About

What is a Peer Advisor?

Peer Advisors (PAs) are the people to know for the places to go! They are a group of students who serve as a resource to inspire interest in study abroad by enthusiastically sharing their personal insight and providing first-hand knowledge and information about the opportunities offered by Southern Miss. Each semester, the Office of International Programs (OIP) selects 8-12 peer advisors to serve for a semester or an academic year.

SCHEDULE

PAs commit to at least a full semester and volunteer a minimum of 5 hours per week, 2 of which must be in-office advising students on what program might suit them best, or assisting applicants prior to their departure. Upon selection Peer Advisors must attend 2 training sessions which as planned around the group's schedule.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILTIES

Advise students on the basics of study abroad including available programs (semester, year, and summer), application deadlines and procedures, etc.

Mentor incoming and outgoing exchange students

Attend initial training sessions and regular meetings throughout each semester

Attend and in many cases assist in welcome/farewell events/barbeques/lunches for our visiting international exchange students

Assist International Programs with International Education Week, recruitment events, email campaigns, specific projects (as assigned) and pre-departure orientation sessions

Present information to groups on campus including residence halls, student organizations, selected classes, etc.

Maintain office hours in the International Programs office (usually 2 hours per week) and schedule advising appointments to speak with interested students about study abroad during these hours

Staff general information tables, participate in Study Abroad Fairs, and assist in the coordination of the Study Abroad Photo Contest

Contribute ideas, feedback, and suggestions from the student perspective

Talk about your study abroad experience to people who will listen, whenever you can

Other duties as assigned or as suggested by you!

QUALIFICATIONS

Previous participation on a Southern Miss study abroad program

Ability to take initiative, to advise students in a truthful and accurate manner, to uphold the policies and procedures of USM and the OIP, and to represent the office in a professional manner

A positive attitude, open mind, and enthusiasm for experiences abroad!

Commitment to work the entire semester or academic year

Willingness to work flexible hours (including weekends and evenings)

COMPENSATION

Picture this on your resume:

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS PEER ADVISOR

The University of Southern Mississippi [dates]

Networking opportunity to potentially be hired in the field of International Education one day

Recommendations for future employment

A one-of-a-kind peer advisor t-shirt

An International Education Week t-shirt

A gift card to Barnes and Nobles

Free meals at official PA meetings

A discount on any Southern Miss study abroad program

Friends and Fun times!