The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) is committed to promoting excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. In keeping with the academic mission of the University of California, UCEAP recognizes that diversity is integral to the University’s achievement of excellence and strives to create an environment that is welcoming for all. UCEAP upholds the principle of equal opportunity for all and adheres to the University of California Diversity statement.
Through international academic experiences, UCEAP inspires students to explore and transform their lives, UC, and the world. Since 1962, UCEAP has served as the UC systemwide study abroad program, supporting this mission and serving over 100,000 students across all 10 UC campuses and over 30,000 international exchange students. UCEAP typically has over 6,000 student participants annually and is active in over 40 countries worldwide. Sustained by strong academic excellence, spirited faculty collaboration and an interrelated support system, UCEAP produces future global citizens and thought leaders. www.uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu
Salary: MXN 4,500-5,500 per week
Employment Type: Full-time, Temporary (est. June 15th through August 7th)
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; open until filled
Job Description: See Attached
The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) Mexico Study Center is seeking a motivated and student-focused Program Assistant for a temporary summer position supporting UCEAP students studying in Mexico City. This short-term opportunity offers valuable, practical experience supporting U.S. university students in an international academic and cross-cultural setting.
The Program Assistant plays an important role in helping students successfully adjust to life and study in Mexico City while supporting cultural programming, student engagement, and day-to-day study center operations. The Program Assistant works closely with the Program Manager to provide general student support, assist with orientations and cultural activities, and help maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for UC students abroad.
Key Responsibilities - Under direct supervision of the Program Manager:
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Supports students with day-to-day questions and adjustment to living and studying in Mexico City
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Assists with student orientations, cultural activities, excursions, and events
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Accompanies students on occasional program activities and field trips
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Provides general administrative and office support, including responding to routine student inquiries
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Assists students with local resources, university registration processes, and program logistics
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Maintains student records, informational materials, and social media/outreach content
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Supports student welfare and overall program operations
Education Requirements for this Position
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Bachelor's Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Work Experience
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1-3 years - Entry level professional with basic knowledge and experience in higher education program administration or equivalent combination of training and work experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required for this Position
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Professional English and Spanish verbal and written communication skills, typically equivalent to CERF level B2 or higher. Skill in obtaining and conveying information clearly and with accuracy.
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Good interpersonal skills with proven ability to develop rapport and engage with students with sensitivity including appropriate referrals.
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Personable, enthusiastic, and interested in international exchange programs.
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Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results,
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Commitment to valuing diversity and creating an inclusive work environment.
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Demonstrated ability to listen, learn, and build trust among faculty, staff, students, and other constituents.
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Previous customer service experience and knowledge of internal and external customer service principles and practices.
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Basic knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
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Demonstrated initiative and proactive approach working both independently and as part of a team.
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Experience working in an office environment and working knowledge of basic administrative functions.
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Knowledge of local higher education environments.
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Skill in prioritizing numerous tasks to maintain organization and efficiency in completing work accurately and in a timely manner.
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Good judgment and ability to use discretion, maintain data privacy, and maintain all security and confidentiality with sensitive and personally identifiable information (PII).
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Working knowledge of MS Office or similar, cloud-based computing and collaboration platforms (MS Teams, SharePoint, etc.), virtual meeting platforms, including MS Teams and SharePoint or equivalent, familiarity with social media platforms; and a willingness to learn other applications and technologies, as needed.
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Ability to take initiative and occasionally work with limited oversight, adjust to varying workloads, and meet various deadlines with interruptions and conflicting deadlines.
Desirable: Strong professional English and Spanish verbal and written communication skills, typically equivalent to CERF level C1 or higher; Higher education administration experience in the field of study abroad; Experience studying, working, or living abroad; Knowledge of the structure and organization of U.S. higher education; Experience planning events such as student orientations; Experience making appropriate referrals to support services, including health and counseling.
Other Special Conditions of Employment
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Must be legally authorized to work in Mexico.
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Must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends to participate in student activities and meetings.
Reporting and Background Check Requirements
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Satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal check where permissible