Position Summary
American Councils is currently seeking qualified consultants to serve as Russian-speaking Resident Directors to work on a variety of summer Russian language programs ranging from six to eight weeks in length. Individual programs are designed for either high school or undergraduate and graduate students. All programs offer intensive Russian language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. Programs are held in a variety of locations including Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Latvia.
Resident Directors represent American Councils on programs overseas. Resident Directors will work with the host institution, manage communication between American Councils, program participants and local staff, arrange logistics for the group, advise participants as required, and resolve medical and other issues as necessary.
Resident Directors must be available to program participants on a daily basis; observe classes at the host institution; meet regularly with teachers, administrators, and participants; chaperone and/or arrange group travel and cultural programs; and coordinate other events and activities focused on the immersion experience. Resident Directors must be available to participants during any emergencies that arise and must communicate regularly with American Councils program staff in Washington, DC. Resident Directors are not allowed to leave the program site or group excursions to conduct personal travel. Resident Directors oversee a small program budget and are responsible for proper documentation of program expenditures and timely completion of a budget report at the end of each month and at the end of the program. Other reporting requirements may apply.
Prior to departure, Resident Directors will be required to complete an orientation program. Resident Directors may be asked to travel with their respective participant groups at the beginning of their programs and return to Washington, DC, with the group at the end of the program. Resident Directors report to the DC-based Program Manager and staff. Completion of a successful background check may be required. All offers are contingent upon the candidate’s ability to receive and maintain a visa to the host country where applicable.
Position Responsibilities
- Being responsible for and available to a group of American high school or undergraduate and graduate students 24/7 at all times during the program;
- Responding to participant emergencies, including assisting participants with securing medical care and navigating local clinics and hospitals;
- Advising program participants as needed on a variety of language-learning, cultural, adjustment and logistical aspects of the program, including on issues such as group dynamics and interpersonal relationships;
- Reporting on program activities to program staff in Washington, DC or staff in the host country;
- Providing support to students from a range of backgrounds, including those who have never traveled abroad before;
- Working closely with the host institution and local program staff on a daily basis;
- Observing the academic program;
- Chaperoning and/or arranging group travel and cultural programs, as well as volunteer opportunities and other program events (varies by program);
- Maintaining adherence to program rules and policies among participants – for some programs, this includes a language policy;
- Managing a small budget of program funds and maintaining detailed financial documentation, including monthly reports;
- Collecting photographs and videos from students and local staff and creating newsletters (varies by program);
- Completing a pre-departure orientation and training session;
- Working with host families, which may include selection and monitoring of host families, conducting site visits, maintaining weekly communication, and conflict resolution (varies by program);
- Resolving other program-related issues as necessary; and
- Performing other program-related tasks as directed.
Qualifications
- Advanced written and oral language skills (minimum 2/2+ on DLPT scale, Advanced on ACTFL scale) in Russian;
- Study, work, or extensive travel experience in Russia, Eastern Europe, and/or Eurasia;
- Experience working in a position of authority with high school, undergraduate, or graduate students;
- Experience overseeing and guiding groups;
- Demonstrated skills in academic and personal counseling preferred; and
- Demonstrated skills in general financial accountability.
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