Arabic Language Immersion Program - Morocco Youth Trip Leaders

Legacy International’s Arabic Language Immersion Program (ALI) for U.S. High School Students. (http://www.legacyintl.org)

This 6 week program offers 20 students and two adult group leaders the opportunity to explore new cultures, develop friendships, and increase knowledge of Arabic language and Moroccan / Islamic culture. The program is intensive, academic, and highly interactive.

Dates: June 15 - July 30, 2010 (This includes staff orientation and wrap-up.)

Group Leader Responsibilities:
* Responsible for effectively managing the group dynamic and ensuring safety throughout the program, beginning with the pre-departure orientation in Washington, D.C. until the group’s return to the U.S. (Candidates unable to be in the U.S. at the beginning and end of the program will not be considered.)
* Attend Arabic language classes along with the students, closely monitoring classroom behavior between students and teachers, reporting to Program Coordinator.
* Closely monitor behavior in host family settings.
* Conduct weekly individual and group debriefs with students to deepen learning and evaluate program effectiveness.
* Travel with the group on all outings.
* Mentor youths, helping with cultural adjustment and offering behavioral guidance; making sure timely communications with parents have occurred; solving any host family / roommate problems; monitoring cultural and religious needs. Anticipate the needs of the youths. Be proactive.
* Create opportunities for cultural sharing and facilitate cross-cultural communication.
* Serve as part of the team with Legacy's Moroccan partners to create a warm, harmonious learning environment for the youths, maintaining standards of health, safety, and program quality consistent with program goals, and offering consistent guidance and discipline as necessary.
* Oversee evaluation processes and assist with post program activities.

Key Hiring Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
* Proven ability to work with and lead high school students, preferably in a travel program setting.
* Proven ability to adapt to cultures / settings different from one’s own. Preference given to those who have traveled in Arab world.
* Facile with creating multiple strategies for keeping the group engaged in a long term learning process.
* Conversant to fluent Arabic language ability. (Preferable if applicant also has some working knowledge of French.)
* Ability to mentor teens and facilitate creative and self-motivated learning.
* Has demonstrated, practical, working knowledge of: group management, discussion leading, creative/critical thinking, and problem solving.
* Ability to establish priorities, respond to unanticipated needs, and work under pressure.
* Ability and aptitude to properly administer the group’s budget / travel funds, as established by Legacy International, maintaining an accurate record of expenditures following Legacy’s fiscal requirements.
* First aid and CPR certified (current).
* U.S. Citizen or authorized to work in the U.S.