The University of Michigan International Center is hosting two in-country Pre-Departure Orientations (PDO) for new international students and family members in China (Shanghai and Beijing) in May 2026. The International Center is seeking PDO Student Leaders to volunteer for each event who can share valuable information with new students and their parents in order to prepare them for their arrival in Ann Arbor. This is an excellent professional development opportunity, and a great way to help guide incoming students.
Dates
- Shanghai: Sunday, May 24 (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
- The Langham, Xintiandi, Xintiandi Ballroom (Level 3), 99 Madang Road, Xintiandi, Shanghai 200021, China
- Volunteers expected to be available from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Beijing: Friday, May 29 (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
- Ritz-Carlton, Ballroom, 83A Jian Guo Road, China Central Place, Chaoyang District, Beijing, Beijing, China, 100025
- Volunteers expected to be available from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen or someone who has significant experience living in China.
- Must be a current student enrolled in a U-M degree program at the time of application.
- Volunteers must be able to stay for the entire duration of the event.
- Students may volunteer for more than one city, if interested.
Required Training
Student Leaders will be required to attend a virtual (Zoom) training session in early May. Additionally, Student Leaders will be asked to attend a refresher meeting one hour prior to the start of the Pre-Departure Orientation event.
Please note that this is a volunteer position and provides no compensation. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event sites and any other expenses incurred.
Major Volunteer Responsibilities
- Greet and welcome students and parents upon arrival.
- Provide information to students and their parents about topics related to: traveling to Ann Arbor, adjusting to U.S. culture, life as a student at U-M, transportation, housing, cell phones, etc.
- Review presentation content and provide necessary feedback.
Required Qualifications
- Excellent listening, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Very comfortable speaking in front of a group of students or parents and answering questions.
- Very familiar with U-M, U-M services, and Ann Arbor.
- Ability to work independently as well as a strong team member.
- Excellent presentation skills.
- Comfortable talking about your own experiences and the adjustments you had to make when you came to U-M and to the U.S.
How to Apply:
Complete the application by Friday, April 3, 2026.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview in early April.
Questions? Contact [email protected]