International Student Advisor
Job Summary
Reporting to the Team Lead International Student Advising in the International Centre (IC) the International Student Advisor (ISA) provides guidance advocacy and support to student learning and development and leverage promoting long-term transformational relationship building with students over transactional services. The incumbent develops and delivers high-quality services and programs to support international student success and participation in all aspects of SAIT and Canadian life. The incumbent liaises with a wide range of student support colleagues clubs administrative and academic supports on campus to provide a full range of programs and services that support international student success. The International Student Advisor is responsible for strategies and programs that will improve international student experience.
The ISA contributes to SAITs objectives by coaching and advising international students and developing programming in collaboration with campus service providers to support students retention participation engagement and academic success.
How youll contribute
Student Programing/Advising Support
- The International Student Advisor provides innovative high-quality advising and develops programs that support international learner success and participation in all aspects of SAIT and life in Canada.
- Incorporate preparation facilitation documentation and assessment of advising interactions in guiding students to become successful resilient and independent learners.
- Advise students concerning transition retention immigration settlement service supports on and off campus and any question about
- Advise applicants current students and other interested parties concerning SAIT policies and procedures pertaining to student life cycle from applicants to graduation
- Develop relationships with student support colleagues clubs administrative and academic supports on campus to provide a full range of programs and services that support international student engagement and success.
- Develops and/ or coordinates International Student Success workshops and events based on student need
- Develop deliver and/ or coordinate a range of critical information session and workshops of practical assistance and interest of international students
- Deliver cultural advising/ workshops for staff and faculty in support of/ with Academic Services
- Maintain and promote ongoing programming and services such as International Student Orientation (ISO) Welcome Dinner etc
- Provide guidance to individual learners and sometimes their families with regard to federal immigration policies and procedures including assistance on individual cases and the resolution of problems related to immigration inquiries
- Advises students on possible outcomes of immigration issues based on interpretation of immigration legislation/regulations and assists students in making an informed decision
- Develop and maintains print and web resources to enable current students to complete immigration processes and requirements independently
- Stays current on changes related to immigration (IRCC) policies and procedures to current learners and recent graduates
- Plans and coordinates information sessions for frontline staff and faculty faced with immigration questions.
- Advises staff faculty and employers regarding immigration regulations or inquiries pertaining to student coop/work practicum or post-graduation work permit requirements.
- Coordinate and prepare content for student communication related to immigration via email bulletins the monthly newsletter and social media.
- May attend Academic Misconduct meetings at the request of students and/or Academic Chairs to provide immigration support and clarity for international students and/or faculty.
Communication Coordination
- Act as a key contact for students the schools and other student services.
- Ensure a culturally sensitive approach and appropriate communication style demonstrating flexibility and understanding of diverse cultural needs in all programing.
- Coordinate internal and external communications and provide content for all student communications related but not limited to immigration student success and programming opportunities via email the International Student Newsletter internal IC newsletter and communications and social media.
- Coordinate maintenance for the Current Student web page for international students with new programming and information.
Student Progression Timely Completion and Retention
- Refer students to recourses for funding scholarships and financial assistance.
- Assist with the development and implementation of the retention strategy.
- Provide information and guide students regarding their post-graduate work permit application process.
- Research best practices and recommend new strategies for the purpose of retaining students
- Work closely with SAITSA Academic Chairs program Advisors support staff SDC Lamb Learner Centre and Office of the Registrar to support and retain international students
Student Planning and Development
- Assist with the development and implementation of the Student Support Strategy
- Contribute to Annual International Student Support Report
Student Co-Curricular Activities
- Participate in student life and co-curricular activities to help students broaden their experience as well as their personal development and wellbeing.
- Encourage international student participation in programs clubs and services across campus.
- Assist and participate and events organized by International Centre such as International Education Week cultural celebration or SAIT wide events such as SAIT start
What you bring
- Bachelors degree in Adult Education International Relations Human Services Intercultural Communication Event Coordination or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- RCIC or RISIA designation in good standing
- Minimum three years experience working in a crosscultural environment preferably supporting international students
- Strong understanding of the international student experience and the challenges faced by international students
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences across multiple mediums and build strong crosscultural relationships
- Familiarity with the Banner Student Information System is considered an asset
- Diversity training/intercultural communications training is considered an asset
Skills
- Exceptional verbal written and interpersonal communication skills
- Conflict resolution negotiation and problem solving skills
- Ability to handle confidential matters in a sensitive manner
- Ability to collect and appropriately analyze statistical data and information
- Ability to work independently and as a contributing member of a team departmentally and institutionally
- Ability to effectively handle shifting or changing priorities including working additional hours with advance notice
- Ability to create rapport with students to build an advising relationship
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
About Company
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) offers hands-on degree, diploma, certificate, continuing education and corporate training programs to develop the skills and knowledge employers demand.