7 answers
Swathi
Student
Japan
1
Question
Asked
1838 views
What are some good online/remote civil engineering or architecture related volunteering that I can do as a 15-16 year old??
I want to learn about architecture and civil engineering and have something to add onto my college application to show my interest and dedication :)
Login to comment
7 answers
Enana Ali
Architect
6
Answers
Tartus, Tartus Governorate
Updated
Enana’s Answer
That’s amazing that you’re thinking ahead and looking for ways to explore architecture and civil engineering while still in high school! Since you’re just starting out, here are simple and beginner-friendly online volunteering opportunities that will help you build experience and show your passion for the field on your college applications:
1. Contribute to Digital Mapping Projects (Easy & Impactful!)
- [Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT)]
(https://www.hotosm.org/)
→ Help map roads, buildings, and infrastructure for real-world projects.
- [Missing Maps](https://www.missingmaps.org/)
→ Assist in mapping disaster-prone areas to support engineers and urban planners.
🟢 No experience needed! Just use a computer to edit and improve real-world maps used by engineers and architects.
2. Promote Sustainable Architecture Awareness
- Follow organizations like [Architecture 2030]
(https://architecture2030.org/) and share their initiatives online.
- Help translate or write short articles about sustainable design for platforms like Wikipedia.
🟢 Even just sharing knowledge about eco-friendly buildings or urban planning can make a difference!
3. Join Online STEM & Architecture Education Programs
- [Teens Teach Tech](https://www.teenteachtech.com/)
→ Volunteer to teach younger students simple design software like SketchUp.
- Offer to create _ simple presentations about architecture _ for local or online school events.
🟢 Teaching others is a great way to solidify your own learning while demonstrating leadership!
4. Participate in Free Online Design Challenges
- Join beginner-friendly architecture competitions on sites like [Buildner](https://architecturecompetitions.com//) (formerly Bee Breeders).
- Look for free SketchUp or AutoCAD challenges where you can practice basic design skills.
🟢 Even if you don’t win, participating shows initiative and passion!
💎How to Make This Stand Out on Your College Applications
✅ Include it on your resume – Even small experiences show your early interest.
✅ Save screenshots or project files – These can be part of your portfolio.
✅ Write about it in your application essay – Explain how these activities shaped your perspective on architecture.
This is just the beginning! The fact that you’re thinking about this now puts you ahead of many students. If you’d like more hands-on ways to explore architecture while in high school, let me know—I’d love to help!
1. Contribute to Digital Mapping Projects (Easy & Impactful!)
- [Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT)]
(https://www.hotosm.org/)
→ Help map roads, buildings, and infrastructure for real-world projects.
- [Missing Maps](https://www.missingmaps.org/)
→ Assist in mapping disaster-prone areas to support engineers and urban planners.
🟢 No experience needed! Just use a computer to edit and improve real-world maps used by engineers and architects.
2. Promote Sustainable Architecture Awareness
- Follow organizations like [Architecture 2030]
(https://architecture2030.org/) and share their initiatives online.
- Help translate or write short articles about sustainable design for platforms like Wikipedia.
🟢 Even just sharing knowledge about eco-friendly buildings or urban planning can make a difference!
3. Join Online STEM & Architecture Education Programs
- [Teens Teach Tech](https://www.teenteachtech.com/)
→ Volunteer to teach younger students simple design software like SketchUp.
- Offer to create _ simple presentations about architecture _ for local or online school events.
🟢 Teaching others is a great way to solidify your own learning while demonstrating leadership!
4. Participate in Free Online Design Challenges
- Join beginner-friendly architecture competitions on sites like [Buildner](https://architecturecompetitions.com//) (formerly Bee Breeders).
- Look for free SketchUp or AutoCAD challenges where you can practice basic design skills.
🟢 Even if you don’t win, participating shows initiative and passion!
💎How to Make This Stand Out on Your College Applications
✅ Include it on your resume – Even small experiences show your early interest.
✅ Save screenshots or project files – These can be part of your portfolio.
✅ Write about it in your application essay – Explain how these activities shaped your perspective on architecture.
