1. Volunteering in the U.S.
Opportunities to join the MIIS and Monterey Community
Presented by Lily Busher, Monterey Institute of International Studies

2. “Volunteering is generally
What is
Volunteering?
Volunteering According to Wikipedia…
considered an altruistic activity and
is intended to promote good or
improve human quality of life. In
return, this activity can produce a
feeling of self-worth and respect.
There is no financial gain involved
for the individual. Volunteering is
also renowned for skill
development, socialization, and fun.
It is also intended to make contacts
for possible employment. Many
volunteers are specifically trained in
the areas they work, such as
medicine, education, or emergency
rescue. Others serve on an asneeded basis, such as in response to
a natural disaster.”
Volunteering - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved January 6, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volunteering

3. Why should I volunteer?
•Help others
•Make a difference
•Find purpose
•Enjoy a meaningful
conversation
•Connect with your
community
•Feel involved
•Contribute to a cause
that you care about
•Use your skills in a
productive way
•Develop new skills
•Meet new people
•Explore new areas of
interest
•Meet good people
•Impress your mom
•Impress yourself
•Expand your horizons
•Get out of the house
•Make new friends
•Strengthen your
resume
•Feel better about
yourself
Learn more about
people and the world
•___________________
VolunteerMatch - Volunteer Tips and Tricks. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.volunteermatch.org/volunteers/resources/tipstricks.jsp

4. CPT and OPT
Overview
Both require the
following….
Proposed employment (paid
or unpaid) must be related
to the student’s field of study
Employment cannot begin
prior to completing the first
academic year
Work authorization is
required prior to beginning
employment
Bechtel International Center (2013, January 5). Curricular Practical Training VS. Optional Practical Training. Standford University.

5. Answer
To CPT or OPT or Neither, that is the question!
Curricular Optional Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
 Requires a job offer
 Does not require a job offer
 Must enroll in a class for credit (extra fees)
during the same time as your employment
 Not required to enroll in a class, but requires a
processing fee ($380) to submit the I-765 form
 Authorized for a specific employer
 Allows work with any employer in student’s field of
studies
 Issued through university
 CPT work permit is issued on the I-20
 Only issued for work prior to graduation
 CPT does not affect OPT as long as the CPT
does not last 12 full-time months
 Issued through USCIS within 90 days
 Work permit called the Employment Authorization
Document (EAD)
 May be employed before and after graduation
 OPT completed prior de graduation is deducted
from 12 months OPT post-graduation.
Bechtel International Center (2013, January 5). Curricular Practical Training VS. Optional Practical Training. Standford University.

6. Two Ways to Get Involved
Language in Motion (LiM)
Monterey County Reads

7. Comparing Programs
Language in Motion
 Location: High Schools in the
Monterey Penninsula and Salinas
 Who: High School Students and their
teachers
 What: Teaching a class on a topic you
are familiar with from your home
country or a country you know well
(not the U.S.)
 Goal: Give the students an
opportunity to meet and learn from
educated people from other
countries (that’s you!)
Monterey County Reads
 Location: Elementary Schools in the
Monterey Peninsula and Salinas
 Who: Elementary (ages 6-9) students
who need extra reading support
 What: Reading one-on-one with a
child who needs extra reading help
 Goal: Encourage children who are
slower readers to be brave and
improve their reading level (you
might improve your own too!)

8. LiM Program
Example 1
Spanish Level 2
Classroom
studying Día
de los Muertos
close to
Halloween

9. Monterey Country Reads Example 1
A 6-year-old student who
was born in the United
States and speaks English
at school, but speaks
Chinese at home with his
parents. How can you
relate to this student and
help him read better?

10. What if…?
 ….A Student asks me a question I do not know the answer to?
 You are not the teacher and it is always ok to ask for direction and help.
 …I have time in the beginning of the semester, but then I get busy with finals?
 LiM only requires a commitment per presentation. If you are busy do fewer
presentations. You can work with MCR as little as 1 hour per week.
 ….I get nervous and forget how to speak English?
 For both projects, there will always be a teacher and/or adviser to help you.
MCR requires a higher level of English than LiM.
 …I’m offered money during my time volunteering, can I take it?
 No! This will not happen, but if it does, turn it down. Volunteering is unpaid.

11. Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
 Can I put this on my resume?
 Of course! It’s great experience, but list it as volunteering, NOT work experience.
 I’m studying education, can I still participate?
 In this case, yes. Neither of these programs can be used for course credit, are unpaid
and of short duration. They are neither CPT nor OPT.
 Can I chose the schools I volunteer at?
 No. Students are placed according to the needs of the school.
 When can I start volunteering?
 Immediately! There are no restrictions on volunteering.
 Do I have to choose one of these two programs?
 No! Follow your passion and volunteer with an organization or cause you believe in.

12. Your Turn! Start Volunteering!
Sign-up today!
Any questions?