Study Abroad Advisor

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand.

Position Details
The Fries Center for Global Studies expands opportunities for the Wesleyan community to engage in local and global multicultural environments. We collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to advance the knowledge, language and intercultural skills, self-awareness, and empathy needed for responsible participation in an increasingly inter-dependent world.

Within the Fries Center for Global Studies, the Office of Study Abroad develops and provides a variety of experiential learning opportunities for Wesleyan students, faculty, and staff. Approximately 40% of Wesleyan students participate in one or more of these opportunities by the time they graduate.

Reporting to the Director, Study Abroad, the Study Abroad Advisor guides students through the study abroad process, from application to re-entry and beyond.
The advisor’s responsibilities include:

MANAGING THE APPLICATION PROCESS

• Track each applicant’s progress in completing the study abroad application according to schedule.
• Advise study abroad applicants concerning program options, the application process, and Wesleyan’s financial and academic policies and protocols.
• Maintain accurate student files and records.
• In collaboration with Director, review applications and determine students’ eligibility to study abroad.
• Communicate with university staff, including Residential Life, the Deans’ Office, Registrar’s Office, and others, regarding students’ plans and eligibility for study abroad.
• Communicate with Financial Aid and Student Accounts regarding billing and budgets for study abroad.
• Support the Director and Emergency Response Team in risk management and emergency response for students abroad.
• Collect, analyze, and share study abroad data with various stakeholders.

PROMOTING STUDY ABROAD

• Recruit and organize study abroad returnees to volunteer as peer advisors.
• Serve as liaison with partner institutions and study abroad providers.
• Attend and present at events across campus such as Wesfest and orientations.
• Collaborate with other staff on social media, website, print, and other promotional efforts.
• Maintain involvement with professional associations, including attending conferences, presenting, and/or volunteering for leadership roles.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years experience in international education, study abroad or related degree (relevant student experience will be considered) or an equivalent combination of education, training and work experience.
Demonstrated intercultural competence and communication skills.

Ability to distill and convey information effectively to multiple audiences.

Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with others.

Proficient organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize tasks.

Proficient managing multiple projects with competing deadlines applying a high degree of attention to detail.

Proficient technological skills working with word processing, database, spreadsheet and software programs such as MS Office Suite.

Demonstrated ability to provide guidance or assistance with respect and empathy.

Demonstrated commitment to attentive and proactive customer focused interactions.

Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related field and 2 years of professional experience.
Experience using software and electronic applications for study abroad.
Proficiency in a second language (intermediate level or higher).
Some knowledge of intercultural, multicultural and/or diversity and inclusion theories.
Special Instructions to Applicants
The position is open until filled. For full consideration please apply by July 17, 2022, when first review of applications will begin.
Additional Information
Any and all offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan requires all employees to be vaccinated against Covid 19 unless they meet the criteria for a medical or religious exemption. New employees must be vaccinated prior to their start date. If an employee needs an exemption for medical or religious reasons, they must submit a request to Wesleyan and be approved before their start date

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504, or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Alison Williams, Vice President for Equity & Inclusion/ Title IX Officer, 860-685-3927, awilliams@wesleyan.edu.