What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Leader – International Short Programs - POOL position at Inside Higher Ed?
Position OverviewInternational Short Programs (ISP) is seeking several Student Leaders for July 2026. ISP Student Leaders will assist with orientation, cultural, or program activities scheduled for visiting international groups for roughly 8-32 hours a week during the month of July. The two programs that are currently planned for July 2026 include a 10-day youth summer camp held from July 12-22, and a 5-week academic program for college-aged students July 5-Aug 4. It's a dynamic environment with an opportunity to work with campus visitors and students from around the world. Help us welcome them to KU!
The International Short Programs department (ISP) typically runs 6-12 short-stay programs annually for international students and professionals. Programs usually include an academic component but almost always have a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and experiential learning.
During weeks that ISP is supporting visiting groups, candidates can expect to work 8-32 hours weekly for occasional program preparation (in-office), campus orientation activities, or off-campus trips and experiential activities, which may include evenings or weekends. Weekly work hours may fluctuate based on the needs of the programs, which vary. In times when ISP has no visiting groups, no regular weekly hours will be guaranteed.
This position is directly connected to International Short Program’s sponsored programs. Any cancellation of or changes to the programs by the program sponsors (the sponsors are not part of KU) will directly affect this position.
If available, hired candidates may be asked to participate in short training sessions or informational meetings as early as June 29, 2026.
Job Description75% - Program Operations
Demonstrated ability to speak English proficiently, as evidenced by interview.Preferred Qualifications
Experience living or studying in another country, as evidenced by application materials.
Proficiency in a foreign language, as evidenced by application materials.
Experience working and/or interacting in a multi-cultural environment, as evidenced by application materials.
Have a valid U.S. driver's license.Position RequirementsDuring the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).Employment Conditions(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
To ensure consideration apply before the application review starts on Friday, 5/1/2026. Interviews are required and will be conducted over Zoom the week of May 18. Ongoing hires will be made as needed throughout the posting period.
Contact Information to ApplicantsNatalie Friend
n.friend@ku.eduAdvertised Salary Range$15.00 per hourAnticipated Start DateMonday June 29, 2026Apply to Job
The International Short Programs department (ISP) typically runs 6-12 short-stay programs annually for international students and professionals. Programs usually include an academic component but almost always have a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and experiential learning.
During weeks that ISP is supporting visiting groups, candidates can expect to work 8-32 hours weekly for occasional program preparation (in-office), campus orientation activities, or off-campus trips and experiential activities, which may include evenings or weekends. Weekly work hours may fluctuate based on the needs of the programs, which vary. In times when ISP has no visiting groups, no regular weekly hours will be guaranteed.
This position is directly connected to International Short Program’s sponsored programs. Any cancellation of or changes to the programs by the program sponsors (the sponsors are not part of KU) will directly affect this position.
If available, hired candidates may be asked to participate in short training sessions or informational meetings as early as June 29, 2026.
Job Description75% - Program Operations
- Serve as peer mentors and campus guides to visiting international participants.
- Accompany participants on field trips to areas within and around Lawrence and Kansas City.
- Actively engage participants in conversation and encourage them to practice English.
- Assist with campus orientations, workshops, and introducing guest speakers.
- Report any group challenges or issues to ISP staff and help problem-solve as needed.
- Prepare informational materials, educational activities, and program booklets for participants using Microsoft Suite products and/or Canva.
- Put together welcome folders and welcome bags prior to each program as instructed.
- Perform other program-level and in-office administrative tasks as needed.
Demonstrated ability to speak English proficiently, as evidenced by interview.Preferred Qualifications
Experience living or studying in another country, as evidenced by application materials.
Proficiency in a foreign language, as evidenced by application materials.
Experience working and/or interacting in a multi-cultural environment, as evidenced by application materials.
Have a valid U.S. driver's license.Position RequirementsDuring the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).Employment Conditions(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
- This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.
- Must not be enrolled in Applied English Center courses.
- Must be a graduate student or undergraduate student at sophomore level or above.
- Must be available to work daytime, evening or weekend hours as needed (with advance notice). During weeks that ISP is supporting visiting groups, candidates can expect to work 8-32 hours weekly for occasional program preparation (in-office), campus orientation activities, or off-campus trips and experiential activities, which may include evenings or weekends. Weekly work hours may fluctuate based on the needs of the programs, which vary. In times when ISP has no visiting groups, no regular weekly hours will be guaranteed.
- This position is directly connected to International Short Program’s sponsored programs. Any cancellation of or changes to the programs by the program sponsors (the sponsors are not part of KU) will directly affect this position.
To ensure consideration apply before the application review starts on Friday, 5/1/2026. Interviews are required and will be conducted over Zoom the week of May 18. Ongoing hires will be made as needed throughout the posting period.
Contact Information to ApplicantsNatalie Friend
n.friend@ku.eduAdvertised Salary Range$15.00 per hourAnticipated Start DateMonday June 29, 2026Apply to Job
Salary : $15