The International Center (IC) is currently hiring Summer Orientation Peer Advisors (SOPA) to support new international students who will begin their studies at the University of Michigan (U-M) - Ann Arbor the Fall 2026 semester.
Through this position, you can expect to improve your communication skills, gain leadership experience, and assist new international students as they adjust to life in Ann Arbor. You may even make some new friends along the way!
Not sure what the International Center’s summer orientation is like? You can learn more about what to expect at the Orientation Overview page.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this position, you must be a current student in a degree-granting program and continuing your studies during the Fall 2026 term. International alumni who have already graduated are not eligible to apply.
This is a hybrid position, with virtual and in-person responsibilities. Eligible students must be physically present in the U.S. by July 14 to work remotely. Students must be physically present in Ann Arbor starting August 8 for in-person programs.
Employment Schedule
Orientation work will take place from approximately July 14 through August 28. Employees will, ideally, be in the Ann Arbor area by August 8 to help with in-person programs.
Employees must be available to work on Monday, August 24 for International Student Welcome Day. This event requires work from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
We plan to conduct a virtual training around July 14. Peer advisors are also expected to attend a debrief lunch on August 28.
There may also be some optional opportunities for hired SOPAs the first few weeks of the Fall 2026 semester.
Major Job Responsibilities
- Prepare for and lead virtual orientation workshops along with fellow peer advisors and/or staff. Workshop assignments for peer advisors will be determined based on your interests, qualifications and experiences. Workshop topics are related to life in Ann Arbor and being a student at U-M. Potential topics include:
- Things to do in Ann Arbor
- Getting involved on campus and making friends
- Finding an on-campus job
- Buying a car
- Communicating and working with academic/research advisors
- Cultural differences in the classroom
- Healthy relationships
- Banking
- Safety in Ann Arbor
- Housing
- Shopping
- Transportation
- GSI & GSRA opportunities & experiences
- Setting up household utilities
- How to navigate Canvas
- Health and well-being
- Staff an in-person “Welcome Desk,” through which you will greet and welcome new international students and scholars, and provide information about Orientation workshops, social events, International Center services, and U-M and Ann Arbor resources.
- Make short videos about your experiences as an international student. (Last year’s short videos can be found here).
- Contribute to the International Center's Instagram and/or blog with posts describing your personal experiences with making the initial adjustment to life at U-M and in the U.S. - academically, socially, and otherwise (For example: “Day in the Life” post/reels)
- Plan and lead informal social events for new students and scholars.
- Share your experiences and suggestions with IC staff as we develop and implement programs to ensure that programs meet the interest and needs of international students.
Required Qualifications
- Very reliable and punctual. Able to meet the time commitments for this position.
- Excellent listening, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection.
- Comfortable speaking and answering questions in virtual presentations.
- Comfort with images and video of you being posted on International Center platforms (for example: recordings of presentations posted to YouTube or social media).
- Very familiar with U-M, U-M services, and Ann Arbor.
- Comfortable talking about your own experiences and the adjustments you had to make when you came to U-M and to the U.S.
- Strong teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Able to take initiative and work independently while meeting deadlines.
- Enjoy working with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Compensation, Work Schedule, and Location
Compensation:
- Peer advisors will receive $16/hour.
- Anticipated hours worked per week:
- July 14 - July 18: up to 5 hours
- July 19 - August 12: up to 10 hours/week
- August 23 - August 30: up to 20 hours
Work Schedule:
- Most work will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone in the U.S.), although some evening or weekend work may be necessary for social events.
Location:
- Work will be done virtually in July and in-person in August.
Application Process and Deadline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be invited for a virtual interview.
- Submit your application by Monday, June 1 at 11:59pm EDT.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].