Resident Assistant (Temporary)

Position: Resident Assistant (Temporary)

Reports to: Center Director, CIEE London

Location: London, England

When: (College First Year Abroad runs September 28- December 19)

Employment Type: Full- time (Temporary)

What are we Looking For?

We're looking for three enthusiastic Resident Assistants to support our College First Year Abroad (CFYA) 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 before the program starts running from September 28- December 19.

Program Summary

The College First Year Abroad (CFYA) program in London is a 12-week academic and cultural experience designed for students at the beginning of their college journey.

Students enroll in college-level courses suitable for a variety of academic backgrounds and interests. Alongside their academic studies, students participate in workshops, cultural activities, excursions, and community engagement opportunities that encourage them to explore London, experience British culture, and develop greater independence.

The program combines academic study, cultural immersion, personal development, and structured support, helping students build the skills and confidence needed to successfully transition from high school to college life.

Who are our Students?

Students on the College First Year Abroad (FYA) program in London will primarily be recent US high school graduates beginning their transition into college-level study. Students meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be 18 years or older at the time of program departure
• Be a recent high school graduate, having graduated no more than 18 months before the start of the program
• Typically apply during their senior year of high school or shortly after high school graduation
• If already enrolled in college, have completed no more than one semester of college following high school graduation
• Be prepared to engage in college-level academic work while adapting to living and studying in a new cultural environment

As first-year college students, participants are at an important transitional stage in their academic and personal development. For many, the program may be their first experience living independently, studying at college level, travelling internationally, or spending an extended period away from home.

Global Gateway Academy Components:

Tutoring + Academic Support: Students receive personalized tutoring and academic support to help them succeed academically and stay on track with their studies throughout the program.

College First Year Abroad Workshops: Required weekly workshops focus on developing important skills for college and independent living, including communication, self-management, and interpersonal skills. These workshops are non-credit bearing and take place for approximately 1.5 hours per week.

Academic Courses: Students choose from a range of in-person and online college-level courses that align with their academic interests and support their progress toward future university study.

Immersive Experiences: Students participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and other experiences that introduce them to London and British culture. These opportunities may explore the city’s history, art, film, music, cuisine, sports, and contemporary culture while encouraging students to engage with London beyond the classroom.

Community Impact Initiative: Students have opportunities to engage with local organizations through service activities that respond to community needs. These experiences allow students to build cross-cultural connections, gain hands-on experience, and develop a deeper understanding of the communities that make up London.

Housing:

• All students and the Resident Assistant will stay in purpose-built student accommodation in London.
• Students will be accommodated in shared studios with bunk beds, with two students sharing each studio.
• Each studio includes a private en-suite bathroom, kitchenette, study space, and storage facilities.
• The Resident Assistant will be accommodated in a single-occupancy studio within the same residence as the students.
• The accommodation includes communal and social spaces where students can study, spend time together, and connect with their peers.
• The Resident Assistant will live on-site, providing a visible and accessible presence for students and supporting a positive and inclusive residential community.  

Resident Assistant Job Description

·There will be one Resident Assistant for the College First Year Abroad (FYA) program in London.

The Resident Assistant will have a scheduled set of residential and program responsibilities, including:

• Providing evening and overnight on-call support for students outside of regular CIEE office hours. The specific on-call schedule will be agreed upon with the CIEE London team.
• Being available and responsive to student issues, concerns, or emergencies that may arise during the on-call period.
• Participating in community engagement and cultural activities, typically twice a week.
• Maintaining a visible, approachable, and supportive presence within the student accommodation.

Additional Responsabilities

• Community Building: Foster a welcoming and inclusive community within the accommodation by encouraging connection, mutual respect, and support among students.
• Student Check-ins: Host weekly check-in sessions with students and help cultivate a positive group dynamic, supporting participants as they connect with peers from diverse backgrounds.
• Student Development: Support students’ interpersonal development, independence, and adjustment to living and studying abroad.
• Housing Management: Conduct room inspections as required and assist with check-in/check-out procedures; report maintenance issues to the CIEE London team or housing provider; help ensure students follow housing rules and safety procedures; and support shared living expectations.
• Student Support and Mentorship: Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to students, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities that may arise while living abroad.
• Behavioral Support: Assist CIEE staff in managing participant behavioral issues and reinforcing program expectations. Report medical or behavioral incidents to local CIEE center staff, providing detailed documentation within 24 hours. Any serious or urgent concerns should be reported immediately.
• Program Support: Assist CIEE London staff with program logistics, group management, and other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator.
• Conflict Resolution: Help mediate conflicts and facilitate constructive dialogue among students to promote a respectful and positive living environment.
• Administrative Responsibilities: Complete incident reports accurately and promptly, attend required staff meetings and training sessions, and communicate important program information to students through WhatsApp or in person.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with CIEE London staff to support student wellbeing and the overall objectives of the program.
• Other Duties: Perform other reasonable duties as assigned

What a typical day as an RA can look like:

·      Morning check-in with students.

·      Answering housing questions.

·      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

·      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: Housing at the group accommodation residence and public transportation pass for travel to occasional program activities with students.