Make a difference in Ōtepoti Dunedin and become a Global Impact Scholar!

Are you a study-abroad or exchange student ready to contribute to the local community and grow your leadership skills? The Global Impact Scholar Programme empowers you to connect, volunteer, and make a lasting impact during your time at the University of Otago.

Students helping out at the North Dunedin Shed Society

Why be a Global Impact Scholar?

🌟 Make an Impact: Give back to the local Dunedin community by volunteering with local initiatives.

🤝 Connect with Others: Meet like-minded students who care about social change.

📈 Build Your Skills: Develop leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking through real-world experience.

🌏 Enhance Your Experience Abroad: Immerse yourself in meaningful local opportunities while gaining global perspective.

Students planting native vegetation with the Halo Project.

St Clair beach esplanade

What’s Involved?

As a Global Impact Scholar, you will:

  1. Complete 20 Volunteer Hours
    Contribute your time and skills to a local community project or cause. We’ll help you connect with opportunities that align with your passions and strengths.

  2. Reflect on Your Impact
    Take part in a guided reflection to explore what you’ve learned, how you’ve grown, and the difference you’ve made in the community.

  3. Celebrate Your Success
    Receive a certificate and digital badge celebrating your achievement and impact.

How to get started?

The Global Impact Scholar programme is open to any exchange or study-abroad student. There is no fee to participate - just your time!

Please register via the link below. You’ll be prompted to sign in to the CareerHub platform to access the GIS workflow where you log your hours and complete your reflections.

You will need your Otago username and password to access this.

 

What did past Global Impact Scholars think?

What stood out in Dunedin was the strong emphasis on inclusivity within smaller, tight-knit community groups, where volunteer efforts often felt more personal and immediately impactful. “
— Marianne | United States

Marianne (United States) sharing reflections on her Global Impact Scholar experience

Brooke | United States

Studying: Exercise Science and Nutrition

Volunteered with: Special Olympics, Fringe Festival, Good Deed and Feed

Thoughts: “Volunteering in NZ has been amazing, eye-opening, and a lot of fun! I have engaged with new communities, participated in new activities, and found great networking opportunities.”

Paxton | United States

Studying: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

Volunteered with: Good Deed and Feed, Haemophilia NZ, Department of Conservation, Wild Dunedin Festival, Save the Otago Peninsula, Student Volunteer Army

Thoughts: “The culture seemed to be more centered around having a nice time and just contributing in whatever way we could. I also feel like volunteers are mostly very appreciated here, which is nice, plus the turnout for the volunteer events was always significant.”

Maya | United States

Studying: English Literature and History

Volunteered with: Minds Together, Good Deed and Feed

Thoughts: “Being able not only to communicate but to build a genuine friendship with someone whose life, on the surface, is so different from mine shows how much I have improved in my understanding of experiences outside of my own while studying abroad.”