International Student Advisor

Studying abroad is an incredible — and sometimes daunting — experience. SAIT’s
**International Centre **is focused on attracting international students to study at SAIT, assisting with their transition to the institute and life in Canada and supporting them while they study here. If you have a passion for guiding students to new opportunities, and have experience supporting and mentoring international, we want to meet you.

**The Opportunity**
- Reporting to the Manager, International Student Support 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 SAIT’s objectives by:

- Coaching and advising international students.
- Developing programming, in collaboration with campus service providers, to support students retention, participation, engagement and academic success

**The Role**:

- ** Student Programming/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.
- **Student Programming/ Advising Support**:

- 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
- Advise applicants, current students and other interested parties concerning SAIT policies and procedures pertaining to student life cycle from applicants to graduation
- Develops and/ or coordinates International Student Success workshops and events based on student need
- ** Immigration advising**:

- 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
- 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 programming.
- ** Student Progression, Timely Completion and Retention**:

- Refer students to resources for funding, scholarships and financial assistance.
- Assist with the development and implementation of the retention strategy.
- 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 Co-Curricular Activities**:

- Participate in student life and co-curricular activities to help students broaden their experience as well as their personal development and well-being.
- 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

**Qualifications & Experience**:

- **Education**:

- Bachelor’s degree in studies related to Adult Education, International Relations, Human Services, Intercultural Communication and/or Event Coordination (or equivalent work experience and education).
- ** Training or Experience**:

- At least 3 years working in a cross cultural environment preferably with international students.
- At Least 3-5 years advising experience preferably in post-secondary education.
- RCIC or RISIA in good standing or becoming certified within six-nine months of commencing the employment
- Demonstrated understanding of the international student experience and the issues faced by international students.
- Familiarity with the Banner Student Information System would be an asset.
- Exceptional verbal, written and interpersonal communication Skills.
- Conflict resolution, negotiation and problem solvi