STUDY ABROAD ADVISOR POSITION

POSITION OVERVIEW

• Navigating the planning process for study abroad
• Selecting a program that fits their needs and goals
• Helping prepare them for their experience abroad
• Answering questions upon return (transcripts, getting involved at the Int'l Center, etc)

This is an opportunity to further develop your leadership, office, and advising skills in a supportive and professional environment!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide excellent customer service to each individual who visits the International Center
• Under the direct supervision of a Study Abroad Coordinator/advisor, serve as the first point-of-contact for Cal Poly study abroad applicants (both in-person and virtually) and assist with all aspects of student advising and outreach 
• Provide comprehensive one-on-one student advising on program selection, campus policies related to study abroad, the overall application process, pre-departure planning, and any other questions related to study abroad
• Help students understand the unique characteristics of each study abroad program type and how to select their ideal program (i.e. Cal Poly Global Programs, CSU International Programs, Cal Poly Affiliate Partner Programs, International Exchanges, National Student Exchange)
• Respond to student emails in the general study abroad email accounts
• Assist students in planning courses for GEs and completing the GE Petition Form
• Participate in Study Abroad outreach activities and events—including classroom presentations, student panels, workshops, information meetings, study abroad fairs, and tabling events
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences and interact thoughtfully with multicultural constituencies, in part to help increase participation in study abroad by underrepresented groups
• Independently research program requirements and deadlines in order to stay current with changing information
• Provide administrative/clerical support to Cal Poly Study Abroad staff
• Complete special projects as assigned 

ELIGIBILITY

• Eligible to be hired as a student assistant at Cal Poly, as outlined in the Student Assistant Handbook
• Be in good academic and disciplinary standing at time of application and during employment
• Ability to serve in this position for the full academic year (Mid-September through Mid-June)
• Ability to work primarily in-person and secondarily via Zoom
  • For virtual work, a reliable internet connection and computer equipment are required
• For students who have studied abroad through Cal Poly: Complete the "Returnee Evaluation" Questionnaire that is listed in your study abroad program application. You can find this on the homepage of your program's abroad.calpoly.edu application.
• Attend a mandatory training session the week before classes begin in the fall
• Attend weekly peer advisor meetings
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly—verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to speak effectively to groups
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively and thoughtfully with students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to follow directions
• Ability to work in an environment with changing priorities and many interruptions
• Demonstrated skill and experience with computer technology, including the Microsoft Office Suite

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Participation in a Cal Poly approved study abroad program is strongly preferred 
• Students who could potentially serve in the position for two academic years (through June 2026)

  SALARY & ANTICIPATED HOURS

• This is a paid position with an anticipated salary of $16/hour for the 2024-2025 academic year
• Peer advisors are expected to work between 6-8 hours per week during instructional weeks of each quarter (on break during finals weeks, campus breaks, and academic holidays)

 NEXT STEPS

• Applications will close on April 01, 2024 (11:59 PM PST)
• Interviews will be held in early spring quarter

• To apply for the position, please click on the GREEN "Apply Now" button at the top right-hand side of this page.
  • Please be prepared to upload a resume and cover letter that includes information on why you want to work in the Cal Poly International Center supporting study abroad programs, and how your work, internship, and /or volunteer experience(s) make you an ideal candidate for the position.
•  If you have questions, please contact the supervisor for this position, Leanna Jenkins at lejenkin@calpoly.edu