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Apply to Work Abroad with International Programs

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Job Listings

The following positions are for students who will be traveling abroad for the following school year or summer. Please review the job descriptions and details for applying. IPRAs, Media Coordinators, Rise ambassadors, and Library ambassadors are student employees who are hired prior to their abroad program. International Programs students should ensure they have completed all necessary hiring paperwork with Student Employment before departing for their program. Other student jobs are available once in your program; your program director will reach out in the first month of your time abroad. For any additional inquiries please email Kelly Peterson, Assistant Director of International Programs, at kelly.peterson@pepperdine.edu. 

Resident Advisors (IPRA)

The International Programs RA position is an extremely vital one. The IPRAs are servant leaders who develop relationships with students as they learn about themselves, faith, and the Pepperdine community. The IPRA develops such relationships through everyday conversations, programming, accountability, and peer counseling.

   How do I apply to be an IP RA?

Once students are accepted to a program and sign their contracts, they are eligible to apply for an IPRA position. The application will be available on Via on October 30th.  The application deadline is November 13th at noon.

To apply:

  1. Log in to Via and click on my programs.
  2. Then on your program click "View Details."
  3. Scroll down to where it says "My Forms" and click on the "IPRA application."
   Do I have to complete an interview for the role?

Following your initial application stage, select candidates will be chosen to complete an interview with IP global staff and faculty-in-residence. For certain candidates, a secondary interview may also be required. We strongly encourage you to review the Virtual RA Interview Best Practices  for tips on how to prepare for a prospective interview. 

   What are the qualifications needed to become an IP RA?

Due to the nature of the RA responsibilities and the expectation that RAs serve as campus leaders and role models, minimum eligibility to be an RA is based on, but not limited to, the requirements listed below:

  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and status as a full-time student throughout the commitment period (cumulative and semester).
  • Must have a signed academic year contract or summer program contract (unless you are applying for DC Fall or DC Spring).
  • Must maintain good conduct standing; cannot be placed on university academic or disciplinary probation.
  • Availability to live in the room designated by the program staff as most advantageous to the program. In most every case you will be able to select your roommate(s) (Buenos Aires excluded).
  • Availability for RA program orientations and trainings, as required.
  • Flexible travel to program: you may be required to depart early for additional training.
   Where can I learn more about the role?

For details about the position, please review the IPRA contract.
Join the IPRA information session. If you missed the webinar, the recording is posted here under the program specific tab.

   If I want to be an IP RA, do I have to attend any sort of orientation or training?

Yes! It is required that the IPRAs attend their trainings. 

Academic Year IPRAs: 

  • Assist with Orientation on April 5th
  • Training Day 1: February 25, 2025, 6-9pm
  • Training Day 2: March 28, 2025, 4-6pm
  • Zoom Training during the summer before your program begins (usually in July).

Summer IPRAs:

  • Assist with Orientation on March 12th
  • Training Day 1: February 25, 2025, 6-9pm
  • Training Day 2: March 21, 2025, 4-6pm

 

Media Coordinators

The media coordinator’s role is two-fold. First, as the media coordinator, it is your responsibility to document the year for your group by capturing videos and photos and producing short films that will be regularly posted. Second, you will maintain regular contact with the Malibu IP office and will take on occasional special projects as needed. You will also submit photos and raw video footage to be used in current and future marketing materials. Applicants must be going abroad for the full academic year (with the exception of Washington, D.C.).

  How do I apply to be a media coodinator?

Once students are accepted to a program and sign their contracts, they are eligible to apply for the media coordinator role. The application deadline is April 6th. 

Complete the application here. 

  Do I have to complete an interview for the role?

Following your initial application stage, select candidates will be chosen to complete an interview. You will be asked to share a portfolio of your work for the interview.

  What are the qualifications needed to become a media coordinator?

Requirements:

  • Attending a full academic year program (exception: DC semester students may apply)
  • A love for photography and videography is essential to this role!
  • Experience in editing and video production.
  • Experience in photography and editing.
  • You will use your own photography and videography equipment. Some programs have limited equipment to borrow for the time abroad. 
  • Your hours may not exceed 20 per month. Pay rate is the standard Malibu wage per hour.
  • You must attend a mandatory training session via zoom this summer. Date TBD. 
  Where can I learn more about the role?

Please start with reviewing the job description contract.

 

Library Ambassadors

Student employees are vital to our operations in the Libraries, especially in our International Programs locations. Each IP location (with the exception of Washington D.C.) has an International Programs Library Ambassador (IPLA). The IPLA position offers students the opportunity to learn new skills, develop a better understanding of library work, and make lasting connections within the Pepperdine community.

  How do I apply to be a library ambassador?

Complete the application to apply to be your program's library ambassador! The application is due April 6th.

  What are the qualifications needed to become the library ambassador?

Both semester and academic year students are encouraged to apply! No particular major is needed to apply — we know the Library Ambassador position will be a valuable addition to your resume regardless of your career goals.

  What are the responsibilites of the library ambassador?

The person in this position is expected to work 5 hours per week (which includes office hours). The IPLA is encouraged to build their own schedule, which may include weekends if they'd like, but most often falls Monday–Thursday. Their tasks include:

  • Manage the physical IP library collections
  • Assist students and faculty with research and reference questions
  • Provide technical support for ebooks
  • Serve as the peer writing consultant
  • Act as a liaison between the IP campus and the Malibu campus
  • Promote library resources at the IP campus
  • Complete additional projects as assigned

 

RISE Ambassadors

The RISE IP Ambassador will represent the Resilience-Informed Skills Education (RISE) Program abroad and reflect a passion for spreading awareness, education and information about resilience to the community. RISE is hoping to hire one (1) RISE IP Ambassador at each year-long International Programs location. This position will average two (2) hours of work per week. Students will work at their respective International Programs locations.

  How do I apply to be a Rise ambassador?

Apply on handshake here. Please apply with an attached copy of your resume and cover letter to sergio.gallardo@pepperdine.edu. The application is due April 6th.

  What are the qualifications needed to become the Rise ambassador?
  • Being part of an International Program for the entirety of the 2025-2026 academic year (except DC you may apply as semester only student).
  • Deep interest in resilience
  • Excellent organizational/time management skills
  • Willingness to learn and collaborate well with a team
  • (Preferred) Familiarity with research, presentation development, public speaking, and coaching skills. Familiarity with Google Suite (Drive, Forms, Sheets, etc.)
  What are the responsibilites of the Rise ambassador?
  • Attend a training session in Malibu in Spring 2025
  • 1:1 weekly supervisory meeting
  • Developing familiarity with RISE materials, curriculum, and education
  • Sharing resilience content at weekly IP meetings
  • Implementation and execution of monthly small-scale programs from inception to takedown, including advertising, marketing, and logistics
  • Marketing RISE Coaching for abroad students
  • Other duties as assigned