Bethel University is seeking a student-centered and globally minded Global Education Advisor to walk alongside students as they discern, prepare for, and reflect on transformative off-campus learning experiences. This role plays a vital part in advancing Bethel’s commitment to Christ-centered education by helping students connect their academic goals, vocational calling, and global engagement through study abroad and domestic off-campus programs.

The Global Education Advisor is responsible for providing high-touch guidance and support to Bethel University students throughout all phases of their off-campus study experiences—from initial exploration and program selection to pre-departure preparation, on-site support, and re-entry/alumni engagement. This crucial role ensures a coordinated and academically sound experience for all students seeking global and domestic off-campus study, with a specialized focus on the administration and oversight of all third-party off-campus programs. The Advisor is central to expanding campus-wide engagement, serving as the primary liaison with academic departments, and overseeing the advising and promotion of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS), as well as providing support to International Student Services (ISS).

The starting salary for this role is $45,000 annually.

This position requires U.S. work authorization; sponsorship is not available.

Study Abroad Advising and Full-Cycle Support - 55%

• Serve as the primary expert and advisor for all students seeking semester, January, and summer off-campus programs (Bethel-led and third-party provider).
• Provide personalized, developmental advising that covers the entire off-campus experience cycle:
  • Program Selection & Academic Fit: Advise students on matching program options to their academic plan, major/minor requirements, and career goals, including course equivalency guidance and managing the internal course approval process.
  • Counsel students on program budgets, fee structures, and the impact of external financial aid; generating unique program cost estimation worksheets in coordination with the Office of Financial Aid.
  • Plan and conduct mandatory pre-departure orientations and other needed cross-cultural training sessions. Advise students on passport, visa applications, international travel arrangements, and country-specific (safety) information.
• Serve as the point of contact for students concerning health, safety, and security matters; assisting with emergency and crisis response procedures for students on third-party programs in coordination with the Associate Dean.
• Manage communication and support throughout the student journey: pre-departure, while on-site, during re-entry, and as alumni.
• Develop and implement initiatives focused on re-entry and alumni engagement to help students unpack, articulate, and integrate their off-campus learning back into their academic and professional lives.

Nationally Competitive Scholarship (NCS) Advising and Oversight - 15%

• Serve as the primary NCS Advisor and Certifier for Bethel University (e.g., Gilman, Fulbright, Boren, Critical Language Scholarship).
• Maintain current, in-depth knowledge of nationally competitive scholarship requirements, deadlines, and application processes.
• Proactively promote NCS opportunities across campus through targeted workshops, presentations, and digital outreach.
• Guide and support students through the rigorous NCS application, essay writing, and interview preparation processes, ensuring all institutional certifications and approvals are completed accurately and on time.

Academic & Cross-Department Collaboration - 15%

• Act as the International and Off-Campus Programs liaison for off campus programs to all Bethel colleges and academic departments.
• In coordination with the Associate Dean, establish and maintain active, regular engagement with faculty in every discipline to proactively identify, source, and recommend program options that fulfill major and minor requirements.
• Coordinate on-campus presence, events, and information sessions within colleges to ensure every discipline is aware of and able to take advantage of off-campus opportunities.
• Liaise closely with on-campus partners (e.g., Career Development & Calling, Office of Financial Aid, Registrar) to ensure a seamless student experience.

Third-Party Provider, Finance, and Administration - 10%

• Serve as the primary point of contact and relationship manager for third-party program providers and consortium partners.
• Ensure current affiliation/consortium agreements and financial structures are in place and updated as necessary.
• Be the contact person for foreign transcript-related questions/support needed, liaising with the Registrar's Office for efficient credit transfer.
• Manage the collection of invoices from third-party providers and initiate timely payment requests, maintaining high-level oversight of program billing.
• Manage and maintain the Study Abroad application system/database ( Via TRM), ensuring data integrity for advising, reporting, and institutional records.
• Assume other administrative responsibilities pertaining to key operations of the role.

International Student Services (DSO) Support - 5%

• Serve as a back up Designated School Official (DSO) on the International Student Services team to provide support to the international student community.
• Help facilitate a smooth transition for new and returning international students and offer guidance, resources, and assistance related to campus life and federal regulations.
• Note: The percentage of responsibilities in this area may grow provided the growth of need for international student support and services.

• Exceptional advising and interpersonal communication skills, with a focus on student development and support.
• Ability to exercise good judgement and discretion in dealing with sensitive information and confidential matters.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, essential for managing complex applications, financial data, and scholarship processes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and utilize complex digital application systems/databases.
• Ability to travel, typically consisting of one international trip per year and one or two domestic conferences annually.
• Knowledge of federal F-1 visa regulations and SEVIS processes, or the demonstrated ability to quickly acquire this knowledge and obtain DSO certification, if needed.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suites.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Bethel University.

Required Experience

• 2+ years of related experience. 

Preferred Experience

• 4+ years of related experience. 
• Personal experience studying, living, or working abroad.
• Experience with CRM or application management software (e.g., Via TRM, Terra Dotta).
• Prior experience or training related to F-1 student advising (DSO).

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Experience or demonstrated knowledge of best practices in study abroad and cross-cultural advising is a plus.

Travel: This position requires strategic travel, typically consisting of one international trip per year and one or two domestic conferences annually.

Work Environment: 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, photocopiers, and smartphones. 

The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university in which all employees are expected to have a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of the University, and an agreement to abide by all University policies.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. The job requires extended periods of sitting and traversing the Bethel Campus on a regular basis. Reasonable accommodations may be made to ensure people are able to perform the essential functions. 

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. 

Expected Hours of Work: 

Typically, days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, with the expectation to work specific schedules and hours as identified and communicated by management. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. This is generally a 40 hour per week position, working 12 months per year.

All employees of Bethel University must agree to and abide by the Affirmation of Faith, and support all other beliefs as Biblical, responsible, and thoughtful approaches while avoiding dissension and divisiveness and making a positive contribution to the emphasis of inclusive excellence.

Bethel is committed to offering meaningful benefits to our employees including health insurance, retirement plans, and a generous time off package. Learn more about these offerings here.

Learn more about our commitment to diversity in hiring .

Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 4,700 students from 50 states and 32 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel offers bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields. Educationally excellent classroom-based and online programs equip graduates to make exceptional contributions in life-long service to God and the world.

Bethel University’s Christ-centered mission includes a commitment to equal educational opportunity and equal employment opportunity. Bethel does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, or age in its admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

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