College Guidance Counsellor (pending)

Update:

Please note that this position is still pending, but we will not be able to see or reply to applications received after the January 19 deadline. Thank you for your understanding. 

Founded in 1990, the Kumon Leysin Academy of Switzerland (KLAS) is a coeducational boarding high school for Japanese nationals. It is accredited by, and follows a curriculum approved by, the Japanese Ministry of Education, but particular emphasis is put on the study of English. As a result, there are a number of students every year, around a dozen, but it can vary, that decide to study at non-Japanese universities after graduation.

We are seeking an experienced and qualified College Guidance Counselor that can also teach some EFL classes. This position is not to be confused with the role of a School Counselor. For the time being, this position is pending.

The College Guidance Counselor is in charge of assisting those students who apply to non-Japanese institutions, and those who are merely considering applying. The majority tend to go to North American institutions, but every year a number decide to stay in Europe, and a few even opt to go to Australasia. The duties include, but are not limited to:

• reporting to the Director of College Guidance, who is Japanese

• scheduling all visits with/by non-Japanese colleges and their representatives

• supervising students on trips to college events, presentations and fairs

• receiving visiting college representatives

• coordinating an annual presentation to students by a graduate on his/her experiences

• providing workshops to students on how to search for a good fit, how to narrow their search down, and how to draw up a final list

• assisting students with their applications

• coordinating ACT testing at KLAS and helping students with any other standardized tests necessary for their applications

• writing counselor recommendations

• organizing teacher recommendations

• preparing occasional reports/articles for parents and school publications

• meeting with parents when necessary, possibly in person or via Skype

• updating general guidance information in written form when necessary

As well as counseling students in their choice of college, the successful candidate will also help eligible students to study on a selection of Summer Abroad Programs that are offered by Summer Discovery. This involves setting up information meetings, helping to choose the destination, helping with applications and travel arrangements.

The successful candidate will also teach some EFL classes (Grammar, Reading, Oral Communication or Writing). Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• teaching EFL classes to students in 10th, 11th, and/or 12th grade

• reporting to the Head of English

• evaluating students up to 5 times a year

• writing reports to parents up to five times a year

• following an existing syllabus and set text

• working with colleagues who teach the same course within the same grade

Furthermore, standard boarding school responsibilities for all teaching staff at KLAS include, but are not limited to:

• overnight dorm supervision (about once a month)

• supervision of students on restriction (about once a year)

• supervision of school trips

• pastoral care of students in the form of a faculty family "parent"

• supervision of a club, often involving time on a weekend

• supervision of a sports activity, usually once a week after school

The successful candidate should have experience in helping students get from a mere interest in studying at a non-Japanese university to a successful application, possibly even with a scholarship.

Good organizational skills and ability to present information clearly and correctly, yet in a way that speakers whose first language is not English can easily follow, are essential. Similarly, an ability to meet deadlines is also important.

The role of counselor requires the candidate to be able to take the initiative and cope with a certain degree of independence. For the role of EFL instructor, and for the general boarding school duties, an ability to work respectfully and professionally with others is essential.

An understanding of and appreciation for Japanese culture is certainly advantageous, but the successful candidate is not expected to have any knowledge of the Japanese language.

This is a wonderful opportunity for an internationally-minded person who enjoys working with students on their future goals, while at the same time having interaction with those same students in the classroom and in various extra-curricular events, all in the breath-taking beauty of the Swiss Alps.

The starting date is July 5, 2021 with classes starting a week later. For further details or to send a cover letter and CV, please contact employment@klas.ch