Meet the 2024-2025 International Student Counselors here!
The International Student Counselor Program supports international student success at St. Olaf College through personal interaction in an atmosphere of growth and mutual respect.
Transitioning from one country to another is often a complicated journey. This program is designed to smooth that transition and to support new international students during their first year at St. Olaf. Throughout the year, International Student Counselors (ISC) serve as a cultural bridge, social support, and as a resource to new international students.
By sharing experiences and insights, ISCs can ease the transition process of new international students by making deeper connections that enhance the quality of the new international student experience. (Counselors from 2023-24 in photo below)
What previous ISCs had to say about their time as counselors:
“Being an ISC was an absolutely amazing experience for me at St. Olaf. Mainly due to the connections I made from working in the Taylor Center, these connections have tremendously supported me to move forward through my tough junior year full of heavy course loads, social activities, post graduation pressure, and mental health challenges.”
“Coming to St. Olaf as a ‘third culture kid,’ I found myself constantly navigating my identity because I didn’t quite understand my role. While I have only had international experiences my whole life, I am also an American citizen, and I didn’t see a space for my layered identity on campus. This was until I became an ISC in the Taylor Center, when I understood how my identity was useful. I could understand certain nuances of the American culture because I am American, but then also understand how those aspects of culture would affect my counselees. I feel like this allowed me to support them empathetically and authentically. Being an ISC has impacted me in the sense that it has made me feel like my identity has value that allows me to be a supportive resource to others.”
“Being an ISC has been one of my fondest experiences as a St. Olaf student. I take great pride in this job and what we do for the international student body, because it is a job that requires a genuine interest in the wellbeing of others. I have grown immensely as a result of being a counselor, developing skills such as leadership, compassion, teamwork, creativity, and responsibility. The best thing by far that I have gained from being a counselor are the amazing friendships and relationships I have built with counselors and counselees. Through this job I have found a safe space in the international community where I can grow, as well as help others do the same.”
International Student Counselor Program’s Mission
The International Student Counselor Program connects committed student leaders with incoming international students to enhance their learning experience, social competence and facilitate a successful transition into college life.
Becoming an International Student Counselor
For more information regarding requirements and responsibilities read below. If you would like additional information or have any questions, please contact Brisa Zubia, Associated Director for International Student Programming at bzubia@stolaf.edu or 507-786-3267.
Requirements
- Serve as an International Student Counselor for the entire academic year.
- Be present at all training sessions, International Student Orientation programs, International Student Counselor Events and other required programs.
- Attend weekly meetings with the Assistant Director.
- Minimum of 2.25 cumulative GPA.
- Basic understanding and knowledge of St. Olaf campus resources.
- Reliable, responsible, flexible, positive, willingness to help, and strong communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Communicate with incoming international students over the summer, prior to their arrival at St. Olaf.
- Support and encourage all new international students throughout their transition to campus and acquaint them with U.S culture, campus resources, and other activities and opportunities.
- Serve as a leader and role model to all international students.
- Establish and maintain open communication with the Assistant Director.
- Assist in the development and implementation of international student focused programs and events.
- Communicate effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Required Dates (2024-2025)
- Spring Training (approximately 1.5 hours) May 2024
- Incoming Student Virtual Engagement (approximately 6 hours) Summer 2024
- International Student Counselor Training (August 24 – 26, 2024)
- International Student Orientation (August 27- August 31, 2024)
- New Student Orientation (September 1-4, 2024)
- Continuing International Student Orientation (Fall & J-Term 2024-25)
- Mid-Year Check-In (January, 2025)
- Monthly International Student Event (dates TBD)
- (Photo below of ISO 2023!)
