Globalink Student Advisor (GSA) Job Description - Mitacs

Globalink Student Advisor (GSA)
Job Description
Who are we and what do we need
Welcome to the Mitacs team! Whether this is the first time you are looking at the Globalink program, or
whether you have worked with us before, we are delighted that you are considering working with us this
year.
The Mitacs Globalink program is doing important work to help improve the innovation capacity of
Canada, and we need people just like you to help us make this work.
In May of 2012, over 200 students from India, Brazil,
Mexico and China will come to Canada for 10-12 weeks to
do world-class research in Canadian Universities. During
their time with us, we want to bowl them over with
hospitality and with the excellence of our academic
institutions. This is where you come in.
Most of these students have never been to Canada, and
they will need on-the-ground support during their stay.
We are hiring a small but mighty group of expert and
mature students to help our Globalink participants get
settled, work hard, see Canada and participate in all we
have to offer!
What is in it for you
• Valuable relationships and connections to high-caliber academic institutions in India, China,
Brazil, and in some cases in Mexico.
• Team leadership and management skills gained over the summer
• A relationship with Mitacs, an organization changing the landscape of Canada’s innovation and
research capacity, and the right to add us to your resume and profile
• Access to the Mitacs cutting-edge programs including skills training & entrepreneur workshops
• Compensation for your time

What do we need you to do
We need some of your time between May 1, and September 30, 2012 when our students are here. You
will be assigned a team of students for this timeframe.
Generally speaking your responsibilities are in 5 areas:
What are your deliverables
At a minimum, we expect you to:
1. When your student team arrives, meet them at the airport, bring
them to the place where they will live for the next 10-12 weeks, and
make sure they are settled in to the right place
2. Introduce the student to campus, but most importantly to their
professor and supervisor during their research internship
3. Show the student a sample of campus life by involving them in
social activities where they can meet other students and get to see the
culture of your university
4. At the end of their stay, make sure the student leaves their
accommodation the way they found it.
1. Meet the student(s) at the airport and escort them to their accommodation arrangement.
2. Arrange to meet them the 2 nd day for a quick tour of the area so they know what is available to
them locally, and of the campus, so they are familiar with where they need to go
3. Introduce the student to their professor.
4. Include the student in at least one social event for the student(s) to meet other Canadian and
International students during their stay.
5. Support your student(s) by
a. Acting as an emergency contact for your students (they will need your e-mail, cell and
telephone #)
b. Contacting your student(s) at least weekly to make sure their questions are answered,
and that they are enjoying their stay
c. Visit with each student 1 week before their departure to make sure their paperwork is in
order and that they are ready to leave.
6. Submit a brief final report describing your experience and initiatives as a GSA

7. You will be asked to report during the summer (via e-mail) on whether you have been able to
accomplish these tasks, and you will be asked for feedback on the program so that we can make
this GSA role satisfying for the students who choose to participate.
How do we help this happen
1. We train you through two mandatory teleconferences. The purpose of these calls is to
introduce you to the Mitacs team and to brief you on some of the ideas and suggestions we
have received from last year’s participants to share training provided to residence Dons in
dealing with different situations. The second teleconference will be an opportunity for you to
discuss any challenges your facing in the role, ask questions, and provide feedback on how it’s
going so far.
2. We will e-introduce you to your students before they arrive in Canada so that you have the
opportunity to send them information and/or to connect online.
3. We are creating an Orientation Package for the student to help them settle in to Canada’s
cultural nuances, and to understand the responsibilities we are expecting of them.
4. You are in turn supported by a Mitacs team who are there to provide you with the information
and connections you need to be successful.
5. We supply a 24-hour a day, 7-day a week emergency contact number, should there be an issue
with any of your students.
How would you be paid
Please note that due to the staggered academic calendars of the students participating in Globalink this
year, we anticipate that GSA’s will be grouped into categories – those that will be required to provide
support for three months, and those that will have to provide support an additional month. (Note:
Wherever possible, we will assign students with similar arrival dates and stay durations.)
1. May 15 th - When you have completed your first mandatory training call, you will receive $200.
2. May 31 st - when we anticipate the students are on the ground in Canada, you will receive $300
3. June 30 th - when we anticipate all of our training sessions are complete, you will receive $300
4. July 31 st – When we anticipate you have completed your social events, you will receive $300
5. August 30 th – Upon completion of your final report, you will receive $300.
6. September 30 th – For GSA’s that are required to cover an additional month, there will be a final
payment of $300.
7. Any training and industry events you attend as a GSA are complimentary.
Note that GSA’s that are paired with students from China only, will receive a total of $1400 and will be
required to participate in their role from June until September.

Your Qualifications
• You have been attending the host university for 2 years or more
• You know your town and your university well enough to showcase interesting features to a
visitor
• You have an understanding of international students and their needs
• Previous experience as a Residence Don, or supervising other students would be an asset
• You possess a valid Canadian drivers license
Interested
To join our team for summer 2012 please e-mail your resume to globalinkhire@mitacs.ca . Your resume
should include your relevant experience, the university you’re attending, the program that you are
enrolled in and two references.