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International Peer Orientation Leaders and Ambassadors

Position Overview

The following two positions are opportunities to work with the international community at Miami University.

International Peer Orientation Leader (iPOL)

iPOLs are current Miami students who work with new international students to support and guide their transition to study and life in the U.S. at Miami University. Peer orientation leaders play an integral role in shaping a positive orientation experience for new international students and preparing them to achieve success at Miami University.

Responsibilities

  • Connect new international students with university resources and introduce them to university policies
  • Facilitate small group discussions about cultural adjustment
  • Plan and lead orientation activities (cultural and/or recreational)
  • Assist ISSS staff with orientation activities and sessions
  • Provide support to new international students' transition to life and study at Miami

Timeframe for Training and Work

Graduate iPOLs:
  • up to 40 hours the week that is two weeks prior to the start of classes
  • less than 10 hours the week that precedes the start of classes
  • This should not conflict with Graduate Assistant contract and duties. However, all GAs should submit a Graduate School Petition for additional employment.
Undergraduate iPOLs:
  • up to 40 hours the week that precedes start of classes

International Admissions Ambassadors

International Admissions Ambassadors are current Miami students who will connect with prospective and admitted international students in efforts to support the recruitment of new international students and enhance the experience of new international students preparing to start their studies at Miami University.

Responsibilities

  • Be available for in-person and virtual recruitment events and to connect with prospective international students
  • Effectively and impactfully communicate with prospective international students, providing them with accurate information about Miami University admission procedures, campus resources, and other expectations for studying at Miami University
  • Be able to direct prospective international students to the appropriate Miami University resource, department, office or staff.
  • Help create marketing materials and messaging for specific prospective international student populations.

Timeframe for Training and Work

0-20 hours per week, throughout the year.

Accepting Applications for International Admissions Ambassadors

Apply Today

Minimum Required Qualifications

  • Minimum Required Qualifications (at time of application)
  • Enrolled full-time at Miami University
  • Completed at least one semester at Miami University
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the time of application
  • Complete all training and respond promptly to emails regarding your schedule and work responsibilities

Desired Qualifications

  • Effective cross-cultural communication skills and sensitivity in working with students from international backgrounds
  • Ability to direct students to appropriate campus units or resources, and answer questions
  • Multilingual fluency
  • Knowledge or experience in a particular culture or region from outside the U.S.
  • Resourceful and proactive in solving problems during challenging situations
  • Ability to work both independently and as a team member
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills
  • Initiative to contribute ideas to projects
  • Tech-savvy
  • Familiarity with various social media platforms

Application Timeline

  • February-March: Accepting applications
  • March-April: Interviews and hiring
  • May and August: Training

Compensation

  • Hourly rate (paid training)
  • Professional and leadership development
  • On-campus housing during the first week of orientation for iPOLs (if available and living on campus)
  • Miami branded team clothing

International Student and Scholar Services

ISSS Requests

International students and scholars can submit a variety of requests to ISSS via InterLink.

Access InterLink

Sign-Up for Email Updates

International students and scholars will automatically receive communications from ISSS. Others are welcome to sign up to receive emails and communications from our office.

Sign up for Email Updates