This is just the beginning! The fact that you’re thinking about this now puts you ahead of many students. If you’d like more hands-on ways to explore architecture while in high school, let me know—I’d love to help!
Thank you so much for these incredible suggestions!
I can't wait to explore these online volunteering opportunities. Your advice is exactly what I needed to get started in architecture and civil engineering. I'm truly grateful for your support.
And I would absolutely love to learn more! Could you share some additional hands-on ways I could explore this field to help with experience and something colleges would like to see on an application if you know anymore?
Thank you so much! :)
Swathi
You are very welcome, I am very happy to help an ambitious and kind student like you .😊
I will answer your question in the space provided for answers below because long answers are not allowed here in the comments .❤
Enana Ali
Vern Novstrup
Environmental Engineer
33
Answers
Ventura, California
Updated
Vern’s Answer
The United States Geological Survey has a number of virtual positions for "Volunteer Map Editor." More detailed information can be found at: www.volunteer.gov. The task is summarized as:
TNMCorps volunteers collect and update structures data for The National Map using our online
mapping application. Structures include schools, hospitals, post offices, police stations, cemeteries,
and other important public buildings and a few recreation features. TNMCorps volunteers primarily
engage in internet research and data entry. They check the location of existing structure points against
aerial imagery to verify that they are in the correct location and confirm that the name and address
information are correct using authoritative sources."
Note volunteer.gov has a number of volunteer training opportunities with the federal government. Most of the opportunities are found in National Parks or in other federally operated recreational facilities and some are virtual.
Your local Habitat for Humanity. Many areas have HforH buildings going on at any given time. This gives you a better understanding of the processes and components of building construction. Recommend you try to get on a local project build from start to finish. This means committing every Saturday for almost a year. Yep, a lot of work but the experience will do a lot to build your confidence and gain a detailed understanding of residential construction.
Keep in mind any volunteer activity that you commit over a long period of time shows an ability to take on a task for months or years. For example, volunteering in a weekly food pantry, local library, etc. shows commitment. I think most engineering programs can teach skills if the student is able to commit to doing the hard work. Volunteering is one way of showing that you have what it takes.
By updating and verifying structures data across all 50 states and the U.S. Territories, volunteers are making significant contributions to USGS National Structures Database, The National Map, and ultimately U.S. Topo Maps! TNMCorps volunteers earn virtual badges for participating and are recognized for their contributions (with their permission) via USGS and The National Map social media.
TNMCorps volunteers collect and update structures data for The National Map using our online
mapping application. Structures include schools, hospitals, post offices, police stations, cemeteries,
and other important public buildings and a few recreation features. TNMCorps volunteers primarily
engage in internet research and data entry. They check the location of existing structure points against
aerial imagery to verify that they are in the correct location and confirm that the name and address
information are correct using authoritative sources."
Note volunteer.gov has a number of volunteer training opportunities with the federal government. Most of the opportunities are found in National Parks or in other federally operated recreational facilities and some are virtual.
Your local Habitat for Humanity. Many areas have HforH buildings going on at any given time. This gives you a better understanding of the processes and components of building construction. Recommend you try to get on a local project build from start to finish. This means committing every Saturday for almost a year. Yep, a lot of work but the experience will do a lot to build your confidence and gain a detailed understanding of residential construction.
Keep in mind any volunteer activity that you commit over a long period of time shows an ability to take on a task for months or years. For example, volunteering in a weekly food pantry, local library, etc. shows commitment. I think most engineering programs can teach skills if the student is able to commit to doing the hard work. Volunteering is one way of showing that you have what it takes.
By updating and verifying structures data across all 50 states and the U.S. Territories, volunteers are making significant contributions to USGS National Structures Database, The National Map, and ultimately U.S. Topo Maps! TNMCorps volunteers earn virtual badges for participating and are recognized for their contributions (with their permission) via USGS and The National Map social media.
