VIETNAM RESIDENT DIRECTOR
May 2006 – June 2007
Description of the Organization
CET Academic Programs is a private study abroad organization based in Washington, DC that
has been designing and administering educational programs abroad since 1982. We offer study
abroad programs in Vietnam, China, the Czech Republic and Italy. CET is well known for its
innovations in the field of study abroad. Our programs specialize in integrating students
into the society in which they are living, and emphasize high academic standards, innovative
approaches to teaching and careful student management. Staffed by over 20 full-time
employees in the US and abroad, CET currently sends more than 500 American students abroad
annually.
The Vietnam RD Position
The Vietnam Resident Director (RD) is responsible for managing CET’s Vietnam Immersion,
which operates during the spring, summer, and fall terms. He/she also manages the
development and implementation of additional short-term programs. Summer terms typically
see multiple programs.
The Vietnam RD is the only CET staff member onsite in Vietnam and as such is responsible for
all aspects of the program. General responsibilities include coordinating classes,
activities, student meals, housing, Vietnamese roommate selection, and trips. The RD designs
and directs each term's orientation sessions. He/she must meet frequently with CET students
(both informally and during regular office hours) to evaluate their goals, progress, and
adjustment. The RD is responsible for the program’s operating budgets and financial reports.
CET’s Vietnam Immersion operates in partnership with the Vietnamese Language School for
Foreigners (VLSF) in Ho Chi Minh City, which organizes language classes, assists in
recruiting Vietnamese roommates, and conducts ongoing language teacher training programs.
The program is designed for students of all levels of Vietnamese and includes both heritage
learners as well as students with no prior experience of Vietnamese language or culture.
Candidates are advised that this is a time-consuming, challenging position. We therefore
discourage those interested in pursuing their own research projects in Vietnam from
applying. CET is seeking a candidate who could commit to one semester of training and
program co-directing during the summer 2006 term, then continue as RD throughout fall 2006
and spring 2007 terms.
Responsibilities:
Oversee Program Academics
§ Supervise and evaluate teaching, creatively solve day-to-day curricular problems
§ Participate in ongoing language teacher training programs at VLSF; initiate
special pedagogy seminars or workshops for CET instructors each semester
§ Monitor class attendance and grading/testing standards
§ Design and implement new activities and practica which support classroom goals
§ Regularly report recommendations concerning curricula to CET's Director and
Advisory Board
Manage Non-Academic Elements
§ Implement the special elements of each Vietnam Immersion program. These elements
include service projects, internships, and extra-curricular activities.
§ Design and implement policies to ensure that CET students embrace the Vietnamese
language environment.
§ Recruit and select Vietnamese roommates; design and run a pre-term Roommate
Orientation; manage the Vietnamese roommate program.
§ Design and implement innovative student activities.
§ Work with local tour operators to plan and execute student study tours.
§ Manage the office’s budget and track all expenditures.
§ Work with host administrators to ensure that students’ meals and housing meet our
standards.
§ Deal with on-site emergencies as they happen.
Teach/Counsel
§ Teach the course “Vietnam Today” each term, using guest speakers as appropriate.
§ Design and run each semester's orientation sessions; manage other student meetings
as needed.
§ Serve as language and culture resource to students; guide students in their
academic and non-academic pursuits.
§ Maintain office hours and counsel students as needed.
Ongoing Program Development
§ Focus on further developing curriculum for Vietnam Immersion’s area-studies
courses; work with local faculty to update syllabi, evaluation standards, course design and
methodology, related field trips/site visits, and assigned readings.
§ Work to develop and manage an on-site academic advisory board comprised of local
scholars.
§ Work with the DC office to develop and manage short-term faculty-led programs.
Provide creative, well-conceived program designs and, when appropriate, serve as these
programs’ on-site director.
§ Maintain and update relevant website pages on behalf of CET.
§ Promote CET to on-site visitors and other guests.
Serve as Liaison
§ Communicate frequently with CET's Washington office. Submit mid-semester and final
program reports each term to CET’s Director.
§ Represent student needs to CET and the host institution.
§ Work to implement changes and develop new classes or activities.
Requirements, in Order of Priority
§ A Master's degree in a relevant discipline (exceptional candidates with BA’s may be
considered)
§ Excellent management & organizational skills
§ At least two years of professional or academic experience in Vietnam
§ Near fluency in Vietnamese
§ A willingness to wear different hats and work long hours
§ A commitment to education and study abroad, and
§ A demonstrated sensitivity to student needs and cultural differences.
Salary and Benefits
§ Salary commensurate with experience (If you remain outside the US for 331
days/year, salary may be free from US federal income tax)
§ Two round-trip tickets between the U.S. and Vietnam per year
§ A sizable apartment in the student dormitory
§ An annual meal stipend
§ Health insurance
§ US to Vietnam relocation costs
§ 35 days/year annual leave
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to:
asteckler@academic-travel.com
For more information, please contact Adam Steckler, Asia Programs Officer, at:
Adam Steckler
Asia Programs Officer
CET Academic Programs
1920 N Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, D.C. 20036
asteckler@academic-travel.com
Fax: 202.342.0317
Phone: 202.530.0800 Ext. 7319