International Student and Scholar Services Resources
International Student and Scholar Services, along with the ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ community, are ready to support you with your unique needs as an international student. Please browse the following resources and contact international@rwu.edu or the International Ambassador team with any questions or concerns.
International Student and Scholar Services Programs
International Ambassador Program
Our International Ambassador team are peer mentors specifically selected for their international experience and enthusiasm for learning about others in the world. Every first-year international student is assigned a peer mentor to act as a student resource in students' first years and beyond.
International Ambassadors’ Role at ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ
International Ambassadors play a crucial role in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for international students, helping them succeed academically, socially, and culturally. They contribute to creating a sense of community and serve as valuable resources for both international and domestic students alike.
International Ambassadors….
- Assist during International Orientation (Late August): Ambassadors assist in organizing orientation programs for new international students, providing them with information about the campus, academic resources, student services, and ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s clubs and organizations.
- Organize Student Activities: Ambassadors encourage international student involvement by organizing events and activities open to all students that celebrate diverse backgrounds. These activities can be cultural awareness programs, workshops, or social gathering that encourage interaction and understanding among International students.
- Act as Peer Mentors: Ambassadors provide guidance on academic matters, campus resources, and cultural adaptation. They are also able to offer advice on choosing courses, time management, study techniques, and connecting with academic advisors. They also collaborate directly with ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Peer Mentor staff and other student leaders on campus.
- Act as Advocates: Ambassadors serve as a liaison between international students and the University administration. IA’s should become aware of their mentees’ experiences, perspectives and concerns to be able to provide effective mentorship, as well as be able to communicate these concerns to the appropriate staff members. International Ambassadors are a crucial point of contact for ongoing support and guidance for new International students and act to improve support programs in the ISSS office.
IA Job Requirements and Application
Reporting directly to the Senior Advisor of International Student and Scholar Services, International Ambassadors (IAs) serve as a multifaceted asset to the Center for Student Academic Success.
Applicants should submit a Resume, and the contact information for one (1) Professional Reference (please include full name, your relationship to the person, a contact number, and an active email address. Must be connected to ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ). Please follow the below link to complete the online International Ambassador application.
2024 Application & Fall Start Timeline
- Application deadline: March 29th
- Group Process & Interviews: April 14th, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
- Decisions: Week of April 15th
- Training Start: August 15th (arrive at ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ)
- International Orientation for New Students: Beginning Monday, August 19th
Primary Responsibilities
- International Student Mentorship:
- Assist Senior Advisor with advising and mentoring international students.
- Provide guidance on academic matters, campus resources, and cultural adaptation.
- Advise mentees on academic matters.
- Assist Senior Advisor with organizing and administering events for international students.
- Field questions concerning academic resources and university policies.
- International Orientation:
- Assist with airport/train station pickups; transportation to ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ.
- Assist with professional presentations, shopping trips, tours, etc.
- Administrative:
- Assist with miscellaneous duties as assigned by the Senior Advisor.
- Assist with restocking of office supplies as necessary.
- Encourage international student involvement by organizing events and activities open to all students that celebrate diverse backgrounds.
- Community Engagement:
- Plan and implement events for the International Student Services office.
- Assist with the operation of the Global Scholars Program, a weekly one-hour class (zero credits).
- Global Scholars Program:
- Create and present at least one presentation related to life as an international student.
Expectations and Preferred Skills
- Maintain satisfactory academic and conduct standing.
- Adhere to strict confidentiality policies (and sign confidentiality agreement) when working with students and accessing student records.
- Arrive a couple of weeks prior to the start of Fall semester for training and orientation, dates will be specified upon hiring.
- Possess and share knowledge of ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ campus resources and departments.
Preferred, but not Required, Skills: - Ability to be authorized for University van use. See the Motor Vehicle Policy (important: U.S. license must have been valid for 3 years)
- Ability to use programs such as Canva, Illustrator, Photo Shop, etc. to create flyers and other promotional materials.
- Ability to speak another language besides English.
- Experience living abroad.
Benefits
- Hands-on experience working in a dynamic academic environment.
- Minimum Rhode Island hourly wage.
- Approximately 3-6 hours of work per week.
- Exposure to a variety of cultures and people.
Conversation Partners
Sponsored by the Tutoring Center, the Conversation Partners Program is open to any student who speaks English as a second language and would like to practice English conversation skills. Come and join our weekly group sessions led by writing tutors who have been trained in practicing conversation skills for people learning English. This program is for peer-to-peer practice in a low-pressure environment.
When: Wednesdays from 2:00-3:00
Where: GHH Room 105
(or just show up!)
Other Resources
Incoming Students - Please register your move-in date
Incoming first-year international students should contact the International Student and Scholar Services office to share travel plans to Bristol, RI ahead of time. Please follow this link to submit your information to the ISSS staff.
If you have any specific questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the ISSS staff directly at international@rwu.edu.
Information regarding travel logistics to Rhode Island can be found on our Entering the U.S. page.
Remaining on Campus During Short-term and Winter Breaks
International students with F-1 or J-1 visa status are eligible to remain on campus during regular school breaks* free of charge. This includes the fall and spring week-long breaks as well as the winter break. Please visit the link below to complete the survey to sign up to remain on campus during a school break.
International students without an F-1 or J-1 visa (i.e. U.S. dual citizenship, other visa status, etc.) may also be eligible. Please please with International Student Services.
*Summer vacation not included, as students are expected to move out of rooms completely every May to allow space for Summer Conference and Events housing.
Sign-up survey link available before winter 2023