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Volunteer work

Volunteering is a great way to get settled in Denmark and to get know new people. Many Danish employers look for candidates with experience and motivation – not just a university diploma. And these are things you can gain from volunteering. But how do you find volunteer opportunities?

Volunteer work

Volunteering is a great way to get settled in Denmark and to get know new people. Many Danish employers look for candidates with experience and motivation – not just a university diploma. And these are things you can gain from volunteering. But how do you find volunteer opportunities?

Volunteer work is great to add to your CV. If you have a hard time finding a student job, this could give you the experience you need - while you get new friends.

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

Through your volunteer work you could gain relevant experience in e.g. project management, organising events, marketing, etc.

Volunteering is 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 or helping a humanitarian secondhand shop with branding strategy.

Where can I volunteer?

  • In AAU Jobbank you can e.g. find volunteer jobs
  • There are also job portals specifically for voluntary work
  • AAU has many student associations where you can become a volunteer, gain new skills, and expand your network
  • There are also many local initiatives - do a search and look into the opportunities in your area

Does it inflict on my unemployment benefits when I graduate?

If you are entitled to unemployment benefits, ask your unemployment insurance fund about the rules.

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. soup kitchens, local archives, or amateur theatres.