Institution: The Laurasian Institution
Location: Seattle, WA
Education: BA
Posted August 23, 2013

Join The Laurasian Institution in creating the very best exchange environment for students, families and schools! The Laurasian Institution (TLI) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in cross-cultural exchange and citizen diplomacy for over 20 years. Take pride in working with colleagues who share your commitment to quality international education and exchange between the U.S. and East Asia.

We are currently seeking a full-time Program Associate with a passion for cultural exchange to join the high school exchange program team in our Seattle office. Team members work with high school students from China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand and their American host families and schools. Candidates must be highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented, with excellent communication skills. Preference will be given to candidates with Japanese language skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing program outreach and promotion to American schools and host families,
• Traveling domestically and internationally to represent TLI at conferences and assist in selecting exchange students,
• Coordinating placement of exchange students in American schools and host families, including managing a team of local coordinators,
• Designing and managing an intensive English and cultural orientation program for exchange students,
• Providing ongoing monitoring, support, and counseling to participants (preference given to candidates with sufficient Japanese language skills to counsel Japanese high school students in their native language when necessary)
• Handling emergency calls from students and host families,
• Maintaining organized student files in compliance with State Department regulations,
• Recruiting American students and school groups to participate in outbound programs to China and Japan, and
• Working as a team member on other Laurasian programs as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and previous work experience
• Excellent English communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities
• Professional level skills in using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with high school students
• Previous experience as an exchange student or host family
• Experience living or working abroad
• Demonstrated experience successfully recruiting host families for international students
• Familiarity with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Thai culture
• Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or Thai language proficiency (Japanese language proficiency strongly preferred)
• Cross-cultural communication experience
• Experience using database programs
• Experience using social media for outreach, marketing, or promotion

Full application details at Idealist.org.