International Mentor job in San Jose

Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) is hiring for its seasonal summer staff positions -- positions based outside the USA, working alongside teens on service-learning programs. More information and details on the positions and how to apply can be found on our seasonal staff page.

WHO WE ARE:
We are Global Leadership Adventures (GLA), a fast-growing company committed to delivering life-changing journeys for high school students. Our mission is to inspire the next generation to realize their potential to transform the world and their role in it. We proudly operate service-learning programs in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

THE POSITIONS:
GLA has welcomed and trained hundreds of staff from all over the world to lead superior quality trips. Each year, trip leaders (International Directors & Mentors) are carefully selected from a pool of highly qualified, well-traveled, passionate educators who are seeking a fulfilling summer experience abroad. Our International teams are hired to work in collaboration with our local counterparts. All positions are based outside the USA and require a minimum commitment to the program dates.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree
• A minimum of two years of experience working with teens - teaching in a classroom or in an alternative education setting
• Mastery relating with teenagers
• Extensive international travel experience
• Flexibility - Our staff have the ability to find comfort in the discomfort, no matter what the day’s wifi connectivity is!
• Exceedingly personable and positive demeanor
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and cross-cultural awareness
• Collaborative in nature; skilled in problem solving
• Good physical and mental health. Staff must posses the ability to actively participate in all elements of the program’s experience
• Ability to talk things out - willingness to express your professional opinions while considering your personal feelings and the feelings of your colleagues
• Natural aptitude to motivate and energize students in a variety of settings and situations

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS:
Mentors: CPR and First Aid Certification
International Directors: CPR and First Aid Certification.
*Note: GLA does not accept online CPR/First Aid certifications. Certifications must be attained prior to staff’s contract start date and will be at the expense of the candidate.

PREFERRED EXTRAS:
• Fluent in Spanish for programs in Spanish-speaking countries
• Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications may be required for certain programs in remote locations; an additional stipend is offered for staff certified as a WFR or WAFA/WFA, or Open Water Lifeguard Certification (for water-based programs)
• Extensive experience in the country or region where you are interested in working
• Advanced language skills in a language of the country where you are interested in working
• Ability to swim, hike, surf and lead a solid ice-breaker
• Strong biology background - for biologically diverse programs like the Galapagos
• Master's degree in a field related to the program theme

Mentors participate in all aspects of programming alongside students including community service and excursions. Mentors facilitate activities implementing GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum as well as discussion and reflection sessions to help students process their experiences. Mentors will facilitate discussions directly with a small group of students regularly and occasionally lead activities with larger groups of students.

• Participate fully in GLA Mentor Training including:

 - Read and prepare questions on all resources provided by GLA
 - Attend online Webinar Workshop trainings prior to the summer
 - Participate in introductory and planning calls with your team
 - Attend In-Country Training 5 days before the start of your program

• Work to uphold positive group dynamic 
• Live alongside students; you have responsibility for the students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while programs are in operation
• Protect the health and safety of students at all times
• Work as part of a team to implement GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum
• Mentor and counsel students through personal growth experiences
• Provide constructive feedback for further program and curriculum development 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

You must be available for the full range of dates to apply for a position within a program. Please review our website for program dates. Note: International Directors must be available 7 days prior to the program start date. Mentors must be available 5 days prior. Both are required to stay two days after the program end date. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Competitive stipend starting at $525/week for International Directors and $375/week for Mentors 
• Living expenses (food and lodging), including days in-between program sessions
• Roundtrip airfare to your program site 
• Flexibility to extend travel plans before or after contract dates
• Medical Insurance for the duration of your contract
• International work experience alongside like-minded individuals
• Professional development and networking opportunities
• 4-day professional training in either beautiful Mexico or Costa Rica, all expenses paid (International Directors only). 
• The ability to make an impact on students and local communities
• Awesome “Be the Change” t-shirt

HOW TO APPLY:

Fill out and submit an online application. You will be asked to upload a cover letter, resume, and submit two references. Applicants who do not complete the entire application process will not be considered. If you experience any issues or do not receive a confirmation email, please email madison@experiencegla.com.

 Your cover letter should highlight your experience in facilitating experiential education programs, youth development and leadership, and experience in the country or region where you are interested in working.  Positions are competitive, so we recommend applying early.