Study Abroad Advisor

Vassar College•Poughkeepsie, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Vassar College is seeking a full-time, entry-level Study Abroad Advisor to join the Office of International Programs (OIP). This role reports to the Associate Director and is part of an experienced, creative, and inclusive team. The Study Abroad Advisor will collaborate with various stakeholders to manage the education abroad application and enrollment processes, provide support to students throughout their study abroad journey, and promote the College's commitment to access, inclusion, and belonging. This position is crucial in supporting the College's global engagement, a key component of Vassar's liberal arts education. The OIP's primary function is to encourage student participation in education abroad, with nearly 50% of Vassar students studying abroad for a semester or academic year, and others participating in short-term programs. The OIP collaborates with faculty to administer Vassar-only programs and consortial programs, manages exchange partnerships, and oversees a list of approximately 130 other approved programs. The office also supports other global partnerships and initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Intercultural training, cross-cultural experience, and/or experience living abroad.
Demonstrated motivation to enhance inclusion in education abroad or other settings.
Ability to advise students from diverse backgrounds on experiences of transition, adjustment, and navigation of a new environment.
Ability to work proactively and independently, while also collaboratively as part of a team, managing a wide variety of tasks and priorities.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Capacity to manage a high volume of detailed information with frequent interruptions.
Demonstrated ability to diplomatically communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Proficiency in Google Suite.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally for conferences and program site visits.
Ability to periodically flex hours for evening or weekend programming.
Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in higher education, international education, or a related field.
Experience with Canva, social media platforms, and familiarity with study abroad data and application management systems (such as Terra Dotta).

Responsibilities

Provide in-depth study abroad advising to students, considering Vassar degree plans and learning goals.
Learn and maintain detailed knowledge of the OIP's study abroad programs and partnerships.
Lead advising on study abroad scholarships.
Regularly lead programming, from study abroad promotion to re-entry.
Support the Associate Director with application management.
Assist the Associate Director with general and program-specific communications to students, including managing e-newsletters for pre-departure and while abroad phases.
Assist the Associate Director with the collection and analysis of program evaluation data.
Maintain relationships with institutional and program provider representatives for effective communication regarding application, enrollment, and advising processes.
Participate in international education conferences and program site-visits as necessary.
Engage in the field of international education to stay updated on innovative study abroad engagement and advising practices.