Study Abroad and Exchange Student Advisor

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Center for International Programs, the Study Abroad Advisor / Exchange Student Advisor serves as an integral member of the CIP and amazoo College.

The Study Abroad and Exchange Student Advisor also serves as the primary advisor for students and scholars with J Visas.

The Advisor is responsible for administering the University Partner Exchange Program (UPEP), providing regular communication to partners and potential exchange students, developing and sending the appropriate documentation, and providing support throughout the exchange student’s time on campus.

The Advisor works closely with fellow CIP staff members to ensure student support throughout the study abroad outbound and inbound process and to incorporate best practices of a student-centered environment.

The Advisor has the primary responsibility for meeting with J-1 students and study abroad outbound students on a regular period and for overseeing the enrollment of Kalamazoo students in a specified portfolio of study abroad programs.

The Study Abroad and Exchange Student Advisor will work with Kalamazoo partner programs to ensure that all requirements for participating students are clear and all documentation required by partners is distributed to students.

The CIP is committed to developing and sustaining a student-centered, equitable, and just environment that promotes and advocates for all students participating in off-campus and / or international engagement programs and projects.

The Exchange and Study Abroad Advisor will be a part of the international student team, working with the CIP Associate Director, and the Hornet Hub Advisor.

The Study Abroad and Exchange Student Advisor will work with other CIP team members to facilitate programming, marketing, and advising programs centering priority students as part of the CIP’s strategic plan.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Serve as the primary International Student and Scholar Adviser (ISSA) for J-1 students and scholars. Perform the full range of duties in the role of Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the Exchange Visitor Status (J) Program.

Administer the College’s University Partner Exchange Program (UPEP) on one-year visiting international exchange students.

Advise international students and scholars on J-1 visa regulations and maintain appropriate records (paper and SEVIS) as required by the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State In collaboration with the lead international student advisor, develop and implement programs to meet the needs of international students and scholars and the requirements of the F and J programs, including peer student programming and support.

In collaboration with the lead international student advisor, develop and update international student and scholar informational materials and the international student and scholar services (ISSS) website.

In collaboration with the lead international student advisor, plan, organize, and deliver orientation programs for new international arrivals;

collaborate with the College’s regular new-student orientation. Collaborate with various on-campus administrative and academic offices, faculty, staff, and committees on issues related to ISSS.

Plan and deliver programs to enhance the overall campus experience for international students, faculty, and staff alike Provide OPT / CPT and Academic Training information to students in collaboration with Career and Professional Development Assist international students in filing their federal and / or state tax returns.

Manage the Kalamazoo College partner programs in an assigned portfolio, including evaluating current programs, advising and selecting students, briefing stakeholders, implementing program changes, monitoring local conditions, developing contingency plans, and communicating regularly with the resident directors or partners from this region.

Assist in the advising, application, selection, orientation, and reentry processes and programs for students participating in study abroad in the region.

Work closely with CIP operations staff to ensure that all documentation, including application and supporting forms, etc, are collected and appropriately forwarded / distributed in a timely manner.

In collaboration with CIP staff and peer advisors, develop and present orientation sessions, workshops, exercises, print and web-based materials.

Communicate on a regular basis with students while abroad, and follow up with students and parents regarding questions or concerns.

Hold weekly advising hours.

• Collaborate with CIP staff to promote and process scholarships available to study abroad participants, including Boren, Gilman, Freeman, and others.
• In collaboration with CIP staff, develop strategic marketing plans to promote study abroad / away to students, particularly first-generation students, STEM majors, and students from historically disenfranchised populations.
• Represent the Center internally and externally as requested by the Executive Director of the Center for International Programs.
• Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job function of this job, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Candidates are expected to be available to work some evenings and weekends, particularly during international student orientation.

Other duties as specified by the Executive Director of the Center for International Programs.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree (M.A. preferred) and will also demonstrate many of the following skills, abilities, and characteristics :

• Cross-cultural experience, such as living / studying / interning / volunteering in another cultural context.
• Knowledge of theory and practice in one or more of the following areas in Higher Education, such as student development, identity development, equity and diversity, adjustment, experiential learning, curriculum design and intercultural communication.
• Demonstrated experience with database organization and functionalities.
• One year of administrative experience in Higher Education or relevant non-profit organization.
• Superior oral and written communication skills in English. Attention to detail regarding various program policies and requirements required.
• Must possess a U.S. driver’s license and be willing to drive.
• US Government regulations require DSOs and AROs to be US Citizens or Permanent Residents in order to administer F and J visa programs.
• Ability to engage in domestic and international travel (10% of work time)

Application Instructions

Applicants are asked to upload a resume and cover letter, in PDF format. The target start date for successful candidates will be September 16, 2024.

Benefits

Kalamazoo College is proud of offer a robust and reliable slate of benefits. A continued goal is to maximize our benefits while minimizing costs to employees, families, and the College. Click here to learn more.

Medical Insurance

ASR Health Benefits

Choice of two PPO plans with options for double and family coverage. Both plans include prescription drug benefits. Robust support for behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, and chronic condition management.

Dental Insurance

ASR Health Benefits

Includes options for double and family coverage.

Vision Insurance

ASR Health Benefits

Includes options for double and family coverage.

Supplemental Insurance

Unum

Voluntary accident insurance

Tax-Advantaged Accounts

Burnham & Flower

Health Care FSA

Dependent Care FSA

Life and ADD Insurance

Unum

Basic life insurance Employer paid

Voluntary life and ADD Employee paid

Disability Insurance

Unum

Long- and Short-term disability insurance employer paid

403(b) Retirement Plan

TIAA

With automatic enrollment and an employer match

Employee Assistance Program

Behavioral Health Services

Available to all employees and their household members at no cost

Benefits Concierge

Acrisure Benefits Group

Assistance in navigating complex employee benefit situations at no cost

Additional Benefits and Perks

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Intentional community-building efforts

More Details

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About Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo College is a highly selective nationally regarded liberal arts college, offering an integrated undergraduate experience that weaves a traditional liberal arts curriculum into educational experiences in both domestic and international settings with the majority of our graduates participating in study abroad.

Kalamazoo College is committed to the liberal arts and sciences, experiential education, freedom of individual conscience and celebration of diversity and inclusion.

It is one of the nation’s 100 oldest colleges and universities and a thought leader and innovator in higher education.

The campus of Kalamazoo College is located midway between Chicago and Detroit / Ann Arbor in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a metropolitan community of 261,000, which supports multiple college and university campuses along with numerous civic arts and cultural associations and sports teams.

Thirty-five miles from Lake Michigan, the area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown, outstanding restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

Kalamazoo College encourages candidates who will contribute to the cultural diversity of the College to apply and to identify themselves if they wish.

An equal opportunity employer, Kalamazoo College is committed to equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal protection under the law.

Please be invited to review our full EEO statement by visiting . Kalamazoo College is an E-Verify participating employer.

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