About the Program

CET Academic Programs is a study abroad organization based in Washington, DC that has been designing and administering innovative educational programs abroad since 1982. Originally “China Educational Tours,” CET began operations in Beijing, later expanding to other cities in China and then to other countries around the world. Today, CET offers semester and summer study abroad programs in Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Tunisia and Vietnam, as well as short-term, customized programs worldwide. CET is known for high academic standards, innovative approaches to teaching and careful student management. CET programs integrate students into their overseas communities and lead them to create lasting relationships with their local hosts. CET is the only US provider to house its students with local roommates in each of its locations. As an environmentally conscientious organization, CET adopts locally appropriate measures in its centers worldwide to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable practices wherever possible. Staffed by over 50 full-time employees in the United States and overseas, CET currently sends around 1200 US students abroad annually.

Position Description

Harbin’s program is designed for intermediate and advanced Chinese language students and operates during the spring, summer and fall terms. A “research track” allows advanced students to conduct guided research for an undergraduate or graduate thesis with a language faculty member. Enrollment averages 15 to 25 students per term.

The Harbin Resident Advisor (RA) is a part-time position. The RA will participate in the Harbin program as a student while performing his/her duties for CET. Duties include meeting with students frequently to help them adjust to life in Harbin, serving as a language and cultural resource for students, assisting on-site staff with minor tasks, translating and writing program-related emails and reports, handling all on-site emergencies (with the assistance of the Resident Director) and hosting all non-Chinese speaking US faculty visitors on site. While the RA does not help design or implement activities, he/she will attend all activities and trips and be prepared to handle any emergencies that might arise.

Harbin program staff comprise: the RA; the Resident Director (RD), who manages all non-academic aspects of the program, such as housing, roommates, activities and budget; and the Academic Director (AD), who both supervises the RD and oversees the language program by managing the language faculty, adjusting curriculum and maintaining overall academic quality. The RA works closely with both teammates, particularly the RD, to ensure that all student needs are met promptly and effectively.

Candidates must be native-English speakers with excellent Chinese skills. The successful candidate will attend a 3-day training session in DC before departure. Because the compensation package includes the opportunity to conduct guided thesis research in Chinese under the supervision of a Chinese language faculty member, this is an excellent position for a graduate student. Candidates will need to be able to balance their own studies with the RA duties

Candidates must be willing to sign a one-year contract with CET.

Responsibilities

Support Staff

• Support the AD and RD in upholding all CET policies, including the full-time language pledge
• Participate in the AD and RD-designed orientation sessions each term
• Assist the AD and RD with tasks, such as editing, translating, and writing English documents, etc.
• Assist the RD with activities and trips, when necessary

Teach/Counsel

• Serve as language and culture resource to students
• Assist students as they adjust to life in China and Harbin
• Maintain office hours and meet frequently with students to serve their needs

Serve as Liaison

• Represent CET to all US faculty visitors
• Communicate with CET’s head office, particularly in the event of an on-site emergency
• Manage all on site crises in an appropriate and effective manner

Requirements, in Order of Priority

• BA in Asian Studies or related field; MA a plus
• Native English language skills
• Near-native fluency in Mandarin Chinese; strong Chinese reading/writing skills
• Ability to handle emergencies with authority and calm
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills
• Study abroad experience in China; CET program alumni are particularly encouraged to apply
• Willingness to wear different hats and sacrifice personal time
• Commitment to education and the field of Asian Studies
• Sensitivity to both student needs and cultural differences
• Undergraduate teaching or advising experience (preferred)

Salary and Benefits: CET offers an excellent compensation package which includes:

• Tuition waiver for participation in CET’s Harbin program and research track, valued at more than $20,000
• HTH travel insurance
• Visa and visa processing
• Housing in a single room in the dormitory
• Modest monthly living stipend
• One roundtrip US/China airline ticket per year

Final hires are contingent on a successful background check

MORE INFO

Submit the following materials to Jason Wang (rjwang@academic-travel.com) by March 10th to be considered: 1. Resume 2. Formal cover letter that outlines the position to which you are applying (Harbin Resident Advisor)*, your qualifications and experience, and where you first heard about the position 3. List of three references