ISEP Ambassador Program: Building On Your Experience of a Lifetime

Studying abroad can be a transformative experience for launching your career, but it’s up to you to demonstrate the relevance of your global skills to future employers. The ISEP Ambassador program provides a structured opportunity to promote international education on your campus while demonstrating transferable career skills essential for building your résumé. ISEP Ambassadors serve in a variety of ways to help recruit study abroad participants and welcome international students to your culture. By documenting your activities as an ISEP Ambassador, you can create a strong career portfolio that demonstrates professional marketability in a wide variety of fields.

Benefits of the ISEP Ambassador Program

Professional development: Each core component of the ISEP Ambassador Program focuses on a separate area in which you can demonstrate initiative and professional skills for your résumé. The ‘Tips to Get Started’ include several ideas for activities you can organize to promote international education on your campus. Keep track of your activities on the ISEP Ambassador Activity Log – this is a great resource toward building your career portfolio for job interviews. Also, your home ISEP Coordinator may be able to provide a letter of recommendation based on your performance.

Personal development: Studying abroad is often a life-changing experience. Not only have you been immersed in another culture, and possibly another language, but mostly likely you’ve also learned a great deal about yourself. By reflecting on what you gained abroad and sharing this with others, you can maximize your personal development and make a difference in the lives of other students worldwide.

Rewards and Incentives

• Ambassador of the Year Award: One outstanding ambassador will receive $300; three alternates will receive $100 each at the end of the academic year. Each winner will also receive a certificate of achievement, a letter of recommendation from ISEP, and recognition on the ISEP website.
• All Ambassadors will receive a t-shirt, welcome packet, and career resources.
• All Ambassadors who submit end-of-year Activity Logs will receive a certificate of achievement.
• Additional rewards and raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the semester.

How to apply

To join the ISEP Ambassador program, you can nominate yourself on the ISEP Program Evaluation survey at the end of your time abroad. Nominees must then receive approval from their home ISEP Coordinator and complete an online application form in July. Selected Ambassadors will be notified before beginning their term for the academic year.

Just like you, I returned from studying abroad so excited to share my international experiences with students from my home campus. In fact, many of the things I did as a study abroad ambassador—speaking at freshmen orientation seminars, writing articles for my school newspaper, and organizing a campus-wide celebration for International Education Week— provided the first steps toward launching my career in international education. Because I know firsthand the impact this role can play in developing your résumé and professional skills, I want to personally encourage you to make the most of your opportunity as an ISEP Ambassador.

Lori Riley
Director of Marketing & Communications, ISEP