Study Abroad UMSL Ambassadors Program
Keep your international experience going...!
Mission: To forge positive relationships between domestic and foreign students, and facilitate intercultural learning in a fun atmosphere. Additionally, to provide support and guidance to fellow peers while promoting education abroad opportunities.
Ambassador Group: Ambassadors will be chosen for the program through an application and selection process. Each Ambassador will be paired up with incoming international exchange students to mentor for the semester.
Applicant Requirements:
- Be a study abroad returnee
- Current student in good-standing or recent graduate
- Have strong communication skills
- Be enthusiastic about study abroad and international education!
Responsibilities: Ambassadors will be responsible for fulfilling their program duties for the duration of one semester, including participating in the following:
- SOCIAL:
- Be a mentor and great resource for your student*
- Pick up your assigned incoming exchange student from the airport OR arrange an informal lunch/coffee meeting with your student the first week they arrive
- Attend and help plan one Ambassador Group social event throughout the semester with your exchange student.
- (Optional) Attend end of semester Farewell Reception
- PROMOTIONAL: Volunteer and participate in one study abroad promotional event throughout the semester. (Ex. Study Abroad panel, fair, info session, outgoing orientation, class visit, etc.)
- In addition, you must attend the Ambassador Orientation meeting at the beginning of the semester for the orientation and training.
*Mentor Role: As an Ambassador your main role is that of a mentor for your incoming international student, providing them with firsthand knowledge of the university life, coursework, social networking, and student life in Missouri/USA. As their mentor, you will help them become more acclimated and involved on-campus. Sharing of your own personal experiences, fears, and accomplishments through your time abroad give you a chance to ‘relive’ your memories and help new students understand how to cope with and make the most of their experience at UMSL!
It’s suggested that you make yourself available about once a month to meet up with your student and connect over coffee, a concert, or any other social event. It is also necessary that you provide your student with a way of keeping in contact with you as questions arise during their semester.
Benefits: In addition to meeting new, fun international and UMSL students, you will also gain:
- Better Communication and public speaking skills
- Excellent leadership and team building experiences
- A chance to share enthusiasm for international education and overseas experiences
- Greater self awareness/knowledge (values, interests, goals)
- Good resume/CV addition
How to Apply:
Download an application today and submit it to our office! Apply now by JULY 13, 2011 to be an Ambassador for the Fall 2011 semester!
Join Us: If you have specific questions about this program please contact the Ambassadors Program Coordinator, via e-mail at studyabroad@umsl.edu.