Course Description:
This course joins together real-world volunteering experiences with knowledge and theory on civic participation. The course is offered by the Faculty of Education and Diversity at the University of Iceland in collaboration with the Red Cross in Iceland.
The course discusses volunteering and the social, educational and psychological theories that have been associated with this type of civic participation. It also discusses the motivations for such participation and gender differences in this regard. Finally, it discusses important aspects of the organization and structure of volunteering that are conducive to participants experiencing a sense of purpose in participating and are more likely to volunteer in the future. Students will also have the opportunity to experience volunteering firsthand and participate in work at institutions and non-governmental organizations that provide assistance to people with social equality and welfare as their guiding principles.
See further information on the course here.
Course structure and assessment
At the start of the course, Aurora students attend an on-site week in Iceland on 14-18 September, where they will be introduced to the various sides of volunteering and civic participation, from various scholars and staff members from the University of Iceland and the Red Cross in Iceland.
After the on-site session, Aurora students will return to their home countries to work on a volunteer opportunity in their local area. During their volunteering project, students will keep a journal where they reflect on their volunteer experience.
In online discussion sessions following the on-site session (in October and November), the student’s experience is put into context with specific concepts or ideologies. At the end of the semester, students submit a report on their participation in which they explain their experience and put it in an academic context, as well as discussing how it can be useful to them in their work in the field of education and welfare.
Note regarding volunteering opportunities:
Volunteer work alongside the course is a requirement for participation.
In Iceland this course collaborates actively with the Red Cross, and we suggest that students seek opportunities with their local Red Cross or similar organisations (NGO or civil society). One more option for students under 30 years old is to apply for a solidarity project: https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/young-people/solidarity-projects_en
Students are not required to have secured a volunteer opportunity before the start of the course but should be able to describe some ideas about their plan for volunteering upon application (after nomination).
Students are responsible for finding their own volunteer opportunities in their local communities.
Assessment weighting of factors (total 100%):
- Volunteer participation and active participation in a local session (40%)
II. Reflection in journal entry form (20%)
III. Analysis of volunteer participation (25%)
IV. Attendance and active participation in discussion sessions (15%)
Final course assessment: Pass/Fail
On-site session in Reykjavík, Iceland:
Virtual sessions (may be subject to change):
- 15 October (11-12:30 CET)
- 22 October (11-12:30 CET)
- 5 November (11-12:30 CET)
- 12 November (11-12:30 CET)
- 5 November (11-12:30 CET)
- 12 November (11-12:30 CET)
Nomination/application procedure:
Students must be nominated by their home institution to take part in this course, please contact your local Aurora office for information on the nomination process.
Nomination deadline is 19 June 2026
Nominated students will receive information on the application procedure at the University of Iceland. Application deadline: 1 July 2025.
