Volunteering At Hoag: Opportunities For International College Students

Volunteering at college is a rewarding experience for international students, allowing them to give back to the community and develop valuable skills. International students on F-1 or M-1 visas can legally volunteer in the US for non-profit organizations serving charitable or humanitarian causes. Hoag Hospital, a healthcare provider in Orange County, offers a range of volunteer opportunities, including its Health Scholar Volunteer Program, which partners with local universities and colleges. Hoag volunteers assist with patient care, administrative tasks, fundraising, and more, across multiple campuses. Hoag also offers internships to college students in various departments, providing a great way to gain experience and contribute to the community.

Hoag Hospital's Health Scholar Volunteer Program

Volunteering is a great way for international college students to gain new skills, improve their current skill set, and give back to the community. Hoag Hospital offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including the Hoag Hospitals Health Scholar Volunteer Program. This program is a partnership between COPE, local universities and colleges, Hoag's Patient Care, and Volunteer Services.

The Health Scholar Volunteer Program offers a range of clinical and non-clinical volunteer positions. Clinical positions include providing assistance in the hospital, supporting patient care, and working in the Emergency Department. Non-clinical roles include administrative tasks, fundraising, and helping with community events. Hoag Hospital is always looking for friendly, cheerful, and caring volunteers to assist patients and visitors at their Newport Beach, Irvine, and Huntington Beach campuses.

International college students with an F-1 or M-1 student visa can volunteer at nonprofit organizations operating for charitable or humanitarian causes without any compensation. Volunteering is a great way to gain valuable skills and experiences that can enhance one's resume and future career prospects. It can also provide international students with an understanding of the American healthcare system and how it operates.

To get started with the Health Scholar Volunteer Program, students can visit the Cope Health Solutions website for more information and to apply. Additionally, students can call Hoag's Health Scholar Volunteer Office at 949-764-5740 to speak to someone directly. Hoag also offers internships to college students in various departments, including finance, marketing, and healthcare administration, which can be found on the Hoag website.

International student visa requirements

To study in the United States as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The type of visa you need depends on the course of study and the type of school you plan to attend. The most common types of student visas are F-1 and M-1 visas.

F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for those pursuing vocational studies. To obtain an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in a full-time academic program at an accredited college, university, or other academic institution, and your school must be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. For an M-1 visa, your school must still be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, but your program of study can be vocational or non-academic (excluding language training).

To apply for a student visa, you must first be accepted into an SEVP-approved school in the US. Once accepted, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The school will then issue you a Form I-20, which you must present during your visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.

It is important to note that you may need to schedule an interview for your visa application, and wait times for these interviews vary by location, season, and visa category. Thus, it is recommended to apply for your visa early. Additionally, you may be required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview, and if your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality.

Benefits of volunteering

Volunteering is a rewarding experience that brings fun and fulfilment to your life. It is a two-way street, benefiting both yourself and the cause you choose to help. Here are some advantages of volunteering:

Connect with your community

Volunteering allows you to connect with your community and make a positive impact. It strengthens your ties to the community, broadens your support network, and exposes you to people with common interests and neighbourhood resources. Even small tasks can make a significant difference in the lives of people, animals, and organisations in need.

Enhance your social skills

Volunteering provides the opportunity to meet and interact with others regularly, helping you develop and improve your social skills. It is an excellent way to make new friends, strengthen existing relationships, and expand your network, especially if you are new to an area.

Gain career experience

Volunteering allows you to gain experience in a new field or build upon existing skills. It can expose you to different career paths and provide valuable training. Volunteering can also help you develop important workplace skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and organisation.

Improve your health and well-being

Volunteering has been shown to have numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, leading to lower rates of depression and an improved sense of well-being. Volunteering can also lower the risk of physical health issues, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, and has been linked to lower mortality rates.

Boost self-confidence and life satisfaction

By contributing to the community and making a positive impact, volunteering can enhance your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. It provides a sense of accomplishment, pride, and purpose, which can positively influence your view of yourself and your future goals.

Volunteering is a great way to gain new experiences, build skills, and positively impact your community. It is a rewarding opportunity that can benefit both personal and professional development.

Volunteer roles at Hoag

Hoag offers a variety of volunteer roles across its campuses in Newport Beach, Irvine, and Huntington Beach. Volunteers are expected to be friendly, cheerful, and caring individuals who are willing to assist patients and visitors. The hospital also offers internships to college students in various departments, providing opportunities for skill enhancement and career development.

For those interested in clinical roles, Hoag offers positions for registered nurses, physicians, physician assistants, and allied health professionals. These roles involve direct patient care and require specific qualifications and expertise.

On the other hand, Hoag also has non-clinical volunteer roles. These include administrative tasks, financial operations, information technology, marketing, and human resources. Hoag's non-clinical positions allow individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge in areas outside of direct patient care.

Additionally, Hoag's internship program for college students offers opportunities in finance, marketing, information technology, human resources, and healthcare administration. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience and allow students to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting.

Hoag internships

Hoag offers internships to college students in various departments, providing opportunities for students to gain practical experience and develop their skills. The internships are typically offered in non-clinical areas, including:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Information Technology
• Human Resources
• Healthcare Administration

These internships allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, work alongside professionals, and build a network of connections. While the internships are unpaid, they offer valuable insights into the healthcare industry and can enhance students' resumes.

Benefits of Hoag Internships

Additionally, Hoag internships provide a strong support system for students. The organization understands the importance of mentorship and often pairs interns with seasoned professionals who can provide advice and facilitate learning. This supportive environment fosters growth and helps interns build confidence in their chosen field. Moreover, interns can develop their interpersonal skills by interacting with patients, visitors, and other staff members, enhancing their ability to work effectively in a healthcare setting.

Application Process

Students interested in Hoag internships can visit the Hoag website and search for "Internships" to learn more about the specific opportunities available. The application process typically involves submitting an application form, resume, and sometimes a cover letter. Hoag's recruitment team then reviews the applications and selects candidates for interviews. The interviews are usually conducted by members of the department offering the internship, allowing candidates to gain insight into the team they may potentially join.

Overall, Hoag internships offer a valuable opportunity for college students to gain practical experience, develop sought-after skills, and build a strong foundation for their future careers in healthcare and related fields.

Frequently asked questions