Student Services Advisor

March 2026 Start

Reporting to: Deputy London Director

The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) was founded in 1964 and since then, over 1.6 million students have participated in our educational and cultural exchange programs. Typically over 6,500 American college students study abroad each year with AIFS Abroad— approximately 2,500 of these are on customised, faculty-led programs and approximately 4,000 study at local universities in Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Job Summary/Main Purpose

AIFS Abroad has two vacancies for one permanent and one temporary summer Student Services Advisor in its London Global Education Centre. These roles will be part of the Student Services Team, ensuring effective planning and delivery of AIFS Abroad programmes including study abroad, customised faculty-led and internships.

As an AIFS Student Services Advisor you will arrange cultural activities and excursions, as well as support all AIFS participants with adapting to a new culture, providing a culturally enriching experience, and assisting them with any issues they may encounter.  Student Services Advisors are often the first point of contact for all AIFS participants, providing support and guidance as needed.  Each session brings something different, leading to a varied work experience.  For example, summer is a peak time for AIFS, so the role will be mainly office or excursions based with limited opportunities to work from home.   

This position would suit a recent graduate who has an interest in international education and ideally who studied abroad. If you are enthusiastic, enjoy meeting people and want to work with students, then please read on:

Responsibilities

• Participate in a team of on-site student and academic services staff to deliver support services, health and safety information, a cultural programme, counselling/advice and housing services to visiting U.S students and interns.
• Provide support to students with issues and concerns as they arise.
• Assist with the preparation of student housing
• Serve on a duty rota, providing emergency cover for students with the aid of a duty mobile telephone. You will be on call for one week approximately every 5 or 6 weeks and you must be in London.
• Under the supervision of the Deputy London Director, assist in the planning of upcoming AIFS programmes – booking guides, coaches, organising fieldtrips, housing, classrooms, and other programme components as required.
• Collaborate with the team on preparation of social and cultural activities and general forward planning for programmes.
• To assist in welcoming, and meeting with, U.S. campus administrators during site visits.
• Occasional evening duties and weekend work (cultural events, going on academic and cultural excursions, welcome receptions, extended office hours). This will require working extended hours via a flexi-time arrangement.
• Proofing all programme details, including ensuring programme itineraries are complete, booking information is correct and reconfirming bookings.
• Prepare welcome materials for groups including information on programme components (housing, visits, directions, etc.)
• Check flight information and assist in coordinating the logistics for arrivals days including transfers, staffing and events.
• Participate in arrivals days, including airport meet and greets and welcoming students into housing.
• Accompany students and faculty on academic field trips.
• Plan and deliver delegated information sessions as part of the orientation programme.
• Any other duties as required.  

Performance Indicators

• To achieve at least 90% excellent and good combined in all on student evaluation forms.
• To achieve positive feedback from programme faculty and U.S. co-ordinators.
• To complete assigned tasks within the allotted timeframes.

Skills Required

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Numeracy and ability to maintain records of expenditure.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and think creatively to resolve problems.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and a confident and helpful manner to relate to U.S. faculty and students in a customer service role.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team and larger site-based team.
• Commitment to quality, flexibility, good interpersonal skills, ability to prioritise.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office programs.

Desirable

• Experience living, working or studying abroad.
• Experience of working in Higher Education and/or the study abroad field.

Salary and Benefits

In return for a minimum of a 35-hour working week Monday to Friday, and additional hours according to programme needs:

• 20 days paid holiday a year pro rata plus bank and public holidays. Some weekend days of work will be required as part of the contract. Salary Range £29,000 - £31,000 per annum dependent on experience

How to Apply

Please send a current CV and covering letter detailing your suitability for the role via the ‘Apply’ button above (e: collegejobs@aifs.co.uk) by Friday 27 February.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Applicants must be able to provide documentary evidence of their eligibility to work in the UK.

AIFS UK Ltd is committed to building and sustaining an inclusive, diverse, and equitable working and learning environment for all students, staff, and faculty and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, nationality, ethnic or national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We make recruitment decisions based on applicants’ skills, experience and knowledge, and ensure all applicants are treated equitably.