Student Group Guide - Germany

Company Description

Our mission is to provide life-changing international education experiences for American college students while making a positive economic impact on communities they visit. We specialize in custom faculty-led study abroad programs, which typically involve a group of 10-20 students and 1-2 professors traveling internationally for 1-3 weeks. During these programs, we arrange engaging discussions with community leaders, artists, directors of nonprofit organizations, and other local experts. Our programs are often in partnership with local nonprofit organizations or community leaders and often take place in rural areas for greater cultural immersion.  We operate approximately 30 such programs every year, mostly in Latin America and Europe. Learn from Travel has a completely virtual office, with all office staff working remotely.  

Position Overview

The Group Guide ensures the safety, coordinates logistics, and helps travel program participants have an educational, fun, and culturally immersive experience. The Guide pays for group meals and activities, translates where necessary, provides cultural insight, and responds to emergencies. They are typically with the group from breakfast to dinner, working 8-12 hours per day during the program. The Guide typically stays in the same hotel as the group and is available for emergencies at night. The Guide creates a collaborative working relationship with the faculty leaders, provides exceptional customer service to all group members, and facilitates positive group dynamics. The Guide is supported remotely by a Program Coordinator during the program. 

Responsibilities

Before Program Start

• Complete remote training and obtain first aid certification
• Review itinerary and emergency plan, participating in risk assessment with Group Coordinator
• In person visits to service providers (lodging, meals, activities, and transportation), if necessary
• Participate in pre-departure orientation with students and faculty

During Program

• Accompany group during the entire program from arrival to departure
• During this time the Guide is fully available to the group during all scheduled activities and for emergencies at night.
• The guide typically stays in lodging facilities with the group and shares meals included in the program
• The guide is available for emergencies during scheduled free time
• Serve as a professional, friendly, and informed host, while keeping the group on schedule.
• Provide cultural, historical, and political context to group activities, working collaboratively with faculty leaders to share knowledge
• Pay for services with company credit card or cash, saving receipts
• Ensure smooth logistics for all activities by confirming reservations, communicating with service providers, and adapting to any schedule changes
• Resolve emergencies and conflicts if they arise
• Document the program with photos and videos
• Request feedback from students and professors

After Program

• Provide feedback to Program Coordinator
• Provide a complete list of cash expenses and cash and credit card receipts

Qualifications

• At least 1 year experience in travel guiding or tourism, international education, or international service-learning preferred. Preference for experience with 1-3 week overnight programs.
• High degree of familiarity with the destination
• Friendliness, high energy, extraverted and outgoing personality
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• CPR + First Aid certification required - expense will be covered