Peer Advisors

Peer advisors are undergraduate or graduate students who play an integral role in introducing new international students to Ohio State by connecting new students to important university resources and policies as well as sharing their experiences as successful students. Throughout the academic year, peer advisors assist our incoming students and their families in a variety of capacities, all to make the newest members of our community excited and prepared to achieve a successful beginning to their Ohio State career. Peer advisors work in collaboration with other students, the Office of International Affairs professional staff and other Ohio State administrators to ensure that new students have a positive immigration check-in and experience.

Qualifications

A peer advisor must be located in the United States and a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at Ohio State who has completed at least one semester at the time of application and whose degree will not be completed prior to Spring 2025. Peer advisors should be in good academic and disciplinary standing. The Office of International Affairs is looking for individuals who represent the diversity of the Ohio State community in their experience and interests. Peer advisor candidates should possess a variety of qualities, including (but not limited to):

• Effective cross-cultural communication skills (knowledge of multiple languages is a plus, but not required)
• Proactive problem-solving abilities
• Familiarity with Ohio State campus resources and services
• A desire to work collaboratively with students, families, faculty, staff, other peer advisors
• Proficient computer skills including data entry; must have excellent attention to detail
• Punctual and reliable
• Friendly, flexible, enthusiastic attitude
• Readiness to take initiative and take responsibility for continually improving the quality of Immigration Check-In

Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in all peer advisor training sessions
• Assist with the preparation of all check-in materials and activities
• Use multiple databases to perform check-in-related tasks
• Acquaint new students with campus services, building locations and university policies and procedures
• Serve as a knowledgeable, friendly, welcoming representative of Ohio State
• Participate in welcome activities such as the Global Buckeye Celebration and campus tours
• Respond promptly to emails regarding your work schedule and work responsibilities
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

The Peer Advisor position offers a variety of benefits:

• Pay rate of $12/hr
• Development of leadership and communication skills
• Cultivation of relationships with University faculty, staff and students
• Résumé enhancement
• Help new international students get settled and become members of the community at The Ohio State University!

Additional Information

• The Peer Advisor position requires a significant time commitment during training in late July and throughout all check-in and orientation sessions during summer break.
• Students must be willing to work a hybrid schedule through both online and in-person information sessions.
• Students applying to this position must communicate any additional employment to your OIA staff supervisor. If it interferes with job performance, the Peer Advisor may be asked to terminate the outside employment.

Application

Applications are open on a rolling basis. Contact Amanda Yusko with any questions.

Peer Advisor Important Dates to Know