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: end of August 2014 – May 2015

The Resident Director (RD) represents iEARN Taiwan and iEARN-USA in his/her activities during the tenure of their 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 iEARN staff in Taiwan and the U.S., counseling of individual students, attending classes and cultural activities and troubleshooting.

Prior to departure, all Resident Directors will be required to attend a pre-departure orientation organized by iEARN-USA. Resident Directors will begin part-time work remotely before the start of the program in coordination with iEARN-USA on orientation planning, pre-program language learning, conference calls and webinars with students. 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 iEARN Taiwan and iEARN-USA.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-Program:

• Support pre-program communication with students through webinars, conference calls;
• Facilitate Pre-Departure Language Program for beginner language learners;
• Co-facilitate and plan student pre-departure orientation sessions in New York;

On-Program:

• Lead individual and group debriefing sessions with students to enhance learning experience and cultural understanding;
• Foster a program environment that encourages cultural awareness and linguistic acquisition;
• Act as a liaison between Taiwanese and US partner organizations;
• Conduct cross-cultural and cross-language communication between students, host families, teachers, and community, as needed;
• Process documents related to student health issues;
• Compile/edit photographs, video clips, and text for digital storytelling website/highlights;
• Travel with students on all program related activities;
• Submit weekly reports to program managers; and
• Work as a member of the iEARN Taiwan program team to maintain program quality consistent with program goals, and offer consistent guidance to students.

QUALIFICATIONS:

– Bachelor’s degree or higher;

– Fluent English language skills, Conversant to fluent Chinese language ability

– Study, work, or extensive experience in Taiwan or China

– Familiarity with US high school life and culture;

– Proven ability to work with and lead high school students;

– Demonstrated skills in academic and personal counseling;