Volunteering far from home
I knew I was signing up for a lot of change when I moved from Canada to Australia for an exchange semester. New classes, new faces, and the challenge of navigating life in a country I’d never stepped foot in.
Surprisingly, the most meaningful lessons I learned did not come from lectures or textbooks; they came from volunteering. Handing out maps, herding goats, and listening to stories of resilience that stayed with me long after the moment passed.
As a Global Tourism Management student, volunteering was just another assignment. At first, I treated it like something to tick off the list. But once I got involved, I realised it was one of the most powerful ways to understand what community, connection and hospitality truly mean.
Tourism is more than just travelling. It’s about people, belonging, and shared experiences that leave a lasting impact.
I first volunteered in Australia at the Royal Sydney Easter Show, where I was stationed at the Jamison Pavilion. I guided kids through farm animal encounters, supervised a play area filled with toy tractors, and answered questions about cow milking which I had to learn quickly!
It was noisy, occasionally chaotic, and full of heart. Kids were laughing, parents were snapping photos and, somehow, the animals remained patient.
(Elisa at Royal Easter Show, Photo by: Elisa Paranich, 2025)
What stood out most was the volunteer community’s warmth. I met people who had been volunteering for years, even decades, in our designated volunteer space, or ‘Green Room’, where we gathered between shifts. They welcomed me without hesitation, which meant a lot living far from home.
That experience showed me that volunteering wasn’t just about passing a class. I understood the heart of tourism: creating small, meaningful moments that matter, even if the people you help never know your name. To me, that’s what this industry is about.
Lessons from Behind The Scenes
I had volunteered at numerous different events back home in Canada, including WORTH’s ‘EmpowerHer’, a seminar celebrating women in leadership, and the UPLIFT Women’s Business Summit, where I helped manage logistics and networking. These events were filled with stories of ambition, perseverance, and community. Hearing women speak about launching businesses, overcoming rejection, and forging their own paths gave me a deep sense of purpose; something I didn’t realise I was looking for.
Then, I understood… I don’t just want to work in tourism. I want to design experiences that uplift others and help them feel seen.
Whether I was coordinating logistics or comforting nervous goats, every volunteering experience taught me something new about people, responsibility, and myself. I’ve come to believe that volunteering is one of hospitality’s purest forms. You show up because you genuinely care. There’s no transaction, no expectation, only a desire to help. In return, you gain perspective, purpose, growth, and a stronger connection to the world around you.
More than just a class assignment: Why should students volunteer?
Volunteering gave me a front-row seat to the behind-the-scenes effort that brings communities together. It taught me to step outside my comfort zone, adapt quickly, and lead with empathy. I’ve met people from all walks of life who’ve inspired me with their kindness and commitment. These moments weren’t just rewarding; they were transformative.
This is your sign to give it a go if you’re a Western Sydney University student who thinks volunteering isn’t for you. Maybe you’re shy, busy, or unsure where to start. You don’t need to have experience or a perfect resume. You just need to be open to trying, connecting, and learning.
What started as a simple class assignment turned into one of the most meaningful parts of my exchange semester. I gained hands-on experience in real-world settings, built confidence, and made memories that will stay with me long after I leave.
The lessons I learned by giving back are ones I’ll carry with me into my future career, and my life!
