Volunteer Work

Volunteering is a great way to get settled in Denmark and to get new people.

If you can't find a relevant study-specific student job, volunteering can also be the key to gaining valuable experience on your CV.

Volunteer work is highly valued in Denmark. Many employers look for candidates with a global mindset, experience and leadership skills – not just a university diploma. And these are things you can gain from volunteering.

There are lots of opportunities if you want to start volunteering.

➡ Here, we explain to you how volunteering is part of Danish culture, as well as where to look if you ready to try it out.

Volunteering - why and how?

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How does volunteering improve my career opportunities?
Volunteer work is great to add to your cv. If you have a hard time getting a student job, this could give you the experience you need. And it’s most often fun and inspirational!

When you volunteer you:
- Broaden your network
- Obtain experience – maybe even study relevant
- Learn a lot about yourself
- Make an impact on the people and the world around you
- Practice your language skills
- Increase your employability
Though your volunteer work you could gain relevant experience in e.g.:
- Project management
- Organising events
- Marketing
The sky is the limit – you just have to find the right place to volunteer. Often, you might even get the chance to specialise and do tasks that you find exciting.
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How is volunteering a part of Danish culture?
Associations play a major role in the Danish culture. Almost all Danes are part of an association in order to promote and pursue their interest.

It could e.g. be:
- Coaching kids playing handball
- Organising a music festival
- Helping a humanitarian secondhand shop with branding strategy
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Where can I volunteer?
Student organisations

Aalborg University have many student organisations where you will get new friends (and network).

Find the student organisations at AAU

Associations

The International Houses in Denmark provide a broader list of private, public and volunteer organizations that organize and run social and cultural events for Danish and international residents in the region:
- Aalborg: International House
- Copenhagen: International House
- Esbjerg: Newcomer Service
Volunteer job sites

You will find volunteer positions at:
- AAU Jobbank
- Volunteering.dk
You have to write an application and a CV and if possible hand it in personally.
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Does my volunteer work inflict on my benefits when I graduate?
Make sure to read the rules and what you need to be aware of when graduating. Ask the jobcentre or your unemployment insurance fund.

As a rule, time spent working – paid or unpaid – will be deducted from your benefits.

The only exception is voluntary unpaid work in NGOs, associations or clubs that do not exist primarily to generate a profit, e.g.
- Helping in a soup kitchen
- Volunteering at the local archives
- Taking part in amateur theatre
Your unemployment insurance fund has different rules about how many hours you can work – ask them.