We seek extraordinary people.
Much of Putney Student Travel’s success over the last 62 summers of high school summer programs abroad comes from the high quality, enthusiasm, and dedication of our amazing group of leaders and instructors. Putney staff are fun, energetic, creative, safety-conscious, and knowledgeable. They enjoy working with teenagers in dynamic environments, and seek opportunities to get to know each participant as their mentor and friend.
Our Requirements
To join our team of Putney Student Travel leaders, Excel Pre-College staff members, and National Geographic Student Expeditions leaders you must be able to motivate and energize students in a wide range of situations and settings. Leadership on all types of programs requires extensive interaction with and mentoring of students. Excellent personal leadership skills and the ability to handle multiple ongoing tasks are crucial, given the inherent high degree of independence and responsibility necessary to run a successful program. Successful candidates have the ability to inspire, lead, mentor, counsel, educate and set limits. They are resourceful, energetic, engaged, and knowledgeable.
Please note, all applicants must have the legal right to work in the United States (we are unable to assist with applications for work visas.)
Community Service
- College degree.
- Proficiency in the language spoken in the country.
- Travel/Study/Work experience in the country or a similar country. Preference is given to applicants with extensive in-country experience.
- Certification in Basic First Aid and CPR at your own expense by the start of your orientation.
- Ability to drive stick shift (with the exception of our programs in India, Nusa Penida, Senegal, and Vietnam).
- Availability to attend Leader Training, June 6-9, 2013.
Language Learning
- College degree.
- Fluency in the language spoken in country.
- At least a semester experience traveling/studying/living in the country.
- Experience teaching the target language.
- Certification in Basic First Aid and CPR at your own expense by the start of your orientation.
- Ability to drive stick shift (only for our Language Learning programs in Argentina and Costa Rica).
- Preference is given to applicants with extensive teaching experience and/or in-country experience.
- Availability to attend Leader Training, June 6-9, 2013.
Global Awareness in Action
- College degree.
- Proficiency in the language spoken in the country
- Educational background or work experience related to the issue focus of the program.
- Certification in Basic First Aid and CPR at your own expense by the start of your orientation.
- Preference will be given to applicants with fluency in the language(s) spoken and specific in-country experience.
- Availability to attend Leader Training, June 6-9, 2013.
Cultural Exploration
- College degree.
- Proficiency in the language spoken in the country.
- Travel/Study/Work experience in the country or a similar country. Preference is given to applicants with extensive in-country experience.
- Certification in Basic First Aid and CPR at your own expense by the start of your orientation.
- For specialized Cultural Exploration programs, preference is given to applicants with specific professional and/or educational experience.
- Availability to attend Leader Training, June 6-9, 2013.
Foundations
- College degree.
- Proficiency in Spanish.
- Certification in Basic First Aid and CPR at your own expense by the start of your orientation.
- Preference is given to applicants with travel/study/living experience in Costa Rica and experience leading/teaching 7th and 8th grade students.
- Availability to attend Leader Training one week prior to the start of the program.
Excel Instructor (All Excel Programs)
- College degree.
- Significant academic and/or work experience with the subject matter for the classes which you are applying to teach.
- For international programs, preference is given to applicants who have spent time traveling/studying/living in the country.
- Preference is given to applicants with an advanced degree and/or fluency in the language spoken in country.
- Availability to attend Leader Training one week prior to the start of the program.
Excel Program Assistant (International Programs)
- College degree.
- Preference is given to applicants who have spent time traveling/studying/living in the country.
- Preference is given to applicants who are fluent in the language spoken in country.
- Availability to attend Leader Training one week prior to the start of the program.
Excel Program Assistant (Amherst College)
- Completion of sophomore year in college.
- Preference is given to applicants with prior counseling and/or residential experience.
- Valid U.S. Driver’s License.
- Availability to attend Leader Training one week prior to the start of the program.
National Geographic Student Expeditions
- College degree.
- Proficiency in the language(s) spoken in country.
- Experience traveling/studying/living in the country.
- Extensive academic and/or work experience with one of the On Assignment specialties offered in the expedition.
- Certification in Basic First Aid and CPR at your own expense by the start of your orientation.
- Availability to attend Leader Training in late May 2012.
When to Apply
We begin accepting applications in December and hold interviews from January until April. If you are interested in working as a leader or instructor, we encourage you to submit your application materials early in our hiring cycle.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining the Putney Team this summer, please take the time to learn more about the high school summer programs you may be interested in leading. It is also helpful to read through leader bios from previous summers to get a good sense of the kind of qualifications that we are looking for.
If you meet our Eligibility Requirements and want to explore the possibility of working for Putney, please proceed to our online application.
Contact Us
If you have questions about employment opportunities or our hiring process, please contact us at jobs@goputney.com. Due to the high volume of inquiries, email is the preferred channel of communication.
