Salary/Position Classification

• $44,000 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite.

Purpose of Position

The purpose of the study abroad specialist is to help UND students, staff and faculty navigate the study abroad experience. The Study Abroad Specialist will provide comprehensive support to students pursuing long term programs, such as semester or summer international programs by guiding them through the process of program selection, application, submission and pre-departure preparation, including academic advising, travel documentation, cultural orientation, and risk management planning. Additionally, this person will collaborate with the Director for Career Engagement, staff in the Experiential Learning Center and other study abroad staff to provide a positive and supportive atmosphere for students looking to engage in experiential learning opportunities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Student Support and Guidance
  • Provide 1:1 and group advising sessions to guide students through program selection, application processes, and pre-departure requirements, including but not limited to visa applications, consulate visits, etc.
  • Collaborate closely with academic advisors to advise students on academic credit transfer, course equivalencies, and degree completion.
  • Manage the application cycle of semester and summer study abroad programs, including reviewing student eligibility and application materials in the Via software system
  • Maintain accurate records in the study abroad management system and monitor student progress through application and approval stages
  • Develop and lead pre-departure orientations covering cultural adjustment, health and safety, travel logistics and academic expectations, more specifically teaching a 1-credit section of UNIV 227, a pre-departure course
  • Communicate regularly with students, faculty, parents and partners to ensure smooth operations and support
  • Coordinate re-entry events and reflection opportunities to help students integrate their international experiences upon return
• Outreach, marketing and recruitment
  • Develop and implement marketing strategies, including classroom presentations, tabling and social media, and collaboration with faculty, staff, and students
  • Participating in and help plan study abroad fairs, information sessions, and other recruitment events to promote global learning opportunities
  • Collaborate with the Student Academic Success & Career Engagement marketing and events team to promote and host events, as well as maintain and update the website
  • Collaborate with other staff within the Experiential Learning Center to collaborate on programming ideas to promote the Experiential Learning Center and global learning opportunities
  • Lead the Global Ambassador program in collaboration with other study abroad staff 
• Study Abroad Program Administration
  • Collaborate with UND departments, units and colleges to facilitate academic and financial components of study abroad, including but not limited to registration, transcripts, billing, scholarship, course equivalencies, etc.
  • Assist with coordination of travel risk assessments, insurance enrollment, and emergency preparedness plans
  • Ensure compliance with institutional policies and international education standards, including FERPA, Title IX, and export control regulations. 

Required Competencies

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and to support students navigating intercultural experiences
• Strong interpersonal skills to guide students through complex decisions and transitions with empathy and cultural sensitivity
• Skilled in managing multiple programs or projects simultaneously, including timelines, logistics, and coordination with stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with students, faculty, international partners and parents, and for developing materials and presentations
• Capacity to anticipate and resolve issues related to travel, academics, health, or safety, often in high-pressure situations
• Comfortable using study abroad management systems (Via, Terra Dotta, etc.) as well as tools for data tracking, communication, and virtual engagement (Blackboard)
• Ability to work collegially across departments and institutions to support shared goals and ensure a positive student experience
• Demonstrated understanding of global trends in higher education, international partnerships, and the value of experiential learning and global learning
• Managing application materials, deadlines, risk management protocols, and academic records with a high level of accuracy

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience studying, interning, working abroad or 3 years of experience traveling abroad
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of professional experience in international education, study abroad advising, or student services in a higher education setting
• Experience with management software programs (e.g., PeopleSoft, Via TRM, etc.)
• Working knowledge of international visa requirements, health and safety best practices, and credit transfer processes
• Experience coordinating or delivering presentations or teaching in a classroom
• Experience supporting inclusivity and access to diverse experiential learning opportunities