Council On International Educational Exchange (CIEE):

A nonprofit non-governmental organization, CIEE is the world leader in international education and exchange. For over 75 years, CIEE has helped thousands of people gain knowledge and skills for a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Forty centers worldwide serve 50,000 US high school and university students annually. CIEE programs and services span study abroad, teach abroad, international faculty development seminars, and inbound exchange study, work, and internship programs for today's high school and university students, professionals, and educators.

We strive to lead a robust community of international program providers and sponsors through innovation, exemplary service and exceptional efficiency. CIEE is committed to recruiting and retaining the best people in the industry: self-starters with high levels of energy and autonomy, passionate about international education, and dedicated to exceeding expectations in the face of any challenge.

Role Description

The Program Assistant, College, is a key team member for ensuring the success of College programs at CIEE Kyoto. Working as part of the College team in program planning and implementation, the Program Assistant actively supports both CIEE staff and College program students.

The Program Assistant undertakes a variety of administrative and on-site management tasks, providing an essential link between exchange student programs and the CIEE office in Kyoto as well as a unique perspective on local life and culture within the host country.

The Program Assistant must be responsible, organized and detail-oriented, energetic, and patient. The Program Assistant must possess advanced Japanese and English ability and must be authorized to work in Japan. The position may include weekend and evening shifts.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work as part of College team to organize, prepare and successfully implement programs from orientation to cultural activities and excursions, with particular attention to arranging admissions, transport routes, and relevant contextual information as needed
• Represent CIEE with appropriate politeness and clarity in liaising with partner institutions and providers in Kyoto, including accommodation providers, workshop and classroom venues, guest lecturers, etc.
• Maintain a good level of communication with Program staff with regular update meetings throughout program delivery
• Ensure student safety and security, monitor participant behavior and intervene to provide appropriate guidance where necessary
• Ensure implementation of CIEE policies and health, safety and security practices, including prompt and proper reporting to Center staff
• Perform other duties as assigned and as needed

Knowledge and Skills

• Communication
  — intercultural communication and presentation skills in English and Japanese, both written and verbal; ability to communicate to multiple audiences both in English and Japanese
• Administration
  — administrative skills, particularly attention to detail and the ability to complete assigned tasks efficiently and accurately, and in a timely manner
• Organization
  —ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
• Teamwork
  — ability and willingness to work as a productive member of a team toward the collective goal of creating positive participant experiences
• Technology
  — computer skills (Word, Excel, etc.) and a willingness to learn new systems
• Interpersonal
  — strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate interest and enthusiasm to students, faculty, partner institutions, etc.
• Flexibility
  — ability to respond quickly and gracefully to changing circumstances
• Some basic bookkeeping experience and previous work with US university students preferred

Working Conditions

• This is an in-person role based in Kyoto, Japan.
• The responsibilities of the Program Assistant are subject to peak periods (e.g., student arrivals, program arrangement and organization, orientation, etc.) and/or unplanned emergencies that require extra hours.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in Japan.