Position: Resident Director for the Pushkin Summer Institute Abroad Russian Language Program in Daugavpils, Latvia
Program administered by the Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia (CREECA), University of Wisconsin-Madison
Period: Summer 2019, June 17-August 3, 2018
Commitment: 100% Graduate Project Assistant
Compensation:
- Base rate: $36,700 /9-month rate
- Approximate salary for the position: $7,136
The Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia (CREECA) is recruiting two Resident Directors for the Pushkin Summer Institute Abroad (PSI Abroad), a 6-week, residential overseas summer program in Russian language for a group of 15 high school juniors and seniors, and recent college-bound high school graduates. Funding for this position comes from The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The position duties for the Resident Director are full-time for the period of June 17-August 3, 2019, with some additional training and orientations required prior to commencement of the appointment. The dates of travel to Latvia are June 23, 2019 through August 3, 2019.
For more information on the Pushkin Summer Institute, please see:
http://pushkin.wisc.edu
Applicants should be current graduate students in good standing at UW-Madison, have at least Advanced High proficiency on the ACTFL scale (ILR 2), be familiar with the UW-Madison Pushkin Summer Institute program, and have prior experience working with high school students (as a teacher, counselor, coach, etc.). Previous experience directing or managing a study abroad program is highly desirable.
Responsibilities of the Resident Director will include the following:
- Oversee all aspects (curricular, co-curricular, and residential) of administration of PSI-Abroad, coordinating with UW-Madison campus units, the overseas host institution, and the granting agency to ensure the program is in compliance with all UW-Madison, American Councils, and NSLI-Y policies.
- In cooperation with the overseas host institution, oversee integrated academic and cultural program, including excursions and weekend trips, ensuring that these plans align with NSLI-Y standards for language instruction.
- In consultation with PSI leadership, coordinate a one-day Pre-Departure Orientation for all student participants that will cover living at the overseas site, cultural adjustment, health and safety, academics and other relevant topics.
- In cooperation with the overseas host institution and PSI leadership, monitor homestay situations to ensure that living conditions are safe and satisfactory.
- In cooperation with the overseas host institution and PSI leadership, make regular observations of language classes to ensure quality of the academic program and work with students and local instructional staff to resolve any issues relating to the academic program.
- Provide regular and consistent monitoring of participants, including extra-class tutoring in Russian, academic counseling, cultural adjustment, and medical and emotional support.
- Maintain regular communication with PSI staff at UW-Madison and with NSLI-Y staff in Washington, DC.
- Act as the student participants’ first and primary point of contact for any disciplinary and/or emergency issues that could arise during the course of the study abroad program. Work with local staff, US Embassy, American Councils/NSLI-Y staff, and staff in Madison to resolve any disciplinary and/or emergency issues that arise.
- Manage an on-site budget for expenses related to the program.
- Work with other PSI staff and leadership to complete a final report, including a budget report, at the conclusion of the program.
Additional Information: In addition to salary (1.0 FTE, 7-week Project Assistant position), which carries fringe benefits, the Resident Director will also be provided the following compensation:
- One round-trip, economy-class airfare and associated ground transportation between Madison, Wisconsin and the program site
- Single room housing and most meals for the duration of the program
- Visa fees (if applicable)
To Apply: Applications should include: a cover letter (detailing the applicant’s background and qualifications), a current resume or CV, and names of two professional references. Application materials should be saved as a single PDF, using the naming convention “Applicant Last Name_Resident Director.” Application should be submitted electronically to psi@creeca.wisc.edu
Questions may be addressed to Jennifer Tishler, the CREECA associate director, at jtishler@wisc.edu or 608-262-3379.
Review of applications will begin on November 7, 2018.