Should I be a study abroad advisor?

Do you know there is a huge gap in the need for qualified study abroad advisors?

Through the experience of studying abroad, not only can a person global global skills, but also get more opportunities for personal and professional development.

• 90% of graduates from study abroad programs find a job within six months. This figure is twice that of general college graduates.

• 84% of alumni of study abroad programs gain valuable experience with high-demand workforce skills.

• In 2002, 72% of students in the US had plans to study abroad.

As the need for study abroad rises, the demand for study abroad advisors increases accordingly.

If you want to help a student succeed in a study abroad program, being a study abroad advisor might be the right career choice!

Interested?

Have you ever planned a vacation?

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Imagine you are planning a vacation. You must think: when? where? how? why?

You may also want to know what you'll do on the vacation (swimming, hiking, visiting a museum, etc).

If you don't have the answer, you probably need to research or ask some experienced people.

Here you go! A study abroad advisor does similar things. They need to do some research or be the experienced one.

Study abroad advisors guide and prepare students to study or travel abroad.

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• Explain to students the benefits of studying abroad, so students know why they go.

• Help students make personal academic plans, so they know “when to go”.

• Guide students to select a destination country, so they know “where to go".

• Help students evaluate different countries and programs, so they know what to do and to learn.

Finally, the "how to go" question!

Study abroad advisors guide students through the following stages...

• Pre-application stage: suggest students obtain necessary skills and knowledge, such as second language skills, degree requirements, and culture.

• Application stage: help students complete the online application.

• Post-application stage: organize visa application documents.

Skills

• communicate efficiently with students

• speak another language

• research skills to explore different institutions

• work with other team members

• speak or present in public

• think critically todeliver the ideal study plan

Knowledge

• visa application procedure and policies

• multicultural knowledge

• understanding of disciplines and curriculums

• understanding of academic programs and institutions

Qualification

• post-secondary degree in a related field, such as international education, instructional design, educational counseling, human performance technology, etc.

• study abroad/ travel abroad experience

• travel eligibility: visit partner schools, advertise services/programs, etc.

• valid passport

Quiz: Mary's Job Skills

Mary is a study abroad advisor. Today is one of her typical working days. In the morning, she met with a student named Alicia. They chatted about the student's favorite subject, dream countries, and schools.

After the appointment, Mary researched several target schools to understand the admission requirements, curriculum, and tuition costs. In the afternoon, she made a study abroad plan for Alicia based on her goals, interests, current status, and financial situation.

If you become a study abroad advisor, you'll encounter many interesting challenges, but you'll broaden your horizons.

This job would be cool if you enjoy...

• exploring different cultures, programs, and academic curriculums

• communicating and working with people

• sharing your ideas, thoughts, and experiences with others

• traveling and public speaking

• making plans and being organized

The job may not suit you if you...

• prefer to stay in the same country

• would rather work alone than communicate with people

• don't have strong interests in cultures, education, and curriculums

• struggle with multi-tasking and paperwork

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The average annual pay in the US is $53880, ranging from $41,787 to $68,858. Ther pay range is sometimes based on your educational background, experience, etc.