Tips for International Education Professionals Applying for This Role at Curry College

If you’re an experienced and passionate professional in international education, Curry College offers a dynamic opportunity to shape global student experiences and create a vibrant, inclusive campus environment. To stand out as a candidate for the Director of International Student Services & Global Programming position, here’s how to approach your application from an international education perspective:

1. Demonstrate Proficiency in Regulatory Knowledge and SEVIS Expertise

– Highlight your expertise in international student regulations, particularly your hands-on experience with F-1 visa processes, SEVIS reporting, and Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) responsibilities.
– Stress your ability to navigate complex immigration compliance issues while supporting students in Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
– If you’ve ever managed critical visa documentation processes like I-20 approvals, extensions, or reinstatements, include those in your application to showcase your technical skills.

2. Articulate Your Commitment to Holistic Support for International Students

– Describe your ability to address the multifaceted needs of international students, including cultural adjustment, academic advising, and career development support.
– Provide examples of workshops, orientations, or social programs you’ve created or facilitated to engage international students and ensure they thrive in a new academic and cultural environment.
– If applicable, demonstrate ways you’ve partnered with various campus departments, such as career services or residence life, to create a supportive ecosystem.

3. Showcase Leadership in Global Study Programming

– Curry College seeks to expand its study abroad and exchange offerings, so emphasize your experience with global programming initiatives.
– Highlight any faculty-led or exchange programs you’ve coordinated, as well as collaborations with third-party study abroad providers or international partners.
– Include specific examples of how you’ve advised students on financial planning, travel documentation, or academic integration for international study experiences.
– If you’ve dealt with risk management or crisis response for global travel, outline your strategies and successes in these areas to demonstrate your preparedness.

4. Emphasize Intercultural Communication and Cross-Campus Collaboration

– Institutions value professionals who can connect with diverse populations. Demonstrate your intercultural communication skills through examples of how you’ve fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment.
– Highlight any collaborations with faculty, staff, or national/international organizations to enhance student experiences. For instance, explain how you’ve worked with governmental entities, recruitment agencies, or third-party providers to achieve shared goals.

5. Demonstrate Program Development and Innovation

– Share details about innovative programming or initiatives you’ve launched to encourage the engagement and retention of international students.
– Discuss pre-departure and re-entry sessions you’ve spearheaded for study abroad participants. Explain how your programs helped students maximize their global experiences and transition back to campus life.

6. Address Leadership and Administrative Skills

– As an international program director, you’ll juggle multiple responsibilities. Highlight your ability to plan, organize, and manage both student services and global programming while meeting departmental deadlines.
– Demonstrate your leadership by sharing examples of how you’ve developed international education strategies, mentored student support teams, or expanded global initiatives at previous institutions.

Additional Suggestions to Strengthen Your Application:

– Tailor Your Experience to the College Mission: Review Curry College’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and articulate how your background aligns with their vision of creating a welcoming campus for all students.
– Highlight Your International and Domestic Reach: If you’ve worked in both study abroad and domestic exchange programs, explicitly mention this dual expertise. Institutions value versatile professionals who understand both perspectives.
– Speak to Preferred Qualifications: Even if listed as “preferred,” experiences like crisis management, faculty-led program development, or advanced knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion in global education could set you apart from other candidates.
– Use Data to Illustrate Impact: Quantify your successes whenever possible, such as increases in international enrollment or growth in study abroad participation under your leadership.

Application Logistics:

To apply, visit the Curry College Job Portal. The salary range of $85,000-$90,000 annually reflects the College’s commitment to finding a well-qualified individual for this key leadership role. Ensure your application materials reflect your technical expertise, cultural fluency, and passion for international education so you stand out as a top candidate.

About Curry College

Curry College fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence. Located just outside Boston, it offers proximity to a global academic hub and embraces a mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion for its students and staff. Joining Curry College means becoming part of a community dedicated to student success, global citizenship, and academic innovation.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity for those looking to advance international education initiatives while making a meaningful impact on students, faculty, and the broader community