JOB OPENING – JOB# AD/Fiji

Academic Director – SIT Study Abroad, Fiji: Cultural History and Geography

Program Base: Suva, Fiji

Start Date: January 2004

Reports to: Director, Asian and Pacific Studies, SIT Study Abroad.

The School for International Training is recruiting for an Academic Director (AD) of its new study abroad program located in Suva, Fiji. The program theme is “Cultural History and Geography”. This program follows the SIT model with its focus on experiential learning to complement classroom instruction. Students finish their academic semester undertaking an independent research project, known as an ISP, which complements their academic coursework composed of thematic seminar and research methodology class.

The AD is generally responsible for:
 Developing and implementing a new study abroad program;
 Advising in matters regarding academic program delivery and scheduling;
 Organizing and delivering the students' initial cross-cultural orientation and methods and techniques of field study seminar;
 Helping with the organization of educational visits and field trips and integrating the learning from these, as well as from the homestay, into the traditional coursework parts of the program;
 Generally guiding and advising students in both their cross-cultural learning processes and academic experiences - thus serving as an educator/teacher in the broadest sense by assisting students to draw substantive connections from among different aspects of the semester experience;
 Conducting the program review and academic evaluation at the end of the program and preparing a rigorous written evaluation for each student's transcript, clarifying both what the student achieved and how it was achieved;
 Facilitating a constructive relationship between SIT students and host country nationals involved with the program;
 Managing program logistics and administration;
 Providing student support for medical, personal and security issues.
 Negotiating cost-effective program services and managing the program budget throughout the semester;
 Maintaining regular communication with the SIT Study Abroad office in Brattleboro and submitting detailed, timely reports, as required;
 Upon return to the US, assisting in explaining the program to interested individuals at home campuses and communities, as feasible.

Requirements: The applicant must have at least a Master's degree (Ph.D. preferred), including substantial academic and practical knowledge of Fiji, and experience with U.S. undergraduates. Further, he/she must be attuned to the educational philosophy and expectations of SIT and possess both commitment to academic excellence and the personal leadership qualities required by the program. Among the latter are cultural sensitivity and adaptability; intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for challenge; tact and diplomacy in working with host nationals, on the one hand, and American students, on the other; organizational ability; budget management skills; computer literacy; energy; sense of humor; and training in social science methods.

Term: The position will begin January of 2004 and is full-time. Contract appointments are generally for a minimum two-semester period, with an initial review after the first semester. All program expenses are paid, including a contribution to the cost of health insurance. Salary depends on academic qualifications.

To apply, send cover letter and resume to:
Job #AD-Fiji, Human Resources
School for International Training
P.O. Box 676
Brattleboro, VT 05302-0676
or fax: 802-258-3118 or email: jobs@sit.edu

By Travis Finseth (159.98.136.163) on Friday, November 21, 2003 - 4:17 pm: Edit Post

Has this position been filled at present?

By Regina Mebust (198.200.181.206) on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 9:56 am: Edit Post

Please help!
Hello my name is Regina Mebust. I was born and lived in the Dilkusha orphanage of Fiji. I have a mission of my own and am seeking some guidance. I plan to return to Fiji in March of 2005. I want to volunteer in the orphanage. Am looking for some affiliation with a reputable organization. Is there any help out there?

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Peace and Blessings,
Regina Mebust
3608 White Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21206
email fijimebust2002@yahoo.com

By Anonymous (222.124.235.4) on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 8:31 am: Edit Post

Dear Regina,


My name Welda Adu

I am from Indonesia

I am 42 years old

I work as a secretary at Mount Zion church

I am interested in your mission in the orphanage.

I have pray for long time and I know that God show

me the way.

I hope i can hear for you soon.

Thank you very much and God bless you.

Welda Adu