International Volunteers

BE A PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF — INVEST IN THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

FIRST Global is a volunteer-driven organization. At each year’s FIRST Global Challenge, International Volunteers help keep the robots running, make the matches fun, and keep the FIRST Global spirit alive. Ranging from high school students to professional engineers, our International Volunteers are what make the FIRST Global Challenge possible!

 

Volunteering with FIRST Global not only gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge, but to also learn and experience new things, build your résumé, network with other volunteers and sponsors, and inspire the world’s youth.

1,000+ VOLUNTEERS

involved since 2017.

30,000+ HOURS

collectively volunteered since 2017.

WHAT DO INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS DO?

International Volunteers fill a wide variety of roles at the FIRST Global Challenge to ensure every aspect of the on-site event runs smoothly. There are over 20 different technical and non-technical International Volunteer positions, ranging from robot inspectors and technical judges to queuing and pit administration.

 

Beyond the game matches and robot action, FIRST Global International Volunteers play a key role in a transformational educational experience for student participants from around the globe. Volunteers motivate these young people to realize their full potentials and use their unique talents to make the world a better place. International Volunteers aren’t here for money, fame, or bragging rights; they’re here to invest in a better future for us all.

 

As someone who may already have a STEM career, this is an opportunity to use your experiences to ignite that same spark in the next generations. Your impact is further magnified globally as these youth go back to their communities to share and implement what they learn.

 

No experience? No problem! Several positions don’t require technical knowledge.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

As an International Volunteer, you join the global network that is the FIRST Global community. As a community, we have guiding philosophies and Core Values that shape how FIRST Global students, mentors, and volunteers engage with each other.

Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. With Gracious Professionalism®, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. There’s no chest-thumping tough-talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either. Rather, knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended. In the long run, Gracious Professionalism® is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.

 

Coopertition® is a way of displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. Teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete. We learn from teammates and teach teammates. We learn from Mentors. We manage and are managed. We compete always, but assist and enable others when we can.

Volunteer and student high-fiving

We express the philosophies of Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® through our Core Values:

  • Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
  • Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
  • Impact: We apply what we learn to improve our world.
  • Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
  • Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
  • Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!

FIRST Global proves that the world can come together to solve a problem with teamwork, innovation, and a passion to succeed. Bringing volunteers from all over the world together for a common goal is something that I am honored and thrilled to be part of and hope to do for years to come. I hope my small part of volunteering at FIRST Global events makes an impact or changes a student’s life.”

 

—Carol, International Volunteer

READY TO JOIN?

Information on volunteer opportunities for the 2024 FIRST Global Challenge will be available in late spring or early summer. In the meantime, you can register your interest via this form to receive updates as they become available.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be fluent in English.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must commit to fulfilling your role as a volunteer for the duration of the event.
  • A passion for spreading knowledge and connecting with people all over the world.
  • Foreign language skills are a plus (especially Spanish, French, and Arabic), but not required.
  • Volunteers are expected to conduct themselves with Gracious Professionalism® and integrity at all times. This is a global event with people from around the world, so it’s important to treat everyone with courtesy and respect. Some people may have limited English fluency, so patience when communicating with others is crucial.

All questions may be sent to volunteer@first.global.

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FAQ

1. Does FIRST Global pay for volunteers to attend?

No, FIRST Global is not responsible for any transportation costs to and from the host city, lodging costs, or meal costs outside of lunch. FIRST Global does not sponsor visas for volunteers. There is, however, a limited amount of financial aid available to confirmed volunteers. This information is only sent to registered, confirmed volunteers.

 

2. Will volunteers be provided food at the event?

Yes — lunch, water, and snacks will be provided. Volunteers will likely be on their own for breakfast and dinner.

 

3. How are the positions chosen?

Positions are chosen first by a person’s experience (if a role requires technical knowledge of a robot, the volunteer has to possess technical knowledge to be selected), and second on a first-come-first-served basis.

 

4. What is the dress code?

Volunteers are provided a t-shirt or something similar to wear at all times. Some positions may require different dress attire, but those affected will be notified during any training calls. Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes are also required (the comfier the better!). All volunteers will be issued a lanyard at the event that they must wear at all times for security and identification purposes.

 

5. Can I bring my kids?

Adult volunteers may not have their children with them while they are volunteering; childcare options are not available. However, if you can make adequate accommodations for your child(ren), there is no restriction on them attending the event or what your family does outside of volunteer hours.

 

6. When will my position be confirmed?

Positions are confirmed on a rolling basis and the volunteer will be given a decision via email.

 

7. When will more information be available?

All information will be sent out to registered volunteers after details are finalized.

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