Study Abroad Adviser

About the Role

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. This role contributes to our mission of academic and research excellence, public service, and a commitment to equity and social justice.

Summer Sessions, Study Abroad, Lifelong Learning & University Extension (SSALLEX) is the extended education division of UC Berkeley. The division offers more than 2,000 summer courses, study abroad experiences, internships, and year‑round programs to a diverse global community.

The Study Abroad Adviser advises students on all aspects of the Berkeley Study Abroad programs, including UC Education Abroad Program, Dual Degree programs, and Berkeley‑administered study abroad packages. The Adviser serves as the primary point of contact for students, provides academic, health and safety, and cultural advising, and participates in committees, work groups, and projects as directed by Assistant Directors.

• Provides advice and guidance to students on all aspects of their international academic experience, including requirements for the campus department, school, or college that may be fulfilled abroad.
• Advises Dual Degree students on admission requirements, majors, curriculum integration, course planning, and graduation requirements.
• Liaises with L&S College advisers, departmental advisers, Admissions, the Registrar’s office, Transfer Evaluation Unit, New Student Services, and other campus departments about these students.
• Matches students to appropriate program choices, including redirecting them in cases of over‑enrollment, program closures, or other unusual circumstances.
• Advises on special eligibility requirements for host universities’ admission processes.
• Provides advice to Berkeley Study Abroad Program Managers and Administrators, as well as University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) colleagues, on student academic and cultural issues and recommends ways to improve programs and students’ experiences.
• Reads application files for programs in their region, evaluates qualifications for admission, and makes selection decisions, setting conditions for participation.
• Writes case statements and advocates for students who should be allowed to participate even if they do not have the minimum GPA requirements.
• Identifies students with low GPAs or foreign language deficiencies, advises students, recommends appropriate courses of action, and monitors fulfillment of requirements for admission and participation in Berkeley Study Abroad programs.
• Consuls students who have been denied admission or not placed.
• Prepares admissions summaries and recommendations for action to the Administrative and Faculty Directors in cases of appeal.
• Provides detailed information and advice on the cultural context, health and safety, and academic environment of the receiving country and host institution.
• Advises on complex overseas visa requirements and issues of U.S. citizenship and permanent residency as they impact a student’s ability to receive travel documents.
• Has substantial knowledge of program options outside their specific region during outreach and/or general advising, and during training of new advisers, other staff, and student staff.
• Evaluates the merits of student petitions and advises students about retroactive actions after return from study abroad; makes recommendations to college advisers and undergraduate Deans in unusual cases.
• Determines barriers, distractions, and complications affecting a student’s academic success, helps students recognize these key academic issues, and makes appropriate referrals for additional therapeutic counseling and/or assistance from other units.
• For students with disabilities or special needs, negotiates accommodation for the student between the Disabled Students Program and program providers.

• In collaboration with Berkeley Study Abroad and campus colleagues, serves as project manager and team leader across several areas, as determined by the Assistant Directors.
• Areas of responsibility may include:
  • Event Design &…