Is it different working with international students rather than domestic students?

• Working with international students can be slightly different than working with domestic students, but many needs of international students are the same as domestic students. All students can experience culture shock, homesickness, and roommate conflicts, and RAs will be well-trained to help their residents through all of these adjustments. 

Since the residents live in apartments, will I be spending much time with them?

• Yes! RAs visit each apartment at least once a week, plan and facilitate at least one “community building” program each week for residents, and will spend time with residents as they visit the RA’s apartment.

Is it harder to build community in apartments, rather than a dormitory?

• Not necessarily, but it is a different challenge to build community among apartments. RAs will need to make a conscious effort to visit their residents’ apartments and plan fun programs to bring residents together so their community can develop throughout the quarter.

Will I have the same residents all year?

• RAs may have some students that continue in housing from one quarter to the next, but many students are only here for one quarter. For the most part, RAs receive new residents each quarter.

Will I have time for other commitments while being an RA?

• Yes. Resident Advisors are allowed to have other commitments (e.g. clubs, sports, fraternity or sorority, outside job, etc.) up to 10 hours per week, but all time commitments must be approved by the supervisor. Remember that being an RA is a job!

Will being an RA cause my grades to drop? 

• The RA position requires that you have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.4 to apply and that you maintain a minimum 2.4 quarterly and cumulative GPA for the duration of your employment. Being an RA requires good time management skills to balance school and work, and many staff members receive better grades after becoming an RA.

What is the average age of the international students? 

• Student ages can vary from 18 to 50 years old since there is no age limit for the apartments, but most students are around 18-26 years old.

Where are most residents from?

• International students in DCE come from many different countries including Brazil, France, China, Spain, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Russia, and more! Some quarters have more students from one country or another, but your community will have students from all over the world.

Where are the DCE apartments located?

• International Housing apartments are mostly located in Park West, with a few apartments in University Town Center.

Will I have my own apartment?

• No, RAs will share their apartment with one or two residents. However, RAs will have their own bedroom and bathroom within the apartment.

Do the RAs need to follow the same housing policies as the residents?

• Yes! RAs will be a role model for residents by acting responsibly and following all housing policies.

Will my residents be able to speak English?

• Yes! Residents might have varying English levels depending on what program they are in, so some have higher English levels than others. But RAs will be able to communicate with all of them in English, so it is not necessary to speak the language of their home country.

If I speak more than one language, do I have a better chance of becoming an RA?

• Not necessarily. Since the residents are here to improve their English, we encourage all Resident Advisors to communicate with their residents in English – even if they can also speak the language of their home country. Because of this, RAs are not required to speak a second language to be selected for the position.

What can I expect from being an RA with DCE?

• Through this position, RAs will learn how to interact with people of all different backgrounds, create fun and engaging programs and activities, handle conflict and various crises, and improve their time-management and leadership skills. Our RAs also get the chance to meet new people from around the world, create lasting friendships with fellow staff members, and have a lot of fun!