Change program, he or she can contact Alex Bayne at 604.822.1839.

Interviews

Short-listed applicants will be interviewed by representatives from Uniterra and UBC. These in-person interviews normally take place during regular working hours.

Pre-Departure Training & Orientation

Successful candidates must attend a mandatory two-day pre-departure training and orientation session. The session is run jointly by UBC and Uniterra. Unless otherwise specified, this session will take place at the Vancouver campus. The orientation is critical to participants, as it includes cultural protocol, what to expect, oversea resources, expectations of your volunteer role, and other vital information for your volunteer trip.

Sharing of Experiences with the UBC Community

Participants are asked to give back to UBC by sharing their Leave for Change experiences with the UBC community during and after their volunteer experience. In the past, participants have blogged about their experiences while they were abroad. Some participants have also created photo displays, presentations, and talks. You can share your Leave for Change experiences however you wish.

Debriefing

As a means to continuously ask for feedback and evaluation, we have a group debriefing for all participants, to be held a month after the last participant returns. We also seek feedback from participants’ supervisors to learn about successes and challenges, to improve the program in the coming years.

Application Information

Q: When will I be expected to leave on my volunteer experience?

Within four months of being selected to participate in the program.

Q: Can you apply multiple times to the Leave for Change program?

Yes. UBC will accept applications annually in the fall and you may re-apply each year.

Q: What happens if I’m accepted into the program, but I leave UBC? Can I still participate?

Participants need to be employed with UBC at the time of the volunteer opportunity.

Q: What happens if I’m accepted into the program, but am unable to attend during the year due to unforeseen circumstances (parental leave, sick leave, etc.)? Will I lose my spot and have to re-apply the following year?

Generally speaking, you would lose your spot. However, Uniterra will consider each situation on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Does the UBC extended health and medical insurance cover me while I am on assignment overseas as part of the program?

It is mandatory for the volunteer participating in the program to take out the insurance coverage provided by CECI or WUWC for the entire duration of the contract. More detailed information regarding this insurance is available to successful applicants.

Successful applicants are encouraged to review their out-of-country medical insurance to ensure that they have the appropriate coverage. Eligible UBC employees can access Emergency Travel Assistance through Sun Life. It is critical that you review your eligibility and the type of coverage that is available based on the country to which you are traveling.

Q: Am I considered to be working for UBC when I am overseas?

No. Your participation in Leave for Change is done on your own time. You will not be traveling as a representative of UBC. All successful participants will sign volunteer contracts with Uniterra.

Q: Do I have to use my vacation time to participate in the program?

Yes, as this is a volunteer opportunity, employees are expected participate on their own time.

Q: Who is my primary contact when I am overseas? Who do I contact if I need immediate assistance?

Uniterra will provide a contact person at your destination point. They also provide pre-departure training and covers the cost of vaccinations, insurance, airfare, lodging and daily stipend. In addition, the program also coordinates transportation, in-field logistics and monitors security and well-being of volunteers.

(New in 2011) Q: Can I extend my stay in my volunteer country after my Uniterra placement is over?

Due to security and liability issues, it will not be possible to extend your stay past your placement’s end date. The volunteer must return to Canada after the end of their assignment, on the date of his or her return ticket, according to the volunteer’s contract with Uniterra.