Short programmes

International volunteering

The International Volunteering programme allows you to take part projects providing cooperation, development and support within local communities.

The programme is organised together with two partners, World Endeavors and International Volunteer HQ, both of which specialise in organising international volunteer programmes.

The programme is aimed at all current Università Cattolica students and recent graduates (within 12 months of graduation).

Previous volunteering experience is not required. You just need to be able to show a good level of English. You don’t need to have a language certificate or take an English test: your language level will be assessed directly by our partner organisations when applications close.

Applications close on 4 March 2024

The volunteering projects last either 3 or 4 weeks – to be decided by participants - with departure as follows: 

  • Option A: departure mid-July
  • Option B: departure end July 
  • Option C: departure mid-August

See the Destinations page to check exact departure and return dates for each destination. 

DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2024

A number of scholarships are available:

  • 30 scholarships of € 1,350 for destinations in partnership with World Endeavors 
  • 30 scholarships of € 300 for destinations in partnership with International Volunteer HQ

Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic merit and will be awarded as a refund upon return from the programme. Your application for the programme is also automatically an application for a scholarship. The scholarships will be awarded after applications close, on the basis of academic merit (grade average, credits, and Bachelor degree grade if available).

Priority in the assignment of scholarships will be given to current UC students over recent UC graduates. 

The total cost of the programme will depend on the destination and the length of the volunteering project.

 

The cost includes

  • orientation and support from Cattolica International during application
  • support leading up to departure 
  • emergency number, active 24/7 during your stay abroad 
  • local contact person for the programme
  • airport pick-up service on arrival 
  • volunteering activities for 20 or 30 hours per week
  • accommodation in apartments, apartment hotels or with local families 
  • meals, where specified
  • health insurance cover during the programme and Student Safety Package
  • certification of participation with a description of activities undertaken
  • "Welcome Back: unpack your experience!" session by Cattolica International on return from the programme

The following are not included in the cost of the programme: 

  • return flights
  • visa costs where necessary
  • costs of vaccinations, if applicable 
  • anything not specified in the preceding list 

 

The following costs regard all programmes:  

  • Application fee: €35 (this is non-refundable and is paid during the application process) 
  • Deposit fee: €200, payable after applications close, as confirmation of wish to proceed with application 
  • Cost of the programme  to be paid directly to World Endeavors or HQ, once your entry requirements have been approved 

See the Destinations page for details about costs 

DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2024
 

Activation of the Student Safety Package is included in the programme. This includes:

  • health insurance cover valid for the total period of the programme abroad    
  • activation of the Saftery app, which supports dealing with emergencies. 

SEE DETAILS

How to apply for the programme

  1. Attend an info-session

    Both in person and remote sessions will be scheduled.
    Go along to an infosession to get an idea of what the most suitable destination would be for you. You can also get to know our programme partners and hear from Cattolica students who have undertaken recent iterations of the programme. 

    If you can’t attend on any of the scheduled days, our office can arrange individual interviews. Email programmi.internationali@unicatt.it to fix an appointment.
     
  2. See the Destinations page to see what project to choose 
     
  3. Read the instructions regarding possibile recognition of credits
     
  4. Complete your online application: during this step you will be asked to upload your CV and a motivation letter. You will also have to pay an application fee of € 35 (non-refundable). 

Application from students of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery

 

After applications have closed

Roughly one week after applications close you will receive email notification about the outcome of scholarship assignments.
Meanwhile, Cattolica International will send your application and supporting documentation to the provider for the destination you have selected. You will then be invited by the provider to take part in an initial introductory call, in English, during which your language proficiency will be checked and you will be able to ask for further information on the project and the destination you have selected.

We suggest you take part in the introductory call as soon as possible. 

Students who have submitted confirmation of their application will be invited to an initial orientation meeting. This will take place in the weeks following the closing of applications. By the date of the meeting it is essential that you have chosen your destination and the volunteering project you wish to apply for. 

In the weeks following the closing of the registration, you will receive final confirmation regarding the volunteer project you will join. Only then should you proceed with purchasing your flight ticket. 

About a month before the scheduled departure date, you will receive further details about accommodation.

Contacts

Cattolica International - MILANO
Tel: 02 7234 5252
@: info.outbound@unicatt.it

Cattolica International - BRESCIA
Tel: 030 2406 250
@: ucsc.international-bs@unicatt.it

Cattolica International - PIACENZA
Tel: 0523 599 107
@: programmi.internazionali-pc@unicatt.it

Cattolica International - ROMA
Tel: +39 06 3015 5819
@: ucsc.international-rm@unicatt.it

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