Student Ambassadors
USA Pavilion and University of Virginia Student Ambassador Program
The USA Pavilion at Expo 2012 will present an interactive, exciting and educational story that highlights America’s relationship with the Expo theme of the “Living Ocean and Coast.” Featuring the themes of Diversity, Wonder and Solutions, the USA Pavilion will share the voices and hopes of the American people with our friends and partners in Korea and around the globe. The 12,000-square foot exhibition space will house exhibits and programming that represent the unique and diverse nature of America’s ocean and coastal environments and communities.
College undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to be part of this once in a lifetime experience through the Student Ambassador Program, a partnership between the USA Pavilion and the University of Virginia. This program recruits and trains volunteer students to serve as guides and national representatives for the United States at Expo 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea.
For more information on Expo 2012, Yeosu Korea please visit: http://eng.expo2012.kr/.
The program provides students with:
- The opportunity to represent the USA and its States to the millions of people who will visit Expo 2012;
- A unique educational experience as countries, organizations and businesses showcase their research and technological innovations as they relate to the Expo theme;
- Valuable experience living and working in Korea and in an international setting to prepare students for future involvement on the global stage of international relations and business; and
- UVa credit via an accompanying online course, GDS 3220 Making Culture Visible While Studying Abroad.
Program Description:
- Student Ambassadors will act as the face of America and will interact directly with visitors as well as with Pavilion staff, partners, government officials and dignitaries;
- Student Ambassadors will rotate positions within the Pavilion throughout the Expo (positions: greeters, admin support, protocol support, sponsor/marketing coordination and programming support);
- A Director of the Student Ambassador Program, in conjunction with the USA Pavilion Management team, will be on site throughout the Expo; and
- Student Ambassadors will complete ten days of on-site training before the Expo opens in addition to pre-departure preparatory workshops (online).
Participation in the program includes:
- Roundtrip travel to/from Yeosu;
- Entry visa;
- Housing (apartment style suites with individual bedrooms);
- Stipend of $20/day to cover the cost of meals and incidentals;
- Emergency medical insurance;
- Orientation, training, and on-site support; and
- GDS 3220 Making Culture Visible While Studying Abroad, one-credit UVa course.
Program Dates and Time:
- Student Ambassadors arrive May 2 for ten days of orientation and training. Expo 2012 runs from May 12th to August 12th, 2012 and Student Ambassadors will serve throughout the duration of the Expo.
- Official Expo hours are 9:30am to 9:30pm and Student Ambassadors will be on a 4 days on/3 off work schedule (subject to change) with maximum working shift of 8 hours within the hours of 8 am and 11 pm.
Program Requirements:
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident;
- Current college undergraduate or graduate student or recent college graduate (Dec., 2011/January, 2012; April/May, 2012);
- Evidence of Korean language proficiency (ACTFL “Beginner High” or better);
- Evidence of good standing at their home university: academic and disciplinary;
- Experience in public relations, well developed interpersonal skills and a positive outlook on social and cultural diversity; and
- Familiarity with the Expo theme advantageous.
Please Note: The application has been closed as of February 10, 2012.
For more information contact the University of Virginia International Studies Office:
UVA International Studies Office
Minor Hall 223
P.O. Box 400165
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4165
www.virginia.edu/iso
434-982-3010