International Student and Scholar Advisor: Strategies to Apply from an International Education Perspective

Are you passionate about supporting international students and scholars while navigating complex immigration regulations? The University of Oregon is currently seeking an International Student and Scholar Advisor to join its Division of Global Engagement in Eugene, Oregon. This pivotal role is an opportunity to shape the academic and cultural experiences of a diverse global community while contributing to compliance, programming, and institutional success. To help you craft a standout application, here’s some advice tailored for applying from an international education perspective:

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Position Overview

This role combines immigration advising, regulatory compliance, cultural programming, and global advocacy within a dynamic team environment. As a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), you’ll support international students and scholars as they achieve academic and cultural success at the University of Oregon. You’ll work on federal compliance tasks involving F-1 and J-1 visas, collaborate with departments on immigration strategy, and foster global partnerships on campus.

Through a blend of advising duties, event programming, and data management, you’ll have the chance to advocate for global engagement and inspire a more inclusive campus environment.

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Advice for Applicants: Key Steps to Excellence

1. Highlight International Experience and Cross-Cultural Competence

This position demands experience navigating cultural differences and supporting diverse populations. Ensure your resume showcases any related experiences, such as:

• Living, working, or studying abroad-mention specific countries, cultures, or international projects.
• Volunteering or working with international students or scholars in educational contexts.
• Proven skills in advising or interacting with culturally diverse communities, showcasing patience and empathy.

In your cover letter, emphasize anecdotes that demonstrate cultural competence, adaptability, and your ability to build relationships across linguistic or cultural barriers.

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2. Showcase Your Immigration Knowledge or Willingness to Learn

Experience with federal regulations around F-1 and J-1 visas is preferred, but if you lack direct immigration advising experience, focus on transferable skills. Stress your ability to:

• Learn complex systems and regulations.
• Manage compliance and documentation tasks with attention to detail.
• Adapt to new software platforms, processes, and legal frameworks.

If you’ve worked with student records (e.g., SEVIS or similar databases) or organized programs that required coordination with institutional policies, be sure to highlight these areas.

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3. Educational Background: Tailor Your Credentials

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Master’s degree in international education, student development, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree and at least two years’ experience in international education.

If applying with a Bachelor’s degree, clearly outline how your two years of experience align with the role’s key duties (advising, compliance, or program coordination) in your cover letter. Advanced academic work in relevant fields like intercultural studies or immigration law could strengthen your candidacy.

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4. Language Skills: A Competitive Advantage

Proficiency in non-English languages, especially Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, or Spanish, is preferred. If applicable:

• List languages on your resume and specify your level of fluency.
• Describe how you’ve used these language skills to support international students or bridge communication gaps in multicultural settings.

Even moderate proficiency may make you stand out as someone who can empathize with English language learners or liaise with international stakeholders.

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5. Demonstrate Technological Savvy

The position emphasizes data management, software implementation, and digital communication. Make sure to:

• Highlight your experience using software systems like SEVIS, Sunapsis, Banner, or any similar database tools used for administration or tracking compliance.
• Include experience managing online forms, creating digital content, or coordinating social media campaigns in past roles or volunteer settings.

If you lack direct experience, demonstrate your aptitude for learning new technologies and providing user-friendly content.

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6. Commitment to Programming and Outreach

This role involves cultural, academic, and retention-focused programming for international students. If you’ve organized events in higher education or participated in programming with global themes:

• Share examples of successfully managing budgets, partnerships, or logistics for events.
• Outline key results, such as student engagement or positive outcomes.

Highlight leadership roles in student-facing global initiatives.

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7. Craft a Tailored Cover Letter

Your cover letter is the best place to demonstrate your fit for the role. Be sure to:

• Address how your experiences align with both minimum and preferred qualifications.
• Use specific examples to show how you’ve impacted international student success, compliance initiatives, or cultural adjustment in past roles.
• Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and resolve sensitive issues confidentially.

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Why the University of Oregon?

Working at the University of Oregon provides access to a rich, global engagement culture. You’ll contribute to the institution’s mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive academic community that puts international education at its core. In addition, Oregon’s natural beauty and dynamic lifestyle foster cross-cultural learning both on and off campus.

Salary and Benefits:
The $50,000-$55,000 annual salary, combined with robust benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave, ensures a supportive and sustainable environment as part of your career in international education.

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Final Thoughts: Application Checklist

To ensure your application receives full consideration, include:

1. A Current Resume/CV: Tailor it to emphasize qualifications relevant to international education, advising, and compliance.
2. A Cover Letter: Ground your narrative in real-world examples to support your skills and ability to meet job requirements.
3. Three Professional References: Select references who can attest to your experience in international student support, program coordination, or regulatory tasks.

Remember: Review begins May 19, 2025, but the position remains open until filled. Submit your polished application early for priority consideration.

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Ready to Apply?

Start your journey at the University of Oregon-helping international students thrive while building a globally-engaged campus community. Apply online today at https://careers.uoregon.edu/en-us/job/535333/international-student-and-scholar-advisor. Empower global success, one student at a time.

Good luck!