Reporting to the Director of the International Student Office as part of the International Student Advising Team, the successful candidate will provide advice and assistance to international students. The successful candidate will fill a short-term position to assist in developing programs, services, and orientation to support international students’ successful transition to their first year at UPEI, as part of the international student support service team in the International Relations Office of UPEI.

The International Student Advisors (ISA) serve as essential navigators and advocates, guiding international students through academic and regulatory processes while fostering their adaptation, well-being, and cultural integration. Through a blend of immigration expertise, educational guidance, personal support, and community programming, they aim to enhance students' educational experiences and success within a compliant, inclusive, and supportive institutional framework.

In the broader context of evolving international education, there is a greater, more urgent need for support of the diverse student population, particularly with the ever-changing federal government policies and travel updates by IRCC. UPEI’s International Student Advising Team endeavours to provide holistic, systematic support services to all students in their pre-departure preparations, course registrations, travel logistics, orientations, and immigration policy interpretation. We also provide settlement support to a large, diverse group of students from almost 100 countries around the world. The incoming cohorts of international students require more personalized support in both academic work, social and cultural adjustment, and mental health wellness activities. The successful candidate will work with a team of student advisers, recruiters, and first-year advisers to support new students in the critical period of their transition into a new phase of their life in a new country.   

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Providing one-on-one and group advising international students on pre-departure and settlement services, such as travel logistics, health insurance, on- and off-campus housing, and course registrations and general immigration advice
• Providing assistance and advocacy for international students with vulnerabilities and needs and coordinating and supporting student social, cultural events
• Developing and maintaining up to date immigration and settlement information in a format accessible to students
• If needed, assisting with completing mandatory compliance reporting as required by IRCC
• Promotion of engagement and retention of all international students at UPEI through implementation of best practices in immigration consulting and support services in collaboration with the current full-time International Student Advisor
• Assisting with planning, coordinating, and delivering orientation programs for new international students and providing opportunities for returning students to participate as leaders or mentors
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with relevant internal partners such as the Registrar’s Office, Human Resources, Student Affairs, Student Union, as well as off-campus partners
• Participating in community-wide, department-wide or campus-wide initiatives, including special events, special projects, and various committees as required
• Supporting international students in any other emerging needs, and identifying trends and strategies to deal with the challenges  
• Other duties related to international student advising and support

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience of a post-secondary degree in a relevant field of study
• Minimum of one year of experience in international student advising or related work, preferably in a post-secondary institution.  
• Regulated International Student Immigration Adviser (RISIA) designation strongly preferred or equivalent experience and qualifications preferred.  
• Proven advocacy skills as evidenced by experience assisting clients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds; lived experience with student diversity, inclusion, and international education
• Knowledgeable about Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policies and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act/Regulations and policies and procedures relating to international students
• Experience in developing and delivering workshops and information sessions; preference is given to candidates with experience in supporting students from inquiry, application, and registration to arrival and settlement.    
• Fluency in a language other than English is considered a strong asset
• Computer skills and experience using the Internet and the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PPT)
• Effective oral and written communication skills, conflict resolution and problem solving skills
• Must be self-directed with the ability to work independently and in close collaboration with a small team
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills with the ability to multitask, set priorities, and supervise others
• Proven ability to work collaboratively, and maintain strong relationships, with internal and external partners
• Ability to work non-traditional hours to attend student social events as required