OIS AMBASSADOR VOLUNTEERS

•What is the OIS Ambassador Program?
•What do OIS Ambassadors do?
•Ambassador Training
•New Student Orientation Period (Fall)
•How to Apply
•Important Dates

What is the OIS Ambassador Volunteer Program?

OIS Ambassadors are a group of experienced international & domestic students, scholars, and spouses who serve in voluntary program implementation and advisory roles with the Office of International Services.

What do OIS Ambassadors Do?

OIS Ambassadors assist in the implementation of OIS programmatic efforts such as:

New Student Check-In Program (July and August)
Airport Pick-Up (July and August)
New Student Orientation period (fall and spring semesters)
Various other programs throughout the year.

OIS Ambassadors also provide advice and consultation on matters of program planning and feasibility for the target audience of Pitt international population.

The OIS Ambassador Volunteers support one aspect of the overall mission of the OIS: to promote integration of internationals into the University of Pittsburgh, and city of Pittsburgh communities and the greater U.S. culture.

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Ambassador Training

All newly selected OIS Ambassadors are expected to participate in a General Training program which covers topics such as:

OIS mission and goals
Role of OIS Ambassador
Coming to America and Intercultural Adjustment
Facilitating Socialization
Ambassador Expertise and Best Spots in Pittsburgh
Group activities

The training sessions are required.

Training Session #1: July 8, 2009; 5pm-6:30pm
Training Session #2: August 6, 2009; 9am-12pm

*If you are currently an OIS Ambassador, and you intend to participate in the new student orientation period you will be required to attend the training sessions.

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Participation during the New Student Orientation Period for fall semester

The new student orientation program is the biggest event in which OIS Ambassadors participate. The program seeks to help new international students adjust to the academic, social and cultural life at the University of Pittsburgh. Ambassadors play a central role in the planning and execution of it.

NOTE: OIS Ambassadors who have participated in past orientations and who are interested in participating during the fall 2009 New Student Orientation period, will be requested to attend both the General Training Session and the special Fall Orientation Training Session. However, those continuing Ambassadors who will not participate during the New Student Orientation period but whom would like to continue to participate in the fall semester do not need to attend the training sessions.

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To Apply:

Eligibility

All continuing international students, scholars and spouses as well as domestic undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply.

Applications for the 2009 orientation period are now closed. Please check back in the spring if you'd like to volunteer during the OIS 2010 Orientation.

If you have any questions regarding the Ambassador Program, please contact Marina Sciulli.

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Important Dates - 2009

Training Session #1: July 8, 2009; 5pm-6:30pm
Training Session #2: August 6, 2009; 9am-12pm
Graduate Orientation Period: August 17-21, 2009
Undergraduate Orientation Period: August 17-23
OIS Picnic: August 21

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