USAC students, staff, and more give of their skills and time to celebrate Worldwide Volunteer Day.
University Studies Abroad Consortium’s (USAC) third annual Worldwide Volunteer Day was celebrated on Earth Day, April 22, 2026, by students, staff, and educators around the world. This global outreach event strives to better communities through sustainability, volunteering, and engagement.
For this year’s event, volunteers shared their time and skills in a variety of ways — from clearing campuses and coastlines, to donating clothing and food items, to volunteering at animal shelters.
Explore some of the ways our global students and staff contributed below.
Asia and Oceania
Otago, New Zealand
In New Zealand, Emily Schmith, USAC’s International Relations faculty-led coordinator, helped plant more than 100 native species that have been declining in the area or lost entirely. Seeds were initially collected from local areas and grown in a nursery by volunteers. She also assisted in extending a footpath so that community members can enjoy the area.
Europe
Alicante, Spain
USAC Alicante students and staff headed to Tabarca Island, where they cleaned trash and litter from the coastline and surrounding natural areas.
Madrid, Spain
USAC Madrid students helped clean up a park and then enjoyed a snack together afterward.
Pau, France
Students in Pau, France, participated in a clean walk on campus to collect trash and then enjoyed a picnic together afterward. The students were joined by staff, a local student, and even a USAC alumni!
Reggio Emilia, Italy
USAC Reggio Emilia students participated in the UNIgreen Festival, where they had the unique opportunity to learn about sustainability and environmental education, meet local and international peers at an Earth Day events, and share and collaborate at conferences about incorporating sustainable practices into higher education.
Torino, Italy
USAC Torino students donated used clothes and long storage food, and assisted with sorting and organizing clothes and supplies to be distributed to those in need in Torino and around the world.
Viterbo, Italy
Students in USAC Viterbo visited the Emporio Solidale, a local association which supports Italian and international families in need by providing food and non-perishable items.
South and Central America
Santiago, Chile
USAC Santiago students participated in an event organized by the City Hall office for the Youth. They assisted with a variety of activities for children, including face painting, dancing, and playing games.
Heredia, Costa Rica
Students in Heredia, Costa Rica, alongside their Resident Director, cleaned out gutters and picked up trash at a park.
Montevideo, Uruguay
USAC Montevideo students volunteered at Charrua Park Community Garden to prepare the grounds for the upcoming winter season.
United States
Central Office, Reno, Nevada
USAC staffed located at the central office in Reno, Nevada participated in a clean-up event at North Valleys Regional Park.
Remote staff, various locations
Two members of USAC’s Marketing and Communications team participated in volunteer efforts. Bill Goloski, USAC’s content marketing strategist, picked up trash in Oregon. In Idaho, Melissa Beals, USAC’s content coordinator, volunteered at an animal shelter.
Making a better world
Through the actions of USAC students, staff, and educators on Worldwide Volunteer Day, sustainable efforts in alignment with the USAC Green Pact were shared with communities around the world.
However, these are only a few examples — follow the USAC Instagram @studyabroadusac to see more volunteering around the world.
