Program leader
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Contents |
Overview of the role
A Program Leader is a volunteer who accompanies a group of AFS participants on a summer program and, unlike the flight Chaperone, remains with the group during their entire stay abroad. Each year AFS-USA offers several programs that require one or more adult Program Leaders. While the Program Leader’s role varies somewhat according to the program, each offers a unique opportunity to develop an understanding of a different culture while improving personal leadership and group management skills.
All leaders are expected to share in the group’s cultural experience by fulfilling the following responsibilities:
- Assume responsibility for the welfare of a high school age group of participants
- Respond to unexpected logistical and other challenges in a culturally sensitive way
- Communicate regularly with participants in preparation for departure, and encourage them to contact each other.
- Help create a sense of team before departure. The goal is that all participants will have a sense of group membership and inclusion prior to departure from the U.S.
- Build team spirit during the AFS experience
- Facilitate cross-cultural learning by helping the students identify cultural traits of the host community and to frame their experience within the cultural adjustment cycle
- Assist participants with group interaction, host family adjustment, home sicknesses, helping to facilitate projects, orientation activities and disciplinary situations
- Act as a group leader during the overnight Gateway Orientation prior to departure
- Optional, but highly encouraged: develop, either alone or in cooperation with participants, a blog, photo essay, or short video documenting the group's cultural experience. This documentation will help explain the benefits of the program to potential future participants, their parents, school communities, etc. For examples of similar material, see AFSTV,
This assignment requires approximately 20 hours of related work prior to departure, including training with Program Services Staff, Participant Support Staff, individual review of participant guides and orientation materials (welcome booklets, safety tips, etc), Culture Trek, participation in a conference call with a returnee, and communication with participants individually as needed. Once the program begins, you will be fulfilling Program Leader duties for the duration of the program. Upon return to the U.S. in August, the assignment requires 5-10 hours of follow-up to debrief, submit an expense report, and complete a written evaluation of the program.
For more details, see Program Leader Handbook.
Program Leader Position summary for 2012
| Program | Program Leaders Needed | Program Length | Approx. Departure Date* | Approx. Return Date* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana Summer Community Service/Team Mission Program | 2 U.S. program leaders | 4 wks | Jun 19-22, 2012 | Jul 22-25, 2012 |
| Costa Rica Summer Community Service Program | 1 U.S. program leader to co-lead with Costa Rican counterpart | 4 wks | Jun 25-28, 2012 | Jul 29-Aug 1, 2012 |
| France Summer Language Study Program | 1 U.S. program leader | 4 wks | Jun 26-29, 2012 | Jul 28-31, 2012 |
Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Be an active, registered AFS Volunteer with 2+ years of experience
- Be at least 22 years of age
- France Program Leader must speak French
- Costa Rica Program Leader must be physically fit and able to carry their belongings in a backpack - plus first aid kit and program materials - while traveling over rough terrain. Leader must also be willing to stay in rustic conditions. Previous hiking, camping, backpacking experience a plus.
Preference given to applicants with:
- experience in the host country and knowledge of its culture
- ability to speak language of the host country
- experience working with groups of teenagers
- significant experience as an AFS volunteer, especially in support-related roles
- blogging, photography, or documentary video production experience
How to Apply
Instructions for Summer 2012:
Step 1: Review program descriptions on the AFS USA website (links in the table above) which outline the content of each program.
Step 2: Complete the 2012 Program Leader Application (.pdf) and send it as an attachment via email to the Program Services Team by Thursday, March 1, 2012. Please submit a resume or cv along with your completed application.
Step 3: Ask 2 references to complete and submit a Reference Form (.pdf) on your behalf. At least 1 reference must be from an AFS volunteer leader with whom you work at the chapter or team level. The other reference can be from a colleague or other individual with knowledge about your qualifications and who is willing to endorse you for the position. Please ask your references to complete the Program Leader Reference Form (.pdf) and submit it via email attachment to the Program Services Team by March 1, 2012.
Having trouble opening or saving the .pdf file? Download and install the free, current version of the Adobe Reader. Still having trouble? Email USAsending@afs.org and we'll help you out.
Finalists
Step 4: Finalists will be invited to attend a telephone interview in the 2 week period between March 5 and March 16th, 2012.
Step 5: Application materials and interview reports will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of AFS USA staff, volunteers, and former program leaders. Selection Committee Meeting Decisions will be announced no later than March 30th, 2012. Program Leaders and Alternates will be asked to accept the position and confirm their participation by April 6, 2012.
Step 6: Selected leaders will be required to submit the following by April 13th, 2012:
- Program Leaders and Alternates will be asked to have a physical exam and submit a health certificate, signed by a physician, certifying that they are physically fit to fulfill the responsibilities of a program leader. Participation in the program is contingent on review and acceptance of your medical forms.
- a signed copy of the Program Leader Participation Agreement
- 3 passport photos
- A digital profile picture and several photos of you with family and friends to be used during the hostfamily placement process
Alternates
Finalists who are not chosen as a Program Leader may be offered a position as an alternate. The alternate will replace the Program Leader if they are unable to fulfill their commitment to lead the program. This option will be discussed with finalists at the time of notification.
Financial Arrangements
AFS-USA Covers: The Program Leader’s participation fee, training, round-trip domestic and international travel, lodging and meals during the gateway orientation, host family placement, meals (eaten as a group or provided by the host family), and on-program transportation.
Program Leader Covers: Application costs (including physical exam), visa and passport fees (Ghana visa costs approx $100. No visa needed for Costa Rica or France) and any necessary inoculations (Yellow Fever vaccine required for travelers to Ghana. See CDC Website for more details), and incidental expenses.
Prior to departure Program Leaders will be provided an advance to cover program-related expenses. Upon their return, Program Leaders will submit an expense report with accompanying receipts, as per standard AFS-USA procedure.
Support
Training and support of this function is provided by the Support team under Andy Smith
