USA Pavilion - University of Virginia Student Ambassador Program

Expo 2012
Yeosu, Korea
The Living Ocean and Coast
May 2 – August 12, 2012

The USA Pavilion at Expo 2012 will present an interactive, exciting and educational story
that highlights America’s relationship with the Expo theme of the “Living Ocean and
Coast.” Featuring the themes of Diversity, Wonder and Solutions, the USA Pavilion will
share the voices and hopes of the American people with our friends and partners in
Korea and around the globe. The 12,000-square foot exhibition space will house exhibits
and programming that represent the unique and diverse nature of America’s ocean and
coastal environments and communities.

College undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to be part of this
once in a lifetime experience through the Student Ambassador Program, a partnership
between the USA Pavilion and the University of Virginia. This program recruits and
trains volunteer students to serve as guides and national representatives for the United
States at Expo 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea.
For information on Expo 2012, click here and details on the USA Pavilion, click here.

The program provides students with:
The opportunity to represent the USA and its States to the millions of people who
will visit Expo 2012
A unique educational experience as countries, organizations and businesses
showcase their research and technological innovations as they relate to the Expo
theme
Valuable experience living and working in Korea and in an international setting to
prepare students for future involvement on the global stage of international
relations and business; and
UVa credit via an accompanying online course, GDS 3220 Transacting Cultures
While Studying Abroad.

Program Description:
Student Ambassadors will act as the face of America and will interact directly
with visitors as well as with Pavilion staff, partners, government officials and
dignitaries.
Student Ambassadors will rotate positions within the Pavilion throughout the
Expo (positions: greeters, admin support, protocol support, sponsor/marketing
coordination and programming support).
A Director of the Student Ambassador Program, in conjunction with the USA
Pavilion Management team, will be on site throughout the Expo.
Student Ambassadors will complete ten days of on-site training before the Expo
opens in addition to pre-departure preparatory workshops (online).

Participation in the program includes:
Roundtrip travel to/from Yeosu
Entry visa
Housing (apartment style suites with individual bedrooms)
Stipend of $20/day to cover the cost of meals and incidentals
Emergency medical insurance
Orientation, training, and on-site support
GDS 3220 Transacting Cultures While Studying Abroad, one-credit UVa course

Program Dates and Time:
Expo 2012 runs from May 12th to August 12th, 2012 and Student Ambassadors
will serve throughout the duration of the Expo, with an additional 10 days of
orientation and training prior to the opening date.
Official Expo hours are 9:30am to 9:30pm and Student Ambassadors will be on a
4 days on/3 off work schedule (subject to change) with maximum working shift of
8 hours within the hours of 8 am and 11 pm.

Program Requirements:
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Current college undergraduate or graduate student
Ability to speak Korean fluently, with two or more years of college-level language
training or equivalent ability gained through family or residence in Korea
Experience in public relations, well developed interpersonal skills and a positive
outlook on social and cultural diversity
Familiarity with the Expo theme advantageous

Application
Click here for the program brochure and application (Students apply for selection
through the University of Virginia online study abroad application system.)
Applicants must submit the following as part of their application:
o Statement of purpose
o Evidence of good standing at their home university: academic and
disciplinary
o Transcripts
o Resume
o Two faculty recommendations which address suitability for the program
o Evidence of Korean language proficiency

o $90 application fee in the form of a check made payable to the University
of Virginia

Application timeline
o Application available: November 1, 2011
o Application deadline: January 9, 2012
o Selections announced: January 31, 2012

For more information contact the University of Virginia International Studies Office:

UVA International Studies Office
Minor Hall 223
P.O. Box 400165
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4165
www.virginia.edu/iso
434-982-3010