Undergraduate I-Guide Description
International Guides (I-Guides) are undergraduate student leaders who assist the Duke International Student Center (DISC) staff with the organization and facilitation of the early international first-year student move-in. As student leaders and mentors, I-Guides will:
- Mentor and communicate with first-year international students
- Organize and facilitate social events (during early move-in)
- Assist with the planning of the “Passport to Duke and Durham” resource fair
- Build social media content (leading up to early move-in)
- Host virtual information sessions in the summer
- Welcome first-year international students and assist students during move-in process
The I-Guides welcome new students as they transition to Duke, Durham, and the broader community and help serve as mentors to students throughout the academic year.
Through cross-cultural training sessions in the Spring semester, I-Guides will be prepared to lead a group of approximately 20 new international students and facilitate meaningful discussions, build friendships, communicate effectively, and offer guidance to incoming undergraduate international students.
Spring 2025 Semester Expectations
- Create and establish draft social event calendar & virtual information sessions for July/August 2025
- Build a draft budget for events
- Design a social media and communication plan (FAQ’s, email communication, etc) for incoming class of students
Summer 2025 Responsibilities and Expectations (May 2025 to Early August 2025)
- Host up to 2 virtual meet and greet sessions with international first year students to help answer questions regarding their transition to Duke and Durham.
- Facilitate social media posts and I-Guide Instagram takeovers
- Meet with I-Guide team members and Elizabeth, Assistant Director in the Duke International Student Center (DISC), monthly or biweekly (frequency to be determined)
- Connect with new incoming international students, answering questions about Duke, Durham, and the transition to the U.S. (time commitment varies)
Time commitment (~1 to 2 hours a week)
Fall 2025 Responsibilities and Expectations (August 2025)
- Assist DISC staff members with in welcoming first year students at early move-in
- check-in and airport welcome students and their families during the check-in process
- (approximately 3 days in early August, dates to be confirmed)
- participate in socials, move-in process, and Passport to Duke resource fair
- Assist students with moving into their dorms (helping them and their families move items)
- Connect with parents and family members to better answer their questions about campus, available resources, and Durham.
- Facilitate in-person “Passport to Duke” Resource Fair and Information Sessions
- Assist with setup & take down
- Serve as mentors and guides for students to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all.
- Returning undergraduate students (upper-class students)
- Open to all majors and programs
- Ability to commit to the I-Guide program during the summer and fall semester
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects. A team player with enthusiasm and curiosity, patience, and sensitivity when working with diverse populations
- Prior experience with planning and organizing events.
1. Do I have to be an international student to apply for the I-Guide Program?
No. The I-Guide Program welcomes ALL students from a wide range of backgrounds who are enthusiastic about welcoming and mentoring incoming international students.
2. When do I have to be on campus for the Fall 2025 semester?
It is preferred that all I-Guides move-in, on campus or off campus accommodations, in early August. Date(s) to be confirmed. Once the date is confirmed the DISC staff will communicate more information with you.
If you will be living on campus, the DISC staff will coordinate with the Housing and Residence Life off to get special approval to move in early. If you have more questions, please email us at intlstudents@duke.edu.
3. Do I have to physically be at Duke or Durham during the Summer 2025 break?
NO, we will work with everyone’s schedules to ensure that all students can participate in zoom meetings for the summer.
4. Can I be both an I-Guide and Orientation Leader (Experiential Orientation)?
No, due to overlapping schedules we prefer that you select to be either an I-Guide or Experiential Orientation Leader, not both.
5. Can I be both an I-Guide and RA (Residence Assistant)?
No, due to overlapping schedules and Housing and Residence Life training duties we prefer that you select to be either an I-Guide or RA, not both
6. How much time am I expected to commit to the I-Guide program?
It is an expectation that I-Guides be flexible and look to support each other and their teams however they can.
Spring 2025: 1 to 2 hours a week
- Attend meetings with I-Guides and DISC staff to start planning events, communication plan, etc.
Summer 2025: 1 to 2 hours a week
- Meeting biweekly or monthly with I-Guides and Elizabeth Moore, Assistant Director, Duke International Student Center
- Planning/finalizing social events, virtual information session
- Social media content creation
Fall 2025:
- All I-Guides are expected to participate in the early move-in process (3 days in early August, dates to be determined)
- This includes the move-in process, check-in, and social events, and Passport to Duke Resource Fair
- Meeting international first-year students and their families
7. Is the I-Guide role a paid position?
No, the I-Guide role is a non-paid leadership position for students to build connection and support the international community at Duke.
8. What type of events am I expected to plan as an I-Guide?
I-Guides will be given budget to plan social events. Past events have included living essential trips to Walmart/Target, ice cream socials, hikes and walks, game nights, and more.
