Who are Study Abroad Peer Advisors?

Study Abroad Peer Advisors (PAs) are a group of students who are excited about study abroad. They serve as a resource to interested students by sharing their personal insight, first-hand experience and knowledge on the study abroad opportunities offered by Southern Miss.

Each semester, the OSA selects 10-15 students to serve on the team for a semester or an academic year. Peer Advisors attend outreach events and class visits on their home campus and assist with pre-departure sessions all in an effort to share their study abroad story to interested students. PAs on the Hattiesburg campus will also work two-hours-per-week in the Office of Study Abroad, which will offer hands-on International Education experience. This year, we are offering three leadership roles within the team (see below for details).

 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL PAs

• Attend one meeting per month

• 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/barbecues/lunches for our visiting international exchange students

• Assist the Office of Study Abroad with International and Diversity Education Week, recruitment events, email campaigns, study abroad fairs, specific projects (as assigned), class visits, and pre-departure orientation sessions

• Contribute ideas, feedback, and suggestions from the student perspective

• Share your study abroad experience with others

• Other duties as assigned or as suggested by you!

 

BENEFITS

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

• Recommendations for future employment

• Free meals at official PA meetings

• A $250* discount towards any future Southern Miss study abroad program

• Friends and Fun times

*Performance-based. 

 

Selection Process 2018 - 2019 

Stage one: The Application

• Will spring application is open. Apply here: javascript:mctmp(0);
• Deadline to submit the application and video is Sunday, January 20 by 11:59 pm
• Video Criteria:

1. FILM a video introducing yourself and explaining your program experience. 
2. QUESTIONS to consider 1. What program did you attend? 2. What was your favorite academic experience on the program? 3. What was your favorite personal experience on the program? 4. Why should other students study abroad? 5. Any other thoughts or comments you want to make?
3. CRITERIA: Less than 3 minutes long and be creative. Let this video show your personality and express your thoughts about the benefits of studying abroad. This is NOT a test of your video editing skills, but your enthusiasm for Study Abroad. 
4. SUBMIT: There are 3 options to submit your video. 1. Upload a file to the online application 2. Include a link to the YouTube video on the online application 3. Direct Message it to @StudyAbroadUSM on Instagram

Stage two: The Interview

• In-person or Skype interview with Office of Study Abroad

 

Leadership Roles for 2018 - 2019

Peer Advisor Chair: (position filled)
Responsibilities include but not limited to

• Scheduling Peer Advisors for outreach events
• Organize and lead monthly meetings
• Plan 2 social events per semester for Peer Advisors
• Captain for PA House
• Work 7 hours per week in Office of Study Abroad
• Assist office staff
• Work on assigned projects 

 

Peer Advisor Reporter: (position open)
Responsibilities include but not limited to

• Write content for OSA newsletter, The Scoop
• Collect content from PAs for The Scoop
• Social media Rep: Host live q&as on IG or FB
• Gather content for Twitter
• Document events by taking photographs
• Captain for PA House
• Work 5 hours per week in Office of Study Abroad
• Assist office staff
• Work on assigned projects

 

Peer Advisor Liaison: (position filled)
Responsibilities include but not limited to

• Table at USM on-campus orientations or special events
• Work with departments on campus
• Liaise with PAs on other campuses
• Assist OSA with International and Diversity Education Week
• Keep record of Peer Advisor volunteer hours/goals
• Scorekeeper for PA Houses
• Work 4 hours per week in Office of Study Abroad
• Assist office staff
• Work on assigned projects

Peer Advisor Orientation 2018 - 2019

• Spring meting: Thursday, January 31 at 5 pm.