activities

OIP EVENTS AND GROUP GATHERING

For our full schedule of events please visit our calendar. 

Group Gathering at Edmonds College encourages a more international campus by providing a safe space for students to engage in culture sharing and English practice. This event is open to all students and is a great opportunity to make new friends, learn about different cultures, and practice communication skills. 

Group Gatherings takes place every month. Each month,  we prepare a series of games to facilitate conversation, games, and activities that build communication skills and allow students to meet new people on campus. No sign up is necessary! Snacks are provided!

Questions? Email oip_desk@edmonds.edu 

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANT AND LEADER PROGRAMS

What is the International Assistant (IA) Program?

The International Assistant (IA) Program is a volunteer opportunity for students of Edmonds College to help new international students during Welcome Orientation Week. It is a great chance for you to gain cultural awareness, make new friends, and gain hands-on leadership experience. 

We are proud to say that our International Assistants and International Leaders often go on to become student leaders throughout the campus.

What is the International Leader (IL) Program?

The International Leader (IL) Program is a great way for students who were previously selected and participated in the IA program to gain a higher level of volunteer experience. The IL application process is similar to the American-style job application and is more rigorous than the IA application, but is a priceless experience to use for future job opportunities on and off campus.

Before the IA training, ILs will attend an orientation with the OIP Programming staff to discuss their role during the new student orientation and IA training, take a photo to be shown in the orientation handbook, and be introduced to the OIP office. Throughout training and orientation, ILs will lead a group of IAs through their tasks and be the first line of communication with the IAs. ILs will also be expected to work with the OIP Programming team to help navigate the different challenges that occur during orientation.

Things to Know Before You Apply:

After the program each International Assistant and International Leader will receive a certificate, volunteer hours, and demonstrated leadership experience to enhance their resume and help prepare students for future opportunities on campus and in the community. The IA program includes a 1 day training, 1-3 days of orientation and a post-orientation celebration. The IL program includes 1 pre-training orientation, assist in IA training, 1-3 days of orientation and a post-orientation celebration.

• Every IA and IL is required to participate in all components of their program.
• Participation in the training and during the new student orientation is mandatory. There is no option for a makeup training.
• IAs will be given training and detailed instructions on their responsibilities by the ILs and OIP staff.
• While IAs and ILs often work with others from their home country, all participants are expected to be friendly and helpful to every international student disregarding their origin, age, sex, religion, cultural background etc.
• Not following these rules and others announced during the IA training will result in disciplinary actions including being dropped from the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

For questions or concerns, please email oip_desk@edmonds.edu or call us at 425.640.1399.