Apply to volunteer as an Una Europa Language Guide
Are you a UCD student? Do you speak German, Italian, Finnish, Polish, Dutch, Spanish, French, English or Irish?
(An bhfuil Gaeilge agat? Read this page AS GAEILGE)
Are you interested in meeting new people and developing your intercultural and communication skills, while helping other students practice speaking a foreign language?
Become a Language Guide volunteer and contribute to the Una Europa Language Café this trimester!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is the Una Europa Language Café?
The Una Europa Language Café is a multicultural and multilingual programme that provides an opportunity for all UCD students to practice speaking German, Italian, Finnish, Polish, Dutch, Spanish, French, English or Irish in an informal setting. These languages are spoken at Una Europa partner universities across Europe. The programme aims to foster a relaxed and inclusive space for language and cultural exchange, allowing those involved to improve their language skills, make new friends and learn about different cultures.
The Language Cafés are led by the Language Guides, student volunteers (native or fluent C1 speakers) who facilitate conversations using non-formal education methods. The Language Guides are not required to prepare formal teaching materials but are expected to organise the session for it to run as smoothly as possible, integrating activities that engage learners.
All Language Guides will receive a confirmation of their volunteering activity in the form of a certificate or LinkedIn review. This volunteer activity is also eligible for the UCD Advantage Award.
What is the role of the Language Guide?
The role involves the following:
- Encouraging natural, spontaneous and meaningful interactions among all learners;
- Supporting conversations and adapting it to different language levels to accommodate all learners;
- Helping learners build confidence to speak in a foreign language by facilitating different language activities;
- Creating a friendly, welcoming and relaxed environment where learners can practice a foreign language and meet new people;
- Helping learners explore new cultures and provide space for cross-cultural awareness and understanding.
When and where does the Una Europa Language Café take place?
The programme will take place from 3 November until 27 November 2025, Monday - Thursday at 17:30 in the UCD Global Lounge.
The Language Café does not take place on the weekends, public holidays, and lecture-free periods.
What time investment is expected from the Language Guides?
Approximately 1.5 hours per week for the duration of the programme.
The Language Guides are expected to facilitate one session per week for the duration of 60 minutes, while approximately 30 minutes should be dedicated to session preparation. The exact day will be agreed upon with the Language Guide based on their availability.
What support will the Language Guides receive?
The Language Guides will have the opportunity to attend a training session that will prepare them for their role. They will also have access to the Language Guide Community on WhatsApp, where they will receive support from the coordinators throughout the programme and where they will be able to ask questions, talk about the challenges they encounter and share best practices with the other Language Guides.
Why apply?
This is an ideal opportunity for students who are interested in:
- Sharing their language and culture with other students
- Deepening their connection with their native or second language
- Having an international experience at home or volunteering on exchange
- Getting to know new people and making new friends
- Developing intercultural and communication skills
- Gaining experience in group leadership
--------------------------------------------------------------------
How to apply
If you are interested in becoming a Language Guide, you are welcome to attend an online info session on Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 13:00 where you can learn more about the role and ask any questions you may have. You can register for the info session here.
If you are ready to apply, complete the application form by the end of the day Sunday, 28 September 2025.
For more information, please contact Tajana Mohnacki at tajana.mohnacki@ucd.ie.
Visit Una-Europa.eu
Visit Una-Europa.eu