Summer 2026 Instructional Assistant (IA) for the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program (Student Wage)

Do you want to work with international students this summer? Do you need a summer position to gain experience in a classroom setting? Become an Instructional Assistant with CAELC!

The Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC) is a pan-university unit charged with providing leadership on issues related to ESL/intercultural communication and helping members of the UVA community attain the level of linguistic and cultural proficiency needed for success at a research university in the United States. Each summer, CAELC runs the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program, an intensive language and culture four-week course designed for incoming international students at UVA. Through coursework, workshops, and engaging activities, the students acclimate to UVA’s academic environment and life in Charlottesville prior to starting their graduate programs.

As an Instructional Assistant in EAP, you will play an essential role in the success of our 2026 program by providing classroom assistance, student support, and administrative and cultural assistance during the four-week program.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Classroom Assistance:

• Aiding instructors in class preparation and making sure students are ready for instruction.
• Providing meaningful interaction and feedback to students.
• Performing classroom administrative tasks, such as taking attendance, sending out missed assignment correspondence, etc.

Conversation Hours:

• Holding conversation hours twice per week to allow students to practice their oral English in an informal setting, meet others, and learn more about UVA.
• Organizing and promoting conversation hours to students in collaboration with EAP faculty, staff, and other Instructional Assistants.

Wednesday Activities:

• Participating in at least one set of activities and field trips on at least one Wednesday of the program. Activities can include UVA tours, info sessions, cultural trips around Charlottesville, and other experiences.
• Promoting Wednesday activities to students.

Technology:

• Assisting faculty, staff, and students with the University’s technology applications, particularly Netbadge, DuoLogin, and connecting to Wi-Fi on grounds. All IAs should have access to a computer, a reliable internet connection, and should feel comfortable with using Zoom, Google Suite, UVACanvas, and Office 365.

Administrative Support:

• Communicating effectively and promptly (including completing a timecard accurately and on time).
• Attending all faculty/staff meetings before, during, and after the program.
• Reporting any problems that may arise during classes or events.
• Helping with orientation events for students.
• Creating a final project for the final ceremony in collaboration with the other Instructional Assistants.
• Helping with the final ceremony for students.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Effective communication
• Conscientiousness and reliability
• Sensitivity and empathy for students
• Team-oriented and collaborative approach
• Basic technology skills
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Planning and organization
• Energy and motivating ability
• Creative thinking
• Commitment to and excitement for position

Preferred Qualifications/Skills:

• TESOL Knowledge
• Taking initiative
• Teaching, mentoring, and facilitating groups
• Knowledge of UVA and Charlottesville
• Advanced technology skills

Location:

On Grounds

Position Dates:

The EAP 2026 program will be held from Monday, July 13, 2026, to Friday, August 7, 2026, on Grounds. Instructional Assistants are expected to be available Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, for the duration of the program. Instructional Assistants are also expected to attend two pre-programming meetings held in early July (not yet scheduled). In-person attendance is preferred.

Hourly Wage

For undergraduate students, the hourly wage is $18.00.

For graduate students, the hourly wage is $19.00.

Housing

CAELC does not provide housing for Instructional Assistants. Successful applicants should seek out housing opportunities independently.

Contact

If you have any questions about the position, please contact the CAELC team at CAELC@virginia.edu.

Application Deadline

May 10, 2026  

Required Supplemental Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Short Personal Statement (within 250 words) that clearly answers the following questions:
  • Why are you interested in this position?
  • How might being an IA with the EAP Program fit into your future career goals?

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Enrollment at UVA as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student.   
Experience: none
Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.