Now Hiring: International Center Summer Orientation Peer Advisors

The International Center (IC) is currently hiring Summer Orientation Peer Advisors to support new international students who will begin their studies at the University of Michigan (U-M) - Ann Arbor in Fall 2023. Through this position, you can expect to improve your communication skills, work with a team, help new international students ease the transition to a new environment, and make some friends while doing so!

Not sure what the International Center’s summer orientation is like?  You can learn more about what to expect here.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be an international student in a degree program and be enrolled during the Fall 2023 term. International alumni who have already graduated are not eligible to apply. 

Training and Debrief Meeting

Orientation work will take place in July and August.

We plan to conduct a virtual training in mid July. Peer advisors are also expected to attend a debrief meeting after orientation ends. 

Major Job Responsibilities

  • Prepare for and lead/co-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
    • Social justice in the United States
    • Getting involved on campus and making friends
    • Finding a job on campus
    • 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 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.
  • 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 front of a web camera.
  • 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 $15/hour and are anticipated to work around 5-10 hours per week.
  • Please note the tax implications for international students who are employed by U-M remotely remain the employee’s responsibility. 

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 to accommodate international students in different time zones.

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.

If you have any questions, please email icenter@umich.edu.