Group Leaders Overview

Program participants

Experiment group leaders are dynamic, responsible, emotionally mature adults who support Experimenters in a number of ways. First and foremost, they provide and maintain a safe and secure setting, wherein students can have a meaningful and memorable learning experience.

Group leaders are chosen for their leadership skills, particularly in working with young people, as well as their cross-cultural experience and language competency.

 

  • Beginning with student orientation, leaders work with Experimenters to increase their knowledge of the country and culture, develop communication skills, and cultivate new attitudes and awareness.
  • During the course of the program, they keep in close contact with homestay host families and Experimenters, conduct group excursions, and guide students through discussion and reflection on their experiences.
  • At the end of the program, leaders help students evaluate their experiences and assist them in recognizing that their "Experiment" has just begun.

A leader's role is to:

  • ensure the participants’ safety and welfare
  • administer program logistics and budget
  • facilitate the learning experience and encourage the personal growth of the participants
  • negotiate expectations placed on the leader by EIL’s partners overseas, host families, participants, participants’ parents, and Vermont staff.

We look for group leaders with:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • Leadership experience in working with high school students
  • Living/learning experience in the countries where we have programs
  • Competency in the language of the host country

Although group leaders come from all professions, they are most typically:

  • teachers
  • recently returned US Peace Corps volunteers
  • graduate school students

Become a Leader

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