Position Overview

The Education Abroad Peer Advisor acts as a front-line study abroad adviser, serving as the initial point of contact for students interested in studying abroad. Peer advisers field emails from interested students and schedule appointments with them. They assist the study abroad staff in providing information to students to promote University of Montana Education Abroad exchange programs, UM Faculty-Directed programs, and non-UM study abroad programs as well. Peer Advisers help students with all aspects of their study abroad preparation, including application support during initial phases. This includes meeting with students when requested, and regularly updating UM-sponsored program brochure pages on Terra Dotta to include essential information regarding current host university course information and standard costs associated with their study abroad. The Peer Advisor position provides the opportunity to enhance individual skills in written and interpersonal communication, organization, scheduling, public relations, public speaking, writing, sourcing information, budgeting and finance, and using specialized study abroad computer software.

• Advise UM students regarding all aspects of study abroad in one-on-one and group settings
• Work closely with UM Education Abroad Coordinator to develop teaching aids and resources that can be used in advising sessions
• Respond to email inquiries from interested students and schedule advising appointments with them
• Advise students regarding all aspects of their study abroad preparation, including their applications during initial phases
• Regularly update course and cost information on brochure pages
• Participate in some of the following tasks:
  • Assist with outreach activities to increase participation in study abroad, including outreach to underrepresented groups
  • Attend the Education Abroad Fair
  • Organize volunteers for special events/projects
• Work on other projects, as assigned

• Obtain training in the profession of study abroad advising
• Develop skills in a professional work environment
• Enhance leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
• Have a chance to use the knowledge of international matters and cross-cultural communication acquired from your own study abroad experience
• Have the opportunity to work with individuals around the campus, including faculty, staff, and students
• Experience an exciting, challenging, and rewarding job in a fast paced, cross-cultural setting
• Gain concrete experience to put on your resume
• May earn UM credits

Candidates for Peer Advisor must meet the following:

• Be a former UM study abroad participant currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at UM, and be in good academic and judicial standing
• Must be available to work at least 10-15 hours a week. There may be occasional evening and/or weekend hours
• Must enthusiastically and accurately promote the concept of education abroad to UM students, faculty, and staff; strong presentation skills and confidence in public speaking needed
• Have a high level of written and oral communication skills
• Be detail-oriented, highly organized, and resourceful

• Desire to work with students who express interest in overseas study and enthusiasm for education abroad and its value.
• Experience with other cultures and intercultural situations, including studying, living, and/or traveling abroad, learning another language, working abroad (paid or volunteer), etc.
• Patience for helping students clarify their own needs, best interests, capacities, and resources in order to make informed choices and decisions about available study abroad opportunities.
• Financial planning expertise

For full consideration, complete the application via Handshake for the Education Abroad Peer Advisor internship. Please include a resume and cover letter of no more than 500 words, alongside your weekly availability and a list of your travel experience (include the purpose and time periods of travel).  

Preference in hiring will be given to students who are able to commit to the position for the entire term. All new hires must complete the mandatory training program. All positions will be open until filled.

Please email GoAbroad@mso.umt.edu if you have any questions, using the e-mail subject line "EA Peer Advisor Internship Application".