Living abroad is a life-changing experience, but it can also be daunting. Ease the transition for students venturing overseas by volunteering as a Global Ambassador. Share your experience, hone new skills, and participate in fun events to promote an intercultural community on campus!
About Global Ambassadors
Global Ambassadors are past participants of Go Global programs—such as Exchange, Global Seminars, Summer Abroad, and Research Abroad—who are passionate about international learning. They play a vital role in supporting and inspiring fellow UBC students by sharing their experiences, offering guidance, and helping others feel confident and prepared for their own global journeys.
Position details
- Start Date: Late August 2025
- End Date: Late April 2026
- Time Commitment: 2 hours/week
- Position Type: Volunteer
- Positions Available: Approximately 10–13
Responsibilities & duties
Role Summary
As a Go Global Ambassador, you’ll help inspire and prepare fellow UBC students to embark on their own international learning journeys. You'll represent the Go Global program, share your experience, and connect with students through events, social media, and peer support. This is a unique opportunity to grow as a leader, communicator, and intercultural connector on campus.
Key Responsibilities
- Mentor prospective Go Global students by sharing your personal international learning experience.
- Raise campus awareness of Go Global through booths, information sessions and various events.
- Participate in Pre-Departure sessions and serve on peer panels.
- Provide support during application drop-in sessions.
- Co-facilitate Go Global info sessions alongside staff or fellow ambassadors.
- Write a Global Exchange Insider post highlighting your exchange experience for Go Global’s website and social media.
- Engage with students on the Go Global UBC Pre-Departure Canvas Modules by answering questions and sharing insights.
- Lead campus tours for visiting partner institutions when needed.
Who can apply?
- Current UBC Vancouver students who will be enrolled during the 2025–2026 academic year
- Students who have participated in a Go Global program (e.g., Exchange, Summer Abroad, Research Abroad, Global Seminars)
Preferred Skills & Qualities
- Enthusiasm for international learning and student experience
- Willingness to share personal experiences to benefit others
- Interest in developing leadership, facilitation, and communication skills
- Open, inclusive, and effective communicator with diverse student audiences
- Strong initiative and creativity for planning events and activities
- Dependable, responsible, and team-oriented
- Comfortable giving and receiving feedback in a constructive manner
Position timeline*
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Note: Additional training and responsibilities may be assigned based on program needs.
What do you get from this role?
- Public speaking and facilitation experience
- Intercultural communication and awareness
- Event planning and organizational skills
- Social media and digital marketing experience
- Peer-to-peer mentoring and teamwork experience
- Networking with students and staff across campus
- Reference letters for ambassadors who demonstrate outstanding leadership and contribution
Hear from previous Global Ambassadors
Why They Joined
“I was inspired to become a Global Ambassador because of the great support I received from the Go Global team when preparing for my exchange and even while I was abroad. I wanted to give back to the community somehow, and this was a wonderful way to do so.”
“I became a Global Ambassador because after returning from my exchange, I really wanted to share my experience and insights with other people. I loved my time as a Global Ambassador and would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering the role.”
“My friend who had done the role in the previous year had spoken so highly of it that it made me want to take it on myself.”
Meaningful Moments, Community & Connection
“The best place to build connections with people who’ve had similar experiences abroad.”
“I loved meeting the other Global Ambassadors! I wasn’t expecting to connect with them as much as I did. We realized we had so many shared experiences.”
“I really wanted to engage with others who went on exchange. I didn’t know anyone at my host university, so this program helped me connect and share my stories (and stop burdening my friends and family with them, haha).”
What They Gained
“A wonderful opportunity to reminisce, learn, share, and give back to your school community.”
“Opportunity to grow many professional skills.”
“Highly recommend! You will be able to develop skills in the area that you want to work on, as there will be many options for activities where you can volunteer.”
Advice to Future Ambassadors
“Do it! I applied without knowing if I’d have the time or energy, but it turned out to be the only extracurricular I really looked forward to every time.”
“Definitely do it. It was so fulfilling to share my experience and relive those good memories while helping others.”
“I’d encourage new ambassadors to be proactive and sign up for as many events as they can. The more you give, the more you get out of it.”
Resources for UBC Faculty, Staff & Community
How can I include Global Ambassadors in my event?
To request the volunteer support of UBC’s Go Global Ambassador team, UBC faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to email go.global@ubc.ca. Please note that requests are considered based on Ambassador availability, the timing of the opportunity, and how well it aligns with the goals of the Ambassador role.
Recommend a student to become a Go Global Ambassador
If you know a current UBC student who would be a great fit for the Go Global Ambassador Program, please send an email to go.global@ubc.ca with their name, contact information, and a short explanation of why you believe they would make a strong ambassador.
2025-26 Applications
Excited to get involved?
Applications for the 2025–2026 Go Global Ambassador volunteer team are open now! This is a great opportunity to share your international experience, connect with globally minded peers, and support UBC’s vibrant exchange and study abroad community.
Apply here
Applications close on July 2, 2025 at 11:59 PM (PDT) — don’t miss your chance to be part of the team!
Questions?
Reach out to us at go.global@ubc.ca
