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International Student Assistant Position

General Responsibilities

The job responsibilities of an International Student Assistant are many and varied. It is a job that requires a strong commitment to serving others, a sincere interest in international students, a desire for excellence, and a willingness to give many hours of personal time. This position requires respect for and understanding of habits, attitudes and views that are sometimes vastly different from those of the assistant.

The benefits of being an International Student Assistant include the personal growth you will experience from interacting with people from a variety of countries and cultures. This will also bring challenges. You will participate in training sessions which will improve your ability to lead, counsel, plan, organize, listen to and help others. You will gain valuable skills which will serve you for your entire life.

Below is a list of general responsibilities of an International Student Assistant. Please familiarize yourself with them before your interview. Two International Student Assistants will be hired; one who is international and one who has U.S. citizenship.

Compensation is based on Luther’s work study pay rate. Those chosen will be required to attend some of the new RA training classes. The students chosen for this position must have had a valid U.S. driver’s license for two years by August 18, 2008 and be at least 20 years of age. The two year requirement could be met with an international driver’s license.

Specific Responsibilities

General assistance

1. Facilitate the smooth transition and integration of the new international students into the Luther community.
2. Get to know the new and returning international students.
3. Learn about the campus community so that there is an understanding of how decisions are made that affect an international student’s life on campus.
4. Work closely with the other internationals student assistant to meet the needs of international students.

Activities development

1. Work on international student programming (ideally one event per month) with the International Student Coordinator. This involves planning, organizing, advertising and follow-through on the activities.
2. Be an active member of the International Student Association and assist this organization with its programs.

Peer counseling/advising

1. Know and understand the referral resources of the campus that may be used by students to meet their academic and personal needs.
2. Be available and willing to listen to new and returning international student concerns and be able to advise appropriately.
3. Inform the International Student Coordinator of problems and concerns regarding the international students on campus.

Administrative duties

1. Assist the Luther Diversity Center (LDC) with the arrival of new students in the fall, J-term and spring semesters (picking them up at the airport, shopping trips, etc.)
2. Work in the Diversity Center several hours per week.
3. Serve as co-chairs of the Ethnic Arts planning committee.
4. Put up bulletin boards outside the Diversity Center office.
5. Recognize student birthdays and other significant events.
6. Attend weekly meetings with the Director of Student Services and the International Student Coordinator.

Student conduct

1. Know the rules and regulations of the college and U.S. and Iowa law. Understand and be able to explain the need for college policies and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner.
2. Assist international students in understanding community living and help them develop self-responsibility.
3. Set an example by adhering to rules and regulations of the college as well as the State of Iowa.

Orientation

1. Help new students become familiar with the college—its personnel, regulations, history and customs.
2. Attend scheduled orientation events with new students.
3. Recruit and help to train American students to be part of the buddy program.

Application Requirements

1. Download, fill out, and submit the appropriate application to the Diversity Center by Tuesday, April 1.
   U.S. student application: www.luther.edu/student-life/diversity/jobs/international/application.doc
   International student application: www.luther.edu/student-life/diversity/jobs/international/international.doc
2. Download and print two copies of the recommendation form (www.luther.edu/student-life/diversity/jobs/international/recommendation.doc) and have them submitted by Luther faculty or staff who are familiar with your work ethic and general suitability for this position. Recommendation forms should be submitted by Tuesday, April 1. Note: Please read the waiver at the top of the recommendation form and determine whether or not you want to sign it.

 

• U.S. Student Application (DOC)
• International Student Application (DOC)
• Recommendation Form (DOC)