Summer Abroad On-Site Staff Application

About the role

The Summer Abroad On-Site Staff position offers a unique opportunity to share your knowledge and skills in an international setting! Here are some key aspects of the role:

• Leadership Development: You’ll have the chance to enhance your leadership skills by guiding a group of undergraduate students in an international setting.
• Support Role: As part of the Summer Abroad team, you’ll provide non-academic support to students. This could include helping them adjust to a new culture, assisting with logistical issues, helping student navigate through local resources and being a point of contact for any concerns they might have.
• Problem-Solving: The role encompasses responding to various challenges, intervening in crises, making referrals, enforcing policies, and ensuring the overall wellbeing of residents, all of which help you hone your problem-solving skills.
• Team Collaboration: You’ll work closely with other members of the Woodsworth College Summer Abroad team, fostering a collaborative environment to ensure the program runs smoothly and students have a positive experience.

The number of OSS positions, eligibility, application processes, terms of engagement, provisions and responsibilities vary according to the specific Summer Abroad destination. Previous experience supporting Summer Abroad students is preferred. Additionally, evaluations from students regarding past on-site staff will be considered. OSS are employed for about four weeks from May to August.

Minimum Qualifications

Applications are encouraged only from candidates who meet the stated minimum qualifications.

• Extensive experience dealing with students in a don/residence setting;
• Experience with faculty-led international academic programs;
• Extensive knowledge about the relevant Summer Abroad site;
• Be able to effectively work in a respectful manner with people from different cultures and backgrounds;
• Ability to adapt and respond quickly and effectively in potential crisis situations while in unfamiliar environments,
• Self-motivated and ability to problem solve; ability to be creative and resourceful; conflict resolution skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and empathy; be able to remain calm, patient, and adaptable in high stress situations;
• Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude around students and instructors;
• Detail-oriented and organized; excellent time management skills and experience multi-tasking within tight deadlines as a team;
• Excellent interpersonal, management, and leadership skills;
• Be responsible, punctual and reliable;
• Be able to collaborate with colleagues as one team and take initiatives to build community with students;
• Proficiency in the local language; Fluency in multiple languages is an asset;
• Emergency/ Standard First Aid & CPR-C certification; Awareness of risk management;
• Bachelor's Degree completed in a relevant discipline. University of Toronto graduate/ postgraduate student preferred.

The OSS position is not open to current undergraduate students.

Summer Abroad On-Site Staff report to the Director of Professional and International Programs (Summer Abroad) and works closely with the Summer Abroad Program Manager. 

Summer Abroad Program Details and Dates

• Learn more about each Summer Abroad program, include the program dates by viewing the details on the respective Summer Abroad program page.
• On-Site Staff are expected to travel to the site 2-3 days before the program starts; live at the same residence with students; travel with the group on all field trips and leave 1 day after the end of the program.
• On-Site Staff Training sessions are usually held in-person in Toronto in April. The mandatory pre-departure orientation (online) is usually held at least one month before the program begins. 

Job Position Details

Number of Positions

Apply online using the application form. 

Link to the 2026 Summer Abroad On-Site Staff application form: Summer Abroad ON-Site Staff Application (2026 summer) – Fill out form

You will need to submit separate application for each site if you wish to be considered for multiple sites.

Applications submitted via email will not be considered.

Deadline: 4 Jan 2026

What is the size of each group?

Most courses have 25-30 students. 

When will I find out if I've been selected?

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person interview scheduled for January.