The International Buddy Program matches upper year domestic and international students with new incoming international students.  New international students are assigned a continuing student buddy to meet with once a week for the first month of the term.  The program is designed to assist new students with their adjustment to UPEI, Charlottetown, and Canada.

The support provided by the program is intended to assist in the retention of international students by providing students with an opportunity to have a personal connection when they first arrive and providing a social network and community atmosphere through regular social events through the academic year. The program runs in both the fall and winter terms, and to a lesser degree throughout the summer months.

The Buddy Program began as a joint initiative of UPEI IRO and the UPEISU; currently day-to-day oversight lies with the Senior International Student Adviser in the International Student Office.

Job Description:

This coordinator position will be a position awarded to a returning UPEI student who will be primarily involved in the planning and marketing of the program part-time through the summer.  However, other office duties, including summer office support will also be a part of the regular summer duties. The Coordinator will be involved in the recruitment and training of volunteers to be matched with ‘buddies’ (incoming international students).  The prime focus of the program is on recruiting and training strong volunteers as well as motivating and facilitating consistent volunteer involvement with their buddies.  The position will involve liaison with other student groups, such as the Campus Life, Residence Life, and the English Language Centre to coordinate activities to enhance student life and intercultural enrichment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordination of Buddy Program
• Recruitment and training
• Publicity and Promotion
• Events – in person and online

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven leadership skills
• Well-organized, mature self-starter
• Well-demonstrated communication skills including oral, written, and electronic
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Awareness of and sensitivity to issues faced by students new to Canada
• Experience in organizing programming
• Familiarity with managing a budget
• Good knowledge of UPEI and the broader Prince Edward Island community
• Experience working with international students or the international experience
• Abilities in a language other than English would be an asset
• Priority will be given to those who have participated in the program as both a volunteer and as a new student

Priority will be given to University of Prince Edward Island students in accordance with Recruitment, Selection, Hiring and Employment Policies and the Procedures manual.