On return

Post-project student engagement provides volunteers with channels to reflect on and share their experiences, consolidate the skills they have developed and consider how they can stay involved with the project, the organisation or with a particular issue or cause. Some students may be inspired to take further action, such as raising funds or setting up a campaign, or might wish to set up their own project in the future.

It is also an important opportunity to get feedback on the project and the students’ experience to help identify issues and improve the opportunity.

Activities for returned volunteers could include group events, such as a welcome back event, with the option for individual students to have one to ones if they wish. The expectations for volunteers on return should be communicated to students during the pre-departure phase to ensure their commitment.

Ways that students could stay involved might include:

  • Giving a talk about their experience to other students
  • Delivering a presentation to donors
  • Fundraising for the charity or supporting them with a campaign
  • Staying involved with the issues by continuing to volunteer either in the UK or overseas.