Primary Purpose
The International Ambassador Program is a volunteer peer mentor program designed specifically for Santa Clara students who are currently or have recently returned from their international education experiences. Having studied abroad, the Ambassadors embody the benefits of the international experience and have unique, real-life stories to share with students who are just embarking on their educational endeavors. The International Ambassadors are a vital component in motivating other students to take advantage of the many international opportunities Santa Clara University has to offer.
Essential Duties
I-Ambassadors can volunteer to serve on any of the following leadership teams:
- Study Abroad Bloggers: Starting Fall 2009, study abroad students will be recruited to serve as on-site International Ambassadors particularly as bloggers and on-site contacts for prospective study abroad students. Participants will be trained in the Spring quarter prior to their departure for their Summer or Fall program.
- Community Outreach Efforts: The International Programs Office participates in the University's efforts to outreach to prospective students and their parents. The I-Ambassadors help the Peer Advisors in answering questions about their own study abroad program experience at these events which includes the annual Open House, Yield Weekends, etc.
- International Club Leadership Team: I-Ambassadors assist the Peer Advisors in planning, coordinating, and leading a wide variety of social and academic programs for the International Club at Santa Clara University.
- Program Outreach Team: I-Ambassadors serve as contacts for their specific study abroad program either via email, panel discussions, or club meetings.
- Workshop Series Team: I-Ambassadors help the Study Abroad Workshop Series Coordinators in visioning, planning, coordinating, and leading a series of events on campus for study abroad students covering a wide range of topics and goals.
- Pre-Departure Orientation Team: I-Ambassadors help the Study Abroad Peer Advisors as panelists for specific pre-departure orientation sessions during the Pre-Departure Orientation Program in the Spring Quarter.
- International Student Mentor Program: I-Ambassadors volunteer to mentor one incoming international exchange student. Responsibilities include email correspondence with an accepted exchange student before their arrival on campus, meeting the mentee at the airport, and helping the mentee adjust to academic and social life on campus, the surrounding areas, and the United States. The Peer Advisors will make every efforts to connect I-Ambassadors with incoming exchange students from the same language/country as their study abroad program location.
- Marketing Team: I-Ambassadors assist the Peer Advisor in charge of marketing efforts on campus. Specifically geared for marketing and communications majors, this creative team create marketing campaigns for study abroad throughout the academic year.
Who Can Apply / Qualifications:
Juniors and Seniors with study abroad experiences, in good academic and disciplinary standing, leadership experience or the desire to lead, ability to interact with diverse students, and the willingness to help other students.
Benefits
Currently, the International Ambassadors are unpaid volunteers who are entitled to any of the following benefits:
- Given first priority hiring review for paid positions as Study Abroad Peer Advisers
- Participate in leadership develop programs
- Ability to participate in International Ambassadors team building events
- Ability to receive International Leadership Certificate
How to Apply
Click here to fill out the Online Application Form. You will be contacted by our office when you are approved to join the International Ambassadors.
More Information
For more information, please contact Vid (vraatior@scu.edu) or by calling the International Programs Office at 408.554.6940.
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