IPO Peer Support Internships
Peerintern

Brief Job Description:

The IPO Peer Support interns will take a leadership role in helping first year international students prepare for and adjust to life at Earlham.  Interns will communicate with incoming students during the summer, participate as a staff member in New Student Orientation, be a teaching assistant for INTD 199, provide support to a group of first-year international students throughout the fall semester, and coordinate a monthly seminar or presentation for the Earlham community.  There will typically be 4 to 6 internship positions every fall semester.  IPO Peer Support Interns will be paid for 5 hours/week throughout the fall semester and have the option to receive 1 or 2 credits in the fall semester for INTD 481.
Applicaitions are available on the Moodle Student Employment page.

 Qualifications:

  • Ability to work with peers in a team setting
  • Cultural sensitivity and appreciation for intercultural exchange
  • Accountability and strong organizational and time management skills
  • Strong desire and ability to be a leader and a positive role model for students
  • Ability to communicate thoughts and ideas effectively in a variety of environments
  • Enthusiasm for working with new students and families
  • Knowledge of campus resources and services
  • Approachable and accessible to peer group members as needed
  • Be in good standing with the College; must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and students on academic or social probation are not eligible
  • Must be a current Earlham student
  • Due to training conflicts and the time-intensive involvement with New Student Orientation, R.A.s for the 2013-14 academic year will not be eligible.

 Responsibilities:

  • Provide support and guidance to a group of 6-10 international students.
  • Welcome peer group via email and respond to pre-arrival questions and concerns during the summer.
  • New Student Orientation Multicultural and International Committee: This committee will be responsible for pre-orientation tasks, such as creating Welcome cards, putting bedding in the international students' rooms, greeting new students in the airport and planning optional evening events for students who are on campus before NSO begins. Committee members will also provide assistance during pre-orientation sessions for exchange students and provide campus tours for international students as they arrive. During NSO, committee members will assist with multicultural/international programming and other general NSO responsibilities.
  • Perform duties as teaching assistant for INTD 199 “International Student Success in the U.S.” course (1st 7 weeks of fall semester, Wednesdays 2:30 p.m. -3:50 p.m.) to include: attending all seven classes and doing all of the readings assigned to students in the class, facilitating small group discussions, creating and performing a presentation on cultural adjustment, participating in scavenger hunt through Richmond, assisting with review of some student work and possibly helping track attendance
  • Maintain consistent communication with peer group. Meet in person once per month with each individual and maintain regular contact (via email, Facebook, etc.) throughout the semester.  Be a role model and resource for all new international students.
  • Plan a monthly educational program for entire campus.  Collaboration with other departments, offices or student groups is encouraged.  (Peer Support group will have a programming budget of $50/month).
  • Meet with International Student Advisers (Max and Ali) once per month during fall semester *During the INTD 199 class, we will ask you to meet with us weekly*
  • While all Peer Support interns will most likely have TSA one-year exchange students in their peer group, we will ask one or two interns to specifically help with programming and possibly tutoring for the TSA students.

 Learning Goals:

  • Develop and practice leadership skills
  • Deepen understanding of the role of International Student Advisers; learn F-1 and J-1 visa regulations, develop cross-cultural communication skills, become aware of Richmond and Earlham resources, learn about professional organizations in the field of International Education
  • Develop cooperative working relationships with IPO staff, other interns, new students and other departments
  • Learn how to plan, coordinate and facilitate community-wide events

 Important Dates for 2013:

Peer Support Interns must be able to attend all trainings, and be on campus during the following dates:

  • Tuesday, April 23 – overview meeting 12:00noon – 1:00 p.m. (lunch provided)
  • August 8: Early move-in date and optional dinner
  • August 9 – 11: Peer Support Training
  • August 12 – 20: NSO preparation and NSO
  • August 21 - October 22: INTD 199 on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:50 p.m.

Application Timeline: 

  • Thursday, March 7: Info Session 4:00pm – 5:00pm, LBC 124
  • Tuesday, March 12: Info Session 12:00noon – 1:00pm, LBC 124
  • Friday, March 22 at 5pm: Applications due to edingal@earlham.edu
  • Monday, March 25 – Wednesday, March 26: Sign up for interviews
  • Thursday, March 27 – Monday, April 1: Interviews
  • Selection notification: April 5

 Applicaitions are available on the Moodle Student Employment page.