ACES – American Cultural Exchange Service is seeking a qualified Resident Director (RD) to be trained in Bellevue, WA and then work on site with a group of 20 US high school students for approximately six-weeks in the Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China. In China, students will engage in language learning in both formal (language courses) and informal settings (dormitory and host family living). The RD represents ACES for the duration of the program, including required pre-program training and post-program final reporting.

ACES administers the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program, which is a scholarship program the US Department of State funds for merit-based eligible American high school students to learn less commonly taught languages in summer, semester, and academic year international immersion programs. NSLI-Y encourages beginning, intermediate, and advanced language learners with a passion for learning languages, communicating across cultures, and living abroad. Participants are U.S. high school students between 15 and 18 years of age, who have beginner, intermediate or advanced Mandarin Chinese language skills.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Serve as an advisor/counselor for ACES program participants.
• Assist ACES and the host institution in proper program administration.
• Conduct in-home visits to all host families during the program.
• Accompany students on all program activities, field trips, and volunteer projects.
• Be present at the language school whenever students are in classes.
• Serve as a program representative for the host institution, host families, and program participants when necessary.
• Be available to participants at any time. When any emergencies arise, assist students as needed.
• Enforce all ACES rules and policies.
• Communicate regularly, including submission of program reports, to the ACES National Office.
• Report any problems regarding participants’ health, academic performance, or behavior, and provide general group/program updates.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with teenagers or high school students
• Ability to counsel teens
• Genuine understanding of American and Chinese cultures
• Proficient in Chinese language (Mandarin)
• Native fluency in English
• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Study, work, or extensive travel experience in China

BENEFITS:

• Room & Board and round trip travel expenses from home city to Seattle, WA for training.
• Room & Board and round trip travel expenses from home city to Washington, DC for orientation.
• Round trip international airfare from Washington, DC to Jiaxing, China.
• All excursions associated with the program.
• International Health and Accident insurance for duration of the program.
• Room and board in China
• Transportation in China
• Cell phone in China
• Salary is up to $4000. Commensurate with experience.