Education Abroad Specialist

Education Abroad Specialist

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and 1 to 5 years experience in International education, higher education or a related field
• Demonstrated commitment to values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in international education and higher education.
• Strong commitment to holistic advising and support of students
• Professional training in study abroad through professional associations, relevant workshops and conferences, or other relevant training courses
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple demands
• Experience and adaptability in using new technology and computer software
• The ability to interact and collaborate with institutional representatives, faculty, staff and students in a highly professional manner
• Willingness to engage in continuous enhancement of professional knowledge and skills

Responsibilities

• Design and ensure delivery of key international study programming of the office, including promotion of education abroad, pre-departure, and support for returning students.
• Collaborate with faculty and study abroad advisers on program assessment, new program approval, advising on policies, and identification of curricular pathways for respective majors.
• Monitor and assess the Smith Approved Program List, develop promotional strategies to inform campus constituents of program information, and work with faculty on new program approval.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with the more than 100 approved study abroad partner institutions and organizations to ensure smooth communication between the programs and Smith College.
• In collaboration with the Assistant/Associate Director, schedule, plan, and deliver information sessions, pre-departure orientation, re-entry workshops, and college-wide admissions events with academic departments, resource centers, student groups, and returned study abroad students.
• Oversee petition process for non-approved programs.
• Process transcripts for all non-Smith education abroad programs, reviewing and approving transfer credit.
• Collaborate with the LGSC Budget manager to support the implementation of the home school fee process and oversee the operation of the home school fees budget.
• Provide comprehensive advising to students seeking to study abroad from initial inquiry through return to campus for students interested in education abroad.
• Oversee the review of study abroad applications for non-Smith program and collaborate with the registrar on course approval and transfer of credit.
• Interview, hire, train, and supervise student peer advisors.
• Oversee the study abroad resource area and Open Drop-in Hours for study abroad advising.
• Maintain knowledge of academic programs abroad and develop working relationships with university and program representatives; conduct periodic site visits to approved programs for assessment and familiarization purposes.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of advising processes that affect study abroad plans such as academic advising, pre-health advising, career development and scholarship and fellowship advising in order to make appropriate referrals.
• Maintain knowledge of study abroad program developments to ensure top quality student advising.
• Advise students regarding visa application processes and requirements.
• Be available on an as-needed basis for after hours emergency response to support students in responding to emergencies.
• Maintain accurate and readily accessible information and data regarding study abroad enrollments. Responsible for enrollment reports to various constituents.
• Administer the Smith International Travel Experience Systems (SITES) application and enrollment processes.
• Manage Approved Student Procedures. Ensure that approved students are fully prepared for departure by maintaining timely contact and information flow regarding deadlines, pre-departure preparation, distribution of program information, etc.
• Manage the student evaluation process for all study abroad programs (Smith and non-Smith).
• Track study abroad program evaluation forms for returned study abroad participants.
• Assist with delivery and support of all the Smith Global Programs Abroad including marketing and recruitment activities and providing support to program directors as needed.
• Develop and implement a communications strategy for education abroad, including maintaining websites, social media, and print materials.

Preferred Qualifications

No preferred qualifications provided.