Thank you so much for your advice. I will definitely look for long-term volunteer opportunities. I truly appreciate your guidance. :)
Swathi
Henry Ling
Architect
29
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Henry’s Answer
Hello Swathi,
Let's try a different approach. Instead of just looking for volunteer opportunities, why not check out universities or trade schools? Talk to advisors there about your interests in attending. This can help you build a strong resume for your chosen school. Identify any skills or portfolio gaps you have, and use volunteering to fill those gaps.
Let's try a different approach. Instead of just looking for volunteer opportunities, why not check out universities or trade schools? Talk to advisors there about your interests in attending. This can help you build a strong resume for your chosen school. Identify any skills or portfolio gaps you have, and use volunteering to fill those gaps.
Thank you for your advice!
I hadn't thought of it that way, and I will definitely look into universities. This will definitely help me figure out my next steps.
Thank you for this helpful suggestions!
Swathi
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
378
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Swathi,
I recommend to explore the field of civil engineering or architecture through remote volunteering opportunities that can enhance your college application. If you can participate in virtual design contests to showcase your creativity, or engage in open-source projects to collaborate on community initiatives. Check if Japanese universities offer online courses or workshops in civil engineering or architecture that include volunteer components. Some universities might have partnerships with international organizations. Please connect with professionals via online mentorship programs or contribute to educational platforms by creating study materials. I have seen that Platforms like edX or Coursera might offer courses in engineering or architecture that include project-based learning or volunteer components. Hope this helps!
I recommend to explore the field of civil engineering or architecture through remote volunteering opportunities that can enhance your college application. If you can participate in virtual design contests to showcase your creativity, or engage in open-source projects to collaborate on community initiatives. Check if Japanese universities offer online courses or workshops in civil engineering or architecture that include volunteer components. Some universities might have partnerships with international organizations. Please connect with professionals via online mentorship programs or contribute to educational platforms by creating study materials. I have seen that Platforms like edX or Coursera might offer courses in engineering or architecture that include project-based learning or volunteer components. Hope this helps!
Hi Rafael!
Thank you so much for these suggestions! I will look into participating in more activities.
This was very helpful! :)
Swathi
Enana Ali
Architect
6
Answers
Tartus, Tartus Governorate
Updated
Enana’s Answer
Let me say first that I love your enthusiasm—having that kind of passion and curiosity will take you far in architecture and civil engineering! Since you’re looking for hands-on ways to explore the field, here are some additional ideas that will give you experience while also looking great on your college applications:
💎 1. Start a Personal Architecture or Engineering Project (DIY & Fun!)
Design a dream house or building using free software like SketchUp Free, AutoCAD for students, or Tinkercad.
Create a small-scale model using cardboard or 3D printing (if available at school or a local maker space).
Try designing a “green” building concept and explain how it’s energy-efficient in a short blog post or presentation.
🌺 Colleges love self-initiated projects because they show creativity, problem-solving, and independent learning!
💎 2. Shadow or Interview a Local Architect or Civil Engineer
Email or call local firms and ask if you can shadow an architect or engineer for a day.
If that’s not possible, request a 20-minute Zoom interview to ask about their career and projects.
Write a short reflection or blog post about what you learned—it’s a great addition to your portfolio!
🌺 It Shows genuine interest in the field and willingness to seek mentorship!
💎 3. Take Free Online Courses & Get Certificates
For example:
Introduction to Architecture
Introduction to Sustainable Building Design – EdX or Coursera
I highly recommend the course:
"Making Architecture" on Coursera, I took this course myself and it was great as an introduction to architecture.
🌺 Certificates can be listed on your resume and show dedication to learning!
💎4. Build a Mini Portfolio (Even If You’re Just Starting!)
Include sketches, digital designs, research, or DIY models you’ve worked on.
If you write about your thoughts on urban design, architecture trends, or sustainability, compile them into a simple blog (Medium or a personal website).
Even if it's just a few projects, a portfolio makes your college application stand out!
🌺 It proves you’re actively building skills and thinking like a future architect or engineer!
💎 5. Volunteer for a Local or Online Architecture Initiative
If your city has community projects involving urban planning or environmental design, volunteer to assist!
Look for online nonprofits focused on architecture for disaster relief or sustainable housing (some allow remote participation).
