Work, Intern & Volunteer with CIEGS

The Center for International Education & Global Strategy (CIEGS) offers several opportunities for current UAlbany students. 

Employment Opportunities for UAlbany Students

Graduate Assistants (GAs)

Graduate Assistants provide administrative and programming support to the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office and are a vital part of our team year-round.  

Openings are posted in the ISSS Monthly newsletter when available.

Orientation Assistants (OAs)

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) seeks a team of dedicated and enthusiastic Orientation Assistants for every New Student Orientation.  

Orientation Assistants (OAs) welcome new students and assist them during their first days at UAlbany. We consider the OAs to be important members of the program, and we expect the appropriate commitment of time and energy from each assistant.

Openings are posted in the ISSS Monthly newsletter when available.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

To secure a Federal Work-Study (FWS) position, students must:

  1. Apply for financial aid.
  2. Be determined as eligible for Federal Work-Study.
  3. Accept the work-study offer.
  4. Apply for a work-study position using the Work-Study Employment portal.

Note: International student visa holders are not eligible for Federal Work-Study positions. They are eligible for University Student Assistant positions. 

 

Two students smile as they talk in a courtyard on UAlbany's Uptown Campus.

 

Volunteering & Internship Opportunities for UAlbany Students

Note: International students should review the International Student Employment page before starting a volunteering or internship opportunity off campus.
 

Volunteer with the Intensive English Language Program (IELP)

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) provides intensive language and culture training to international students learning English.  

Email [email protected] to sign up as an IELP volunteer.
 

Reasons to volunteer with IELP

  • Learn about diverse cultures while helping IELP international students improve their English-speaking skills. 
  • Earn academic credit for community service with IELP through the Community & Public Service Program (undergraduate students only). 
  • Earn hours toward a Peace Corps Prep Certificate and/or a Global Distinction Transcript Milestone (undergraduate students only).
     

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Conversation Club: Attend the weekly Conversation Club from 11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Fridays with IELP students. Meet people, make friends and give international students learning English a chance to use their English outside of class. Assist with set-up and clean-up, as necessary. 
  • Conversation Partner Program: Meet once a week with an assigned partner for friendly conversation in English. Provide a welcoming environment for language practice and an opportunity to ask questions about university life and American culture. Sign up for the Conversation Partner Program. 
  • Social & Cultural Activities: Participate in IELP activities with students as they explore university culture and learn about the Capital Region. Join IELP students at UAlbany football, basketball and other sporting events. Join in the fun as IELP students play volleyball or Ultimate frisbee. Accompany IELP students on outings to the New York State Museum, the Pine Bush Preserve and other local attractions. 
  • IELP Orientation: Assist IELP staff with orientation sessions, campus tours, placement testing and other orientation activities. Help new international students set up their UAlbany technology and get their ID cards. Answer questions about life as a UAlbany student.  
  • Poster Presentations & IELP Graduation: Attend poster presentations given by Advanced IELP students as a capstone project. Listen to presentations, ask questions and discuss students’ findings. Assist with set-up and break-down for the poster session and IELP’s graduation ceremony. Celebrate students’ success during the graduation ceremony.  
Intern with the Intensive English Language Program (IELP)

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) provides intensive language and culture training to international students learning English.  

IELP interns gain practical training as they observe experienced teachers, assist in the English language classroom, help students with conversation skills, and provide academic workshops.  

Interns work as part of a team, while building a professional resume with practical experience.  

IELP internships are completed by undergraduate students for University credit. For more information, please contact [email protected].

Volunteer with the Albany International Representatives (AIRS) program

Whether your time abroad has come to an end or is just beginning, you can use your experience to make a positive impact at UAlbany and keep your study abroad adventure alive!

Albany International Representatives (AIRs) are students who inform and inspire prospective education abroad students and help make their plans a reality.  

AIRs help spread the word about education abroad in a variety of ways, including through campus outreach, class presentations, special events, social media and more!  

Interested in becoming an AIR? Please contact Mark Curry at [email protected].
 

Expectations for AIRs

You must attend at least three events each semester, with the time commitment ranging from one to three hours per week. This is an unpaid, volunteer position.

There are several events each semester to choose from, including:

  • Participating in our annual Education Abroad Fairs in September and February.
  • Speaking with students interested in studying abroad and sharing your experiences
  • Helping with on-campus outreach, such as information sessions, pre-departure orientations, classroom and residence hall visits, and tabling in the Campus Center or academic buildings
  • Helping with Accepted Students Day, Admissions Open Houses, and other University-wide events
  • Participating in social media outreach and video interviews
     

Reasons to volunteer as an AIR

The AIR program is an effective way to reconnect with your experience abroad while integrating yourself back into the UAlbany community. You get out of it what you put into it!  

As an AIR, you’ll be able to:

  • Talk (non-stop!) about your time abroad
  • Meet new people who share your interests, including other students who have recently gone abroad
  • Pass on your expertise to future students
  • Have fun and participate in engaging on-campus events
  • Create a culture of education abroad at UAlbany and beyond
  • Boost your resume by gaining valuable work experience in peer mentoring, public speaking, presenting, marketing, event planning and more

Students who successfully complete the AIRs program may also be eligible to receive a positive reference letter