International Orientation Leader Program

International Orientation Leaders (IOLs) help welcome a group of new undergraduate international students to the W&M community and assist with in-person international student orientation welcome activities.

Not only do IOLs help foster a fun and welcoming environment during International Student Orientation, but they also introduce new students to the university from a student perspective. The advice and support IOLs give to new students are invaluable-- they provide one of the most important parts of welcoming our new students!

Apply to be an International Orientation Leader in Fall 2025!

Love William & Mary? Want to welcome new international students to the university? The Office of International Students, Scholars & Programs (ISSP) is seeking enthusiastic undergraduate students to serve as International Orientation Leaders to provide pre-arrival support and mentoring for incoming international students and help run in-person activities during International Student Orientation.

As an International Orientation Leader (IOL), you will:

• Assist W&M’s newest international students as they transition to life in the U.S.
• Serve as a mentor for a group of new graduate international students by providing pre-arrival support and mentoring over the summer
• Stay in touch with students in your group via virtual platforms (e.g., email, text, video chat) before they arrive and answer their questions about life at William & Mary
• Check-in with your group of students at least 3 times (via email or other forms of communication) during the Fall 2025 semester
• Lead Target shopping trips – IOLs will be required to drive a W&M 12-passenger van
• Assist with ISSP’s Welcome Table
• Lead ISSP’s New International Student Social Event
• Other duties as assigned

Why become an International Orientation Leader (IOL)? Share in these benefits:

• Leadership: Enhance your advising and leadership experience
• Equity & Inclusion: Develop intercultural competencies through working with a diverse student population.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Gain skills to build collaborative relationships with students. Strengthen ability to work with diverse populations.
• Critical Thinking: Opportunities to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems.
• Compensation: $13.50/hour

International Orientation Leaders (IOLs) must be:

• Be a currently enrolled freshman, sophomore, or junior
• Have a strong interest in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Be professional and enthusiastic
• Be an ambassador for W&M (e.g., knowledgeable and excited about W&M; serve as a role model to the students)
• Have organizational and time management skills
• Have the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license
• Must have completed a W&M van certification training course OR be eligible to complete the course (provide a complete driving record for a U.S. driver’s license for the past 2 years and have not had a moving violation within the past year)
• Available to serve as Orientation Leaders over the summer and approximately 12-15 hours during International Student Orientation, August 21-26, 2025

Application Timeline & Calendar for Summer & Fall 2025

Thank you for your interest in serving as an International Orientation Leader! Questions? Please contact Lauren Devan.