DESCRIPTION

iEARN-USA is currently seeking a qualified Resident Director to work in Taiwan on an academic year language program for US high school students. The Taiwan program, part of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y), is focused on Chinese language acquisition in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

ANTICIPATED EMPLOYMENT DATES: August 10 – August 20, 2018 (part-time, remote in the U.S.); August 21, 2018 – May 31, 2019 (tentative return) (full-time in Kaohsiung, Taiwan)

The Resident Director (RD) represents Wenzao and iEARN-USA in his/her activities during the tenure of his/her appointment. The RD must be available to program participants on a daily basis; observe participant classes; be available via phone to students in case of emergency. Responsibilities include communicating with program staff in Taiwan and the U.S., counseling of individual students, attending classes and cultural activities, facilitating group meetings twice a month for students and monthly individual meetings for students, and troubleshooting.

Prior to departure, all Resident Directors may be required to attend a pre-departure orientation organized by iEARN-USA. Resident Directors will begin part-time work remotely in July in coordination with iEARN-USA on orientation planning, conference calls and webinars with students, and logistical support.  Resident Directors are required to travel with their respective participant groups at the beginning of their programs and return to the U.S. with the group at the end of their programs.

Resident Directors report to the Wenzao Local Coordinator and iEARN-USA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be responsible for and available to a group of American high school students at all times during the program, including traveling with students during program activities and being available 24/7 for emergencies;
• Lead individual and group debriefing sessions with students to enhance language learning experience and cultural understanding;
• Advise program participants as needed on diverse issues related to their study abroad experience (including, but not limited to: language learning, host family adjustment, culture, program logistics, homesickness, interpersonal and group dynamics);
• Enforce iEARN policies;
• Work closely with Wenzao and iEARN-USA to design and deliver a two-week online language preparation curriculum for students to teach them basic phrases and common characters; 
• Participate in pre-program webinar and conference call;
• Co-facilitate and plan student pre-departure orientation session in New York; 
• Review student information and other program materials;
• Twice a month, submit reports to Wenzao Program Manager and iEARN-USA program staff, as well as final report and individual student evaluations; 
• Assist Wenzao with conducting visits to each student’s host family; 
• Work closely with the Wenzao team to monitor student progress, behavior, health, safety and well-being on an ongoing basis;
• Meet frequently with Wenzao and iEARN-USA teams to share and discuss any information that would be helpful for the students, both in terms of their safety/well-being and their language development; 
• Escort students to the clinic or hospital in case of sickness or accidents;
• Maintain weekly office hours on Wenzao campus and inform students of your availability;
• Perform classroom observations;
• Account for emergency funds and special project funds (i.e., maintain a ledger, maintain copies of receipts); and,
• Perform any related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor.

CAPABILITIES AND PERSONALITY TRAITS

• Exceptional drive and passion for international education; mission driven with a positive attitude;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, conversant to fluent Chinese language ability;
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills; ability to listen and to engage a wide range of partners;
• Flexibility and willingness to work outside primary job description and traditional work hours; and,
• An appreciation of and eagerness to work with a diverse, innovative, and trailblazing youth community.

EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Chinese, area studies, or related field;
• Study, work, or extensive experience in Taiwan and with Taiwanese culture; 
• Proven ability to work with and lead high school students;
• Demonstrated skills in academic and personal counseling or Residential Life;
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check;
• Candidate must have experience living in the U.S. and Taiwan/China; and,
• Prior experience as a participant on a U.S. Government-sponsored exchange program is preferable, but not required.

 

Compensation is TBD and commensurate with experience. 

 

BENEFITS

• International health insurance provided by iEARN-USA
• Travel costs associated with renewal of Taiwan visa covered by iEARN-USA

 

LEVEL OF LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Chinese – conversant to fluent

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

Entry level

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED

4-year degree

 

Visit http://us.iearn.org/ to learn more.

 

Please email resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references in one pdf to nsliy@us.iearn.org. Include “Taiwan Academic Year Resident Director” in the subject line.