Cuba Semester Assistant to Students (Winter 2017)

Cuba Semester Assistant to Students, Winter 2017 semester

Contract Period: January 9 2017 – April 17 2017

Please note: Some availability in the Fall 2016 semester is also required.

The Cuba Semester Assistant will report to Dr. Erin Nelson, the Cuba Semester Abroad Coordinator.

Remuneration

The hours expected of the Assistant will vary according to the needs of the student community. The Assistant will receive reimbursement for a round-trip flight to Havana, all internal travel within Cuba that is associated with official semester activities, a $500/month living allowance, and single-room accommodations at all locations except where they are not available.

Position Summary

The Assistant will live in residence with University of Guelph students and act as a resource and support to these students while in Cuba.

The Assistant is expected to develop a quality working relationship with the staff at the National Institute for Agricultural Sciences (INCA) and University of Guantanamo (UG), and with the Cuban regional coordinator (Dr. Angel Leyva Galán) and demonstrate a commitment to providing support to these institutions and to the Cuba Semester Coordinator (Dr. Erin Nelson) responding to any issues involving Guelph students.

Student Management

  • Live in an assigned single room (whenever available) at the same institutions where students and the Semester Coordinator will be housed.
  • Serve as a resource to students in matters of adjustment to life in Cuba, health, safety, and travel in Cuba.
  • Act as liaison with INCA and UG staff regarding any issues or concerns, and every day management of the residence.
  • Understand, role model and enforce INCA, UG and University of Guelph student policies.
  • Mediate roommate and group problems with the students involved.
  • Assist students in understanding safety issues and concerns in Cuba.
  • Provide students information on Cuba such as local transportation, finding food markets, tourist destinations, etc.
  • Encourage and support students with respect to social and cultural events.
  • Hold weekly meetings with Guelph students, with or without the Coordinator present, to discuss any concerns or issues.
  • Meet with students who may be experiencing any difficulties in adjusting to life in Cuba. With the support of the Cuba Semester Coordinator, develop strategies to support these students and provide referrals when necessary.
  • Assist the Coordinator with travel reservations and arrangements as necessary.

Communication and Administration

  • Become familiar with the University of Guelph’s Students’ Rights and Responsibilities.
  • Assist Guelph students to help them to understand Cuban cultural norms relating to their stay in Cuba.
  • Communicate regularly in person with INCA and UG staff as well as the Cuban regional coordinator.
  • Jointly with the Semester Coordinator, discuss issues and concerns with students through regular meetings and discussions.
  • Report all facility issues to the institutional staff and/or the Semester Coordinator.
  • Collaborate with the Semester Coordinator to promptly address issues raised by the behavior of Guelph students.
  • Attend any required coordinating meetings.
  • In cases of persistent or gross violations of discipline, the Assistant will collaborate with INCA or UG staff, the Cuban regional coordinator and the Semester Coordinator in expelling the offender(s) from residence and the University of Guelph Cuba Semester.
  • Communicate on a daily basis with the Semester Coordinator.
  • Attend any required INCA or UG meetings.
  • Develop positive relationships with INCA and UG staff, and all members of the local residence communities.

On Call and Emergency Response

  • Both prior to and upon arrival at various sites in Cuba, review relevant University of Guelph policies and emergency procedures with the Study Abroad Manager (CIP) and the Semester Coordinator.
  • Respond to all violations of INCA, UG and/or University of Guelph policies, and to emergency and crisis situations as per response procedures agreed upon with the Semester Coordinator.
  • In the event of a medical or any other type of emergency, issue or violation involving Guelph students, the Assistant has the authority to respond in the absence of the Semester Coordinator.
  • Contact Semester Coordinator immediately in regards to an emergency, issue or violation involving a Guelph student participating in the Cuba Semester.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Completion of an undergraduate degree.
  • Fluent in Spanish language.
  • Extensive knowledge of Cuba and its customs, culture, and development issues facing the country.
  • Experience travelling and/or living in Cuba, familiarity with transportation and travel logistics within Cuba.
  • Relevant experience working in a leadership role with university students.
  • Communication and management skills.
  • Demonstrates tact, firmness and authority.

Application Instructions

Enquiries and applications should be addressed to Dr. Erin Nelson, Cuba Semester Coordinator

Applications should include a CV and cover letter.

Short-listed applicants will be interviewed prior to selection.

Closing Date:  16 September 2016

Guelph Students

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