Study Abroad Advisor II

Position Summary

The position implements procedures and policies, including risk management, pertaining to international student mobility; counsels students by providing technical guidance and problem resolution before, during and after programs overseas, including faculty-led study abroad, exchange, affiliate and consortia programs, University System study abroad, external offerings, work, internships, research, volunteer and service learning experiences; provides information to student in one-on-one and group formats via advising appointments, email, phone, social media, informational events, and publications; promotes international opportunities on UGA campus and beyond; assists with training student staff; and works closely with faculty and staff throughout campus involved with study abroad. This position reports directly to the Director of Study Abroad, Office of International Education.

The position is an integral part of a wide varietyand vibrant group of international education professionals passionate about their contribution to the overall educational mission of UGA. The Education Abroad Advisor works with the staff of the Office of International Education’s Education Abroad division. UGA is in the top 20 universities nationwide for the number of students who study abroad. Each year, over 2,500 UGA students study abroad, and UGA boasts 100 faculty-led study abroad programs and 50 reciprocal exchange partners. Nearly 30% of UGA students study abroad at some point in their college career.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including:
  • Ability to prepare and present workshops for students and faculty
  • Ability to prepare promotional materials related to study abroad
• Proficiency in PC based software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access; Background in database management and web page development preferred
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work in a professional and collegial capacity with students, administrators, and faculty
• Prior study or work abroad experience; previous participation in semester or year-long study abroad program preferred; experience with event planning helpful
• Attention to detail

Physical Demands

Be able to speak in large crowds for orientations and information sessions, and sit or stand for long periods of time.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Meets with students for both scheduled advising appointments and walk-in hours
• Evaluates course equivalences for study abroad transfer credit and updates the articulation database
• Advises on UGA faculty-led programs, affiliate and consortia programs, USG programs, external programs, and work and volunteer opportunities abroad; directs students to appropriate advisor or campus office when particular circumstances cannot be handled directly in OGE.
• Percentage of time: 35

• Assists with spearheading risk management efforts in education abroad
• Serves as a member of the OGE Overseas Emergency Response Team
• Organizes regular reviews of UGA risk management policies, procedures, publications, and programs
• Assists study abroad programs with risk management compliance; consults on risk management issues, as needed.
• Consults on risk management issues, as needed.
• Percentage of time: 25

• Coordinates planning (personally and by delegating), publicity, exhibitor registration, volunteers, food, accounting, and all aspects of the UGA annual Study Abroad Fairs (fall and spring), along with International Education Week activities, and assists with other office events.
• Coordinates annual Open Hours, Pre-Departure Orientation for non-UGA program participants, Education Abroad 101 sessions, Returnee Orientations; assists with planning, publicity, and organization of education abroad events, e.g., UGA GoAbroad fairs, etc.
• Percentage of time: 10

• Organizes and delivers informational presentations, including faculty risk management training, orientations, and other sessions
• Promotes education abroad and scholarship opportunities on campus and beyond
• Identifies and contacts target groups for student recruitment on and off campus.
• Develops hard copy and electronic manuals, brochures, applications, policy statements, and other materials for student and faculty orientations and services.
• Percentage of time: 10

• Work with others to design and produce marketing pieces (posters, cards, flyers, etc.) and manage social media posts for Global Education events and initiatives.
• Percentage of time: 5

• Supervise student support staff, including directing the activities of student workers
• Participate in facilitating and training Junior Advisors to deliver weekly Education Abroad 101 sessions during the academic year, and as needed during the summer.
• Percentage of time: 5

• Serve on UGA board and committees, as appropriate; as needed, participate in risk management reviews of UGA programs and training programs offered to education abroad faculty and teaching assistants, and consult on risk management issues as needed.
• As appropriate, represent UGA at the national and regional meetings and professional conferences
• Conduct site visits to UGA and non-UGA external programs as needed/funds permit.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Percentage of time: 5

• Attend meetings of study abroad staff and full OGE staff as scheduled as well as other meetings with UGA and external colleagues.
• Percentage of time: 5