🌺 A great way to gain real-world exposure while helping a good cause!
💎 6. Read & Stay Inspired!
Books like "101 Things I Learned in Architecture School" by Matthew Frederick are easy to understand and insightful.
Follow Dezeen, ArchDaily, and The B1M YouTube channel to stay updated on cool architecture projects.
🌺 Being informed helps with college essays and interviews!
Final Advice: Keep Documenting Your Journey!
Everything you do—whether it’s a course, project, or competition—write about it, save pictures, and reflect on what you learned. This will make it easy when applying to college because you’ll have clear experiences to discuss!
I can already tell that you have the motivation and drive to do something amazing in this field! 💪
Keep going like this and you will achieve something wonderful 😊❤
💎 1. Start a Personal Architecture or Engineering Project (DIY & Fun!)
Design a dream house or building using free software like SketchUp Free, AutoCAD for students, or Tinkercad.
Create a small-scale model using cardboard or 3D printing (if available at school or a local maker space).
Try designing a “green” building concept and explain how it’s energy-efficient in a short blog post or presentation.
🌺 Colleges love self-initiated projects because they show creativity, problem-solving, and independent learning!
💎 2. Shadow or Interview a Local Architect or Civil Engineer
Email or call local firms and ask if you can shadow an architect or engineer for a day.
If that’s not possible, request a 20-minute Zoom interview to ask about their career and projects.
Write a short reflection or blog post about what you learned—it’s a great addition to your portfolio!
🌺 It Shows genuine interest in the field and willingness to seek mentorship!
💎 3. Take Free Online Courses & Get Certificates
For example:
Introduction to Architecture
Introduction to Sustainable Building Design – EdX or Coursera
I highly recommend the course:
"Making Architecture" on Coursera, I took this course myself and it was great as an introduction to architecture.
🌺 Certificates can be listed on your resume and show dedication to learning!
💎4. Build a Mini Portfolio (Even If You’re Just Starting!)
Include sketches, digital designs, research, or DIY models you’ve worked on.
If you write about your thoughts on urban design, architecture trends, or sustainability, compile them into a simple blog (Medium or a personal website).
Even if it's just a few projects, a portfolio makes your college application stand out!
🌺 It proves you’re actively building skills and thinking like a future architect or engineer!
💎 5. Volunteer for a Local or Online Architecture Initiative
If your city has community projects involving urban planning or environmental design, volunteer to assist!
Look for online nonprofits focused on architecture for disaster relief or sustainable housing (some allow remote participation).
🌺 A great way to gain real-world exposure while helping a good cause!
💎 6. Read & Stay Inspired!
Books like "101 Things I Learned in Architecture School" by Matthew Frederick are easy to understand and insightful.
Follow Dezeen, ArchDaily, and The B1M YouTube channel to stay updated on cool architecture projects.
🌺 Being informed helps with college essays and interviews!
Final Advice: Keep Documenting Your Journey!
Everything you do—whether it’s a course, project, or competition—write about it, save pictures, and reflect on what you learned. This will make it easy when applying to college because you’ll have clear experiences to discuss!
I can already tell that you have the motivation and drive to do something amazing in this field! 💪
Keep going like this and you will achieve something wonderful 😊❤
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
30
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Swathi,
I'm pleased to have this opportunity to share ideas with you.
Your interest in civil engineering or architecture is a great opportunity to build a professional career. Mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer applications, design & graphics, geography are essential foundational subjects for the courses you intend to persue. Curiosity in construction, environmental design & infrastructure make up for a great start. Passion & diligence are equally important.
Internships are a great platform to discover the most suitable work environment for you. It's a chance to acquire hands-on skills & see what the field is like in addition to building a network of professionals.
Since you live in Japan, checking up the local firms in your area for opportunities is a good starting point. You can also check with your school career guidance department.
For online opportunities, I recommend www.goabroad.com. They provide virtual/remote internship programs in all career fields. They have a network of 3000+ leading organizations around the world. Online programs are a available in Tokyo.
I'm pleased to have this opportunity to share ideas with you.
