Position: Resident Assistant (Temporary)
Reports to: Center Director, CIEE London
Department: Global Operations
Location: London, England
When: August 31 – September 22, 2026 (Global Gateway Academy runs September 2-23)
Employment Type: Full- time
What are we Looking For?
We're looking for three enthusiastic Resident Assistants to support an international high school program in London. This temporary, full-time opportunity is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with young people in a multicultural environment. Resident Assistants will live on-site with students, provide guidance and support throughout the program, and help ensure a safe, positive, and engaging experience. The role begins on 31 August 2026, with the program running from 2–23 September 2026.
High School Abroad Academy Program Summary
On the High School Abroad Academy program, students spend the first three weeks of their program in London participating in the Global Gateway Academy. Here students will participate in an Intercultural Communication & Leadership course, they will engage in interactive workshop discussions, and community engagement activities throughout London that explore how values, perspectives and communication styles shape cross-cultural interactions. After completing the Global Gateway Academy, students then travel to their final destination (Barcelona or Kyoto for Fall 2026) where they continue their program. The intention of the Global Gateway Academy in London is to create space for students to build friendships and establish a foundation for the rest of their program. More information on the High School Abroad Academy program can be found on our website, including on the Global Gateway Academy portion.
Who are our Students?
Students on this program will be US high school students and meet the following eligibility requirements:
· Be between the ages of 15 and 18 when the program starts
· Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th year of schooling
· Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
· Demonstrate, through the application process, flexibility, maturity, adaptability and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture
· Meet the Program Essential Eligibility Criteria
For the Fall 2026 program there will be approximately 37 students participating.
Global Gateway Academy Components:
While in London for the first three weeks, they will participate in:
· In-Person Class – The Intercultural Communication & Leadership Course will be taught by local instructors. The course is designed for 45 contact hours.
· Online Class – Students will begin their online ASU course work.
· Cultural Activities – 3 cultural activities per week. These include community engagement activities
o Community Engagement Activities are designed to be a series of structured activities in which students partner with a local group(s). This may include traditional service and/or participation in community-based clubs or organizations.
· Day Trips – 2 day trips to nearby destinations.
Global Gateway Academy Housing:
· All students and resident assistants will stay at in a central hotel near Oxford Street.
· Breakfast is included, options include a continental breakfast or an a la carte menu
· Students are placed in double rooms
· Resident assistants placed in single rooms.
o Note: Rooms do not include kitchenettes but will have a refrigerator
Resident Assistant Job Description
· There will be three resident assistants for the Global Gateway Academy
· Resident assistants will have rotating schedule where they will:
o Participate in nightly room checks at curfew (nightly)
o Be on-call after 10:00 pm in case of student issues
o Participate in community engagement activities and cultural activities (typically 3-4x per week)
· Additional responsibilities include:
o Foster a welcoming and inclusive community within the accommodations by encouraging mutual connection and support among students.
o Host weekly check-in sessions with your students and help cultivate a positive group dynamic to help participants connect with peers from diverse backgrounds.
o Support interpersonal development.
o Housing Management: Conduct room inspections and assist with check-in/check-out procedures, report maintenance issues to the CIEE London team or housing provider, ensure students follow housing rules and safety procedures, monitor cleanliness and shared living expectations.
o Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to students, helping them navigate challenges and opportunities in their study abroad program.
o Manage participants’ behavioral and academic issues. Report all medical or behavioral incidents to local CIEE center staff with detailed documentation within 24 hours. Report any serious concerns immediately.
o Assist local CIEE center staff with program logistics, group management and other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator.
o Mediate conflicts and facilitate constructive dialogue among students to promote a positive living environment.
o Complete administrative responsibilities such as: completing incident reports accurately and promptly, attending staff meetings and training sessions, communicating important information to students through WhatsApp or in person.
o Work collaboratively with other staff members within CIEE London to support the overall objectives of the program.
· Perform other reasonable duties as assigned
What a typical day as an RA can look like:
· Morning check-in with students.
· Assisting a student with a doctor's appointment.
· Answering housing questions.
· Chaperoning a community engagement or cultural activity (according to the rota)
· Responding to an after-hours maintenance issue.
· Writing an incident report as issues arise.
General Requirements:
· Ability to meet the outlined job description. Visitors or guests are NOT allowed to accompany you while program is in session. Your priority is to be available to the participants and the program
· Experience working with high school students in is preferred.
· Experience creating positive and inclusive group dynamics amongst participants from diverse backgrounds.
· A positive attitude, flexibility and adaptability during unanticipated changes and challenges in your specific responsibilities, program components, and participant support needs.
· Empathy and active listening skills.
· Calm decision-making under pressure.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
· Authorization to stay lawfully in the Program Location for the duration of the program (no visa sponsorship available for this position)
Compensation: Weekly stipend of approximately 150 GBP, housing at the group accommodation hotel, flight expenses to/from London, public transport pass.