This position is responsible for working with students accepted to academic year, semester and summer long study abroad opportunities. This position guides students through the application process for all exchange and provider programs and facilitates pre-departure preparation. The position provides guidance and support to students related to cultural adjustment, wellness, safety, practical matters, and re-entry adjustment.
Salary & Benefits: Minimum starting salary of $50,000, commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
Primary Duties
- Advise students on all aspects of study abroad participation, including cultural adjustment, application and course approval questions, practical matters, concerns while abroad, and re-entry.
- Develop and deliver pre-departure orientation meetings for outgoing students participating in exchange and provider programs.
- Manage the exchange program application process, including coordination of partnership meetings, maintenance of relationship with partner contacts, and updates to partner marketing materials on the website.
- Develop and implement cultural, practical, and social programming for outgoing and returning study abroad students that builds on the experiential learning nature of studying abroad.
- Provide student support, including assistance with academic issues and other concerns while abroad.
- Create, evaluate and maintain electronic resources for students in the pre-departure, abroad, and returned phases including website content and online learning components.
- Manage course approval process including maintenance of the course approval database and relationship-building with academic departments.
- Assist in managing program and student information in ViaTRM including updates to program materials.
- Coordinate administrative processes required of study abroad participants including collaboration with other departments on-campus to ensure efficient procedures that support education abroad.
- Supervise and support graduate assistant including consistent check-ins, assigning tasks and duties, and monitoring ongoing long-term projects.
- Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Bachelor’s degree
- Excellent intercultural and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with sensitivity and confidentiality.
- Strong judgment and the ability to manage difficult situations with clarity and compassion.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Significant experience living or working abroad.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Experience in international program administration or a similar setting.
- Prior student advising experience.
- Familiarity with best practices in education abroad, intercultural learning and international travel safety
- Experience with group facilitation and public speaking
- Second language proficiency
- Ability to adapt quickly and effectively to changing priorities.
- Intermediate knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs
How to Apply: Attach your cover letter and resume applications missing required documents will not be considered. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Ehren Kuzekov (kuzekove@gvsu.edu). If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Application Deadline: Application review begins December 3, 2025 and this posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.