Your interest in civil engineering or architecture is a great opportunity to build a professional career. Mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer applications, design & graphics, geography are essential foundational subjects for the courses you intend to persue. Curiosity in construction, environmental design & infrastructure make up for a great start. Passion & diligence are equally important.
Internships are a great platform to discover the most suitable work environment for you. It's a chance to acquire hands-on skills & see what the field is like in addition to building a network of professionals.
Since you live in Japan, checking up the local firms in your area for opportunities is a good starting point. You can also check with your school career guidance department.
For online opportunities, I recommend www.goabroad.com. They provide virtual/remote internship programs in all career fields. They have a network of 3000+ leading organizations around the world. Online programs are a available in Tokyo.
Hi William!
Thank you so much for your detailed advice! Your insights on internships helped me understand their importance, and www.goabroad.com will most definitely give me some online volunteering opportunities. I appreciate you taking the time for this.
Swathi
Swathi, thank you very much for your feedback. It's a pleasure being of help. Wish you a great professional career
William Vvuko
Karin P.
Lecturer, Student Advisor
471
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Swathi,
I see you are located in Tokyo. Do you live in Japan? Wouldn't it be easier to find a local opportunity?
MIT has some course materials from the architecture program online:
https://ocw.mit.edu/search/?d=Architecture&s=department_course_numbers.sort_coursenum
If you don't find a suitable internship, you could build a portfolio showcasing differences between typical western and Japanese buildings. Do you have Science Fairs in Japan? You could enter a project like that. Maybe you could find a mentor at a university.
There are some websites that have architecture opportunities in the US. Most of them are on site though. Beware of programs that charge thousands of dollars for internships or summer courses.
https://www.indigoresearch.org/blog/architecture-internships-programs-high-school-students
https://www.architects.org/programs/k-12-design-education/arch-design-high-school-internships
https://empowerly.com/applications/architecture-internships-high-school/
https://www.lumiere-education.com/post/10-free-architecture-programs-for-high-school-students
https://www.inspiritai.com/blogs/ai-blog/architecture-internships-for-high-school-students
https://www.veritasai.com/veritasaiblog/free-architecture-programs-for-high-school-students
https://www.aia.org/resource-center/aia-k-12-initiatives
https://arch.umd.edu/programs/architecture/architecture-academics/architecture-high-school-summer-program
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I see you are located in Tokyo. Do you live in Japan? Wouldn't it be easier to find a local opportunity?
MIT has some course materials from the architecture program online:
https://ocw.mit.edu/search/?d=Architecture&s=department_course_numbers.sort_coursenum
If you don't find a suitable internship, you could build a portfolio showcasing differences between typical western and Japanese buildings. Do you have Science Fairs in Japan? You could enter a project like that. Maybe you could find a mentor at a university.
There are some websites that have architecture opportunities in the US. Most of them are on site though. Beware of programs that charge thousands of dollars for internships or summer courses.
https://www.indigoresearch.org/blog/architecture-internships-programs-high-school-students
https://www.architects.org/programs/k-12-design-education/arch-design-high-school-internships
https://empowerly.com/applications/architecture-internships-high-school/
https://www.lumiere-education.com/post/10-free-architecture-programs-for-high-school-students
https://www.inspiritai.com/blogs/ai-blog/architecture-internships-for-high-school-students
https://www.veritasai.com/veritasaiblog/free-architecture-programs-for-high-school-students
https://www.aia.org/resource-center/aia-k-12-initiatives
https://arch.umd.edu/programs/architecture/architecture-academics/architecture-high-school-summer-program
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Hi Karin!
Yes, there are many local opportunities, but the issue is finding volunteer opportunities for architecture in English is pretty tough here.
Anyways, thank you so much for the links, as they have definitely opened up more possibilities for me, and I will certainly consider participating in science fairs.
:)
Swathi
Hi Swathi, Try universities! Maybe they could host you to work with some of their students? They are often happy if their students can take care of visitors and have to speak English. And the students are eager. At least they could give you a tour and you could make a presentation of it.
Karin P.