International Student Advisor

**Position Job Title**:International Student Advisor

**Location**:UCW (Vancouver, BC).

**Reports To**:Manager, Student Advising and Support Services

**Primary Purpose**

The International Student Advisor supports new and returning international student through advising services and programs to assist our international student population. The International Student Advisor will identify and analyze the needs for international students and design relevant programs, tools, and services that allow for successful international student retention and integration.

The International Student Advisor will host one-on-one and group information sessions aimed at enhancing the student experience and success for a diverse group of international students.

The International Student Advisor will serve as the first point in contact for our international students and provide advice and support in a professional manner. The International Student Advisor will work together with other departments in providing support for international students to facilitate their transition, development, sense of belong, and success at University Canada West and the community.

**Specific Responsibilities**

The International Student Advisor will:

- Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate a variety of effective and innovative front-line and advising services to programs for our international student body.
- Provide guidance and act as a resource person to international students in relation to federal and provincial immigration policies and procedures.
- Assist students with the resolution of problems related to their immigration documents, to the extent permitted by the level of certification obtained.
- Refer students to other professionals and ensure follow-up with immigration authorities, as needed.
- Disseminate current immigration information to relevant UCW colleagues. Keep abreast of changes in immigration regulations and remains in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council.
- Develop and deliver presentations and regularly undertakes group and one-on-one advising, in person or via online channels.
- Evaluate and report on outcomes and success
- Provide advising and support for international students concerning administrative and personal matters like cultural adjustment
- Be first point of contact for accurate information for international students regarding various topics like but not limited to accommodation, health insurance and other aspects related to adjusting to living and studying in Canada.
- Provide guidance and act as a resource person to international students for referral and information about UCW support services and external resources.
- Communicates with students prior to departure from country of origin; meeting incoming new students on campus or online
- Plan, organize and deliver culturally relevant program and events and provide reports on outcomes and success
- Assist with recruitment and UCW promotional events and activities
- Advise international students during online information and on campus events
- Collect and maintain data on the origin of prospective students, tracking and assessing patterns of participation and contact, and will design, and deliver other assessment tools to solicit feedback from prospective students to determine levels of satisfaction and overall effectiveness of program
- Other duties as assigned

**Position Requirements**

**Competencies**:

- Fluency with a foreign language
- Speaking one of these languages is an asset (Hindi, Punjabi, Farsi, Chinese or Spanish)
- Strong Inter-cultural communication skills
- Understanding of the Canadian post-secondary education system and environment
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of team
- Excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills
- Excellent organizational skills in managing competing tasks and working with mínimal supervision
- Resourceful and able to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and propose effective solutions
- Knowledge of policies and procedures governing international student advising within a post-secondary and preferably University environment
- Demonstrated ability to exercise appropriate judgment independently to make important decisions on matters of varying complexity.
- Proven ability to ensure inclusivity and to develop and cultivate relationships with students, faculty, staff, and members of the external community.
- Strong communication skills for delivering accurate information in one-on-one and diverse group situations, in both formal and informal settings
- Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail, especially when working under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse group of employees, students, and the general public, and to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy when interacting with students who may require support with mental or physical health, social, eco