Welcome Desk
Greet newly arrived international students at Sydney Airport, help them take their first confident steps in Australia, and build real customer service and leadership experience along the way.
A friendly face at the start of someone's Australian journey
Arriving in a new country is exciting — and overwhelming. Welcome Desk is a student-led volunteer program where trained LIVE in Australia volunteers meet newly arrived international students at Sydney Airport, point them toward transport and accommodation, and help them feel less alone in their first hour on the ground.
It's a small act with a big impact: a warm hello, clear information, and the reassurance that there's a community here ready to help them thrive.
Built for students who like helping others
You enjoy meeting new people and making them feel comfortable
You want hands-on local experience while you study
You're looking to grow your communication, teamwork and confidence
You want meaningful volunteering or leadership experience for your CV
Your role on the day
Welcome arrivals
Meet newly arrived students as they land in Sydney.
First-point support
Answer questions about transport, SIM cards, and getting around.
Help them settle
Make sure no one feels lost or alone on day one.
Work as a team
Run shifts alongside other student volunteers and mentors.
Get trained first
Complete a short onboarding before your first shift.
Represent LIVE
Be the friendly face of the student community.
What you'll take with you
From application to your first shift
- STEP 01
Apply
Fill in a short application form to express your interest.
- STEP 02
Train
Join a friendly onboarding session to prepare for the role.
- STEP 03
Volunteer
Sign up for Welcome Desk shifts at Sydney Airport.
- STEP 04
Grow
Build skills, friendships and confidence you'll carry forward.
A small welcome can change someone's whole arrival.
Welcome Desk sits at the very first step of the LIVE in Australia journey — the Arrive stage. For a student landing alone with heavy bags and a new language, a friendly face can turn anxiety into relief, and a stranger into the start of a community.
Hear from past Welcome Desk volunteers
"I remember how lost I felt when I first landed. Being on the other side of the desk, helping someone else feel safe — it meant a lot to me."
"I joined to practice my English and ended up with real friends and a story to tell in every job interview."
"The training made me feel ready, and the team had my back. It's the most rewarding thing I've done since arriving in Sydney."
Things students usually ask
Be the welcome someone needs.
Join the Welcome Desk team, grow real-world skills, and make a difference in the first hour of another student's Australian journey.