Study Abroad Advisor

Position: Study Abroad Advisor
Reports to: College Enrollment Department, Study Abroad
Department: Senior Manager, Enrollment Advising 
Location: U.S. based remote
 

Who we are:

CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that transforms lives and builds bridges between individuals and nations through study abroad and international exchange experiences that help people develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and multi-cultural world.

Why work with us: 

• You will change the world. CIEE builds bridges between people, countries, and cultures. We help young people participate in high-quality international exchange and study abroad programs that bring the world together. We change lives, our alumni change the world. Be part of the change!
• You will receive a competitive total rewards package. CIEE provides all employees with exceptional benefits offerings that increase total compensation by up to 25%. Our top-tier benefits include:

• You will be part of a fast-paced, international, and collaborative team of professionals. CIEE operates the largest nonprofit network of study abroad locations, with facilities and staff in over 30 countries. Additionally, we help international participants from over 140 countries come to the USA each year. Committed to excellence and solving whatever problem the world throws at them, CIEE professionals work on international teams, and are dedicated to advancing our almost 80-year-old mission to make the world a more peaceful place.

Who you are:

The Study Abroad Advisor (SAA), has primary responsibilities for meeting and exceeding enrollment targets for College study abroad programs in the assigned region, while providing excellent customer service to ensure students are prepared for their study abroad experience. This role maintains constant contact with students on various types of programming throughout the year (study abroad, internship abroad, college first year abroad, etc.), advising them throughout the application review process and pre-departure procedures, including advising on complex immigration processes. The SAA is responsible for proactive outreach and conversion of applicants and accepted program participants. In addition, the SAA is responsible for contributing to strategic student and campus outreach efforts to grow student participation in CIEE study abroad programs. 

What you’ll do: 

• Meet or exceed enrollment targets by maximizing the conversion of applicants to paid participants during the application review and pre-departure process for a specific CIEE program region.
• Review applications for admission efficiently and administer admission decisions to CIEE programs for a specific program region.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of each CIEE program and location and proactively discuss components (academics, housing, etc.) of each with applicants.
• Develop and execute strategies to fully prepare students for their onsite experience and to improve student conversion.
• Initiate regular, proactive, and timely contact with applicants, participants, parents, and institutional study-abroad advisors throughout the pre-departure process with the goal of improving student conversion.
• Advise students on complex visa and immigration processes; liaise with foreign consulates and CIEE’s third-party visa broker; keep abreast of changes in laws and regulations relating to immigration across portfolio sites.
• Manage the editing process for pre-departure materials, visa instructions, and other information in collaboration with CIEE onsite staff.
• Address and resolve all levels of escalated situations and emergencies that arise during the pre-departure process, exercising professional discretion.
• Manage enrollment database, including maintenance of student application information, editing and building new application tasks, and processing application documents (e.g. transcripts), which included the scanning, uploading, and filing of materials.
• Collaborate with Institutional Relations, Admissions, Study Marketing, and Global Operations to contribute to program efforts in recruitment, marketing, and program development for the region.
• Serve as backup contact when other advisors are out of the office.
• Provide superior student-centered customer service throughout the pre-departure process.
• At all times, exercise good professional judgment and consideration in promptly addressing problems and questions that arise with students, parents, and CIEE staff.
• Represent CIEE with integrity, accuracy, and in the spirit of its mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

What you’ll bring:

• Bachelor's degree (or international equivalent).
• Work Experience – 2-3 years of work experience in a sales and/or customer service-oriented field. Demonstrated interest in education abroad or higher education is preferred.
• International study or work experience is required.
• Demonstrated success in achieving sales or enrollment targets strongly preferred.
• Strong service skills and the ability to resolve issues fairly and expediently. Must be able to exude empathy and control over the phone and in email.
• Must be a team player and self-starter able to exercise sound judgment on time use and the handling of sensitive materials.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines.
• Strong experience working with Microsoft Office Programs including Word, Excel, and Outlook. Experience with Salesforce CRM system preferred. Must be comfortable with learning new databases and technology.
• Ability to learn new processes quickly, take initiative, and provide suggestions for efficiency and improvements.
• Available for occasional domestic or international travel as needed to provide logistical or programmatic support.  
• Readiness to grow and develop yourself, our client group, and our company. 
• Ability to embrace CIEE’s Core Values (Excellence, Integrity, Respect, Inclusion and Problem Solving) and culture.

CIEE believes that professionals with varied backgrounds bring unique approaches and ideas to solving problems and advancing our mission to bring the world together. Qualified candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
 

Due to federal regulations and CIEE policies, a background check, reference check, and education and employment verification will be conducted as conditions of employment.