International Representatives Program 2008

International Representatives are a carefully selected group of students who help promote their countries and the University by providing our campus and community groups with valuable first-hand knowledge of their cultures. International Representatives will give presentations in classes, meetings, and other community functions; organize and host international and intercultural events on campus; and participate in local outreach efforts to increase multi-cultural awareness in our community.

The iRep program is designed to be a mutually beneficial and rewarding experience for local residents, UTEP students, and participating international students. Direct interaction with a person from another country will provide local citizens with a unique learning experience as they discover new ideas, values, interests, and problems different from their own, as well as similarities. Students will gain especially by developing their interpersonal and communication skills and by broadening the scope of their experiences in the U.S. beyond the University.

Each International Representative position is paid on an hourly casual student labor basis at $7 per hour, which may supplement other student jobs. This is part-time employment with hours worked per semester ranging from 30-60 hours. The work schedule is flexible and takes into account the candidate’s schoolwork. Generally, International Representative make presentations between 8 am and 5 pm during class breaks, and, occasionally, during evenings and weekends.

We are seeking candidates with enthusiasm and eagerness to discuss and share their cultures with Americans. Preferably, the selected representatives will represent different cultures. The ideal candidates will have solid academic performance, good public speaking and presentation skills, and cultural talents to share. The International Representatives Program Coordinator at the Office of International Programs will supervise the Representatives, help them learn how to share their cultures and promote the program, and assist them in their reach-out to the community.

What past iRep have to say about the Program (formerly known as International Ambassadors Program):

“Being an has been an experience that I will always remember and be proud of…...The program provides a medium through which international students can express themselves positively.”

Smitha Nair, from India.

“A great opportunity to see areas of El Paso that I have never been able to see before…..learn more about your own culture, as well as the culture and history of El Paso….and you make great friends in the other ambassadors.”

Cecilie Erichsen, from Norway.

“An excellent opportunity for you to gain experience in presenting in front of audiences.”

Jesús Galván, from México.

“Ambassadors worked together and learned a lot from each other…..It’s a terrific experience for the ambassadors to explore different groups of people and places.”

Dula Man, from China.

“This program helped me to develop better communication skills…..learn from different cultures.”

Natalia Celaya, from Spain.

“You can gain much, much more than you have ever expected…..To me, this job is a challenge…..a wonderful adventure.”

Li Zhao, from China.

“I will treasure all the feedback letters, the thank you notes, and the certificates I have received for the presentations given.”

Yash Dayal, from India.

“Through this program I have been able to share my world and my culture…..To those who aspire to be an international ambassador I would urge and encourage them toward their goals.”

Folami Alamudun, from Nigeria.

International Representatives Program (iRep) Application

The Office of International Programs (OIP) – University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)

*** Please Print Clearly***

Last Name:First Name:Middle Name:

Country of Origin:UTEP ID:

800--

Local Address:

Phone:Email address:

()- []

College/Major(s):Overall UTEP GPA:

Please answer in full (if necessary, use extra paper to expand on your answers):

  1. Public Speaking/Performance experience:
  1. Work experience:
  1. Commitments throughout the previous and coming academic year (e.g. school, work, extracurricular) in hours per week:
  1. Will you be able to secure your own means of transportation for IAP presentations?

Please submit application, cover letter, two letters of reference and copy of transcript(if available) to:

Fui Ling LawPhone: (915) 747-5664

Fax: (915) 747 5794

The Coordinator of International Representatives Program

Office of International Programs

University of Texas at El Paso

Union East Bldg., Suite 203

El Paso, TX79968

For shortlisted candidate, please prepare a short presentation (approx. 5 mins) about your home country for the interview.

Please complete the interest survey on the back.

iRepApplication Questionnaire

Please answer in full (if necessary, use sheet on the back to expand on your answers):

  1. What is your chosen major in UTEP?
  1. Describe your career goal and ideal job.
  1. What role can you play as an International Representative to reach out to youngsters and children?
  1. What talents can you contribute to your presentations as a representative?
  1. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
  1. What do you want to improve on?
  1. Which three accomplishments are you most proud of?
  1. What job/experience have you learned the most from? What did you learn?
  1. What job/experience has challenged you the most? Why?
  1. Why do you want to be an UTEP International Representative in our community?

Of the following categories abut your culture; please indicate which ones, if any, you would not feel comfortable talking about in front of audiences:

Customs, courtesies, and greetings / Health and social welfare / Historical events
Natural resources and economical outlook / Arts and entertainment / Language
Characteristics of population / Recreation and sports / Education system
Social and political environment / Business and commerce / General cultural attitudes
Religion, traditions, holidays / Landscape and travel / Food and clothing
Others:

International Representatives Program (iRep)

Office of International Programs (OIP), , (915) 747-5664