International Students: Can They Be Resident Assistants?

International students in the USA often face restrictions on part-time work, making on-campus jobs an attractive opportunity. Resident Assistant (RA) positions are one such option, offering free housing, stipends, and meals in exchange for creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community for students. While the specific requirements vary across universities, international students can become RAs, gaining valuable leadership skills and serving as advocates and role models for their residents.

Benefits of being an RA

Being a resident assistant (RA) comes with several benefits and opportunities. Here are some advantages to consider:

Housing and Financial Benefits

One of the most significant perks of being an RA is the offer of free housing, which can result in substantial monthly savings. RAs typically get their own room, providing privacy and the ability to decorate and personalise their space. In addition to free housing, some universities may offer stipends, ranging from USD 500 to 700 per month, or meal plans and dining cards to help cover food expenses. These financial benefits can significantly reduce the overall cost of studying.

Leadership and Professional Development

The role of an RA allows individuals to develop and showcase various soft skills, such as leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and time management abilities. These skills are highly valued by employers and can enhance one's resume, making them more competitive in the job market. The experience gained as an RA demonstrates accountability, responsibility, and the ability to work effectively with others, which can be transferred to future career paths.

Community Building and Social Connections

RAs play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community within residence halls, creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students. This position allows RAs to connect with a diverse range of residents, peers, and staff members, often forming close-knit relationships and friendships. The role encourages social awareness and the promotion of social justice and inclusivity initiatives, contributing to a positive and supportive campus culture.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

The RA position challenges individuals to step outside their comfort zone and discover new talents and abilities. It provides an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and the development of a stronger sense of self-awareness. RAs often act as role models for other students, influencing their transition into campus life and providing guidance and support.

While the role of an RA offers numerous benefits, it is important to consider the responsibilities and potential challenges associated with the position, such as time management, workload, and the need to handle sensitive situations effectively.

On-campus job opportunities for international students

International students in the US on F-1 visas are allowed to work on campus and do not need additional work authorization. However, they cannot work off-campus part-time. Therefore, on-campus jobs are an attractive opportunity for international students to gain work experience and offset college costs.

There are many on-campus jobs available to international students, and they can find these opportunities through online job boards on the school's website, physical job boards on campus, or by asking if specific departments are hiring. International students can apply for the same jobs as domestic students unless the job specifically states otherwise. Some common examples of on-campus jobs include resident assistant, research assistant, and dining hall staff.

Resident assistant positions are ideal for international students as they offer free housing and stipends worth USD 500 to 700 per month, in addition to other perks like free meals and access to university resources. The responsibilities of an RA include creating a safe and inclusive community, helping residents with individual problems, and connecting them to resources.

International students should be mindful that on-campus job opportunities vary by school, and they should research how student employment works at their specific college or university. Additionally, they should prepare their applications early and tailor them to each position. While on-campus jobs provide flexibility and proximity, they can also be competitive, and careful navigation is needed to secure a position.

RAISE application process

The RAISE (Research, Action, and Impact through Strategic Engagement) Doctoral Fellowship Program supports doctoral students who are motivated to make positive contributions to their communities and the world. The program provides funding for various opportunities, including experiential learning, cohort-based skills training, and community building.

• Review the Requirements: Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. The RAISE Doctoral Fellowship is open to first and second-year students enrolled in a doctoral degree program.
• Prepare Your Application: Gather all the required and recommended documents outlined in the FY 2025 RAISE NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity). This may include project proposals, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and other supporting materials.
• Register with Grants.gov: To apply for RAISE funding, you must register as an organization with Grants.gov. This is a one-time process, but it can take 2-4 weeks to complete, so start early. You will need to provide basic information about your organization and create an account.
• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your final application by the deadline through Grants.gov. The application deadline for FY 2025 funding was 11:59 PM Eastern Time on January 30, 2025. Ensure you submit your application on time, as late applications will not be accepted.
• Await Selection: After submitting your application, await the selection results. If your application is successful, you will be notified, and the grant funding process will commence.
• Debrief and Reapply (if necessary): If your application is unsuccessful, you may be offered a debrief to understand how to improve for the next application round. You can also consider applying for other grant programs or future rounds of RAISE funding.

It is important to carefully review the application guidelines and requirements on the Grants.gov website and the RAISE Doctoral Fellowship website for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.

Responsibilities and duties of an RA

International students in the USA can work as resident assistants, which is an ideal on-campus position for valid part-time work. The role comes with benefits such as free housing, a monthly stipend, and free meals. However, it can be quite demanding as RAs are technically on the job even when they are in the dorms.

Resident assistants (RAs) are tasked with a variety of responsibilities and duties that revolve around supporting and fostering a sense of community among residents, ensuring their safety, and connecting them with resources. Here are some of the key responsibilities and duties of an RA:

• Community Building: RAs are responsible for creating a sense of community among residents, making sure the environment is inclusive, welcoming, and comfortable. They achieve this by organising programmes and activities that encourage interaction and social awareness.
• Conflict Resolution: RAs often deal with helping residents resolve conflicts, whether they are interpersonal or related to other issues. They need to know all the residents and be able to identify when someone is in need of support. RAs may refer residents to counselling services, academic advising, or other resources as needed.
• Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety and security of residents is a critical aspect of an RA's role. This includes participating in nightly community walks, checking the physical security of residence halls (such as locked doors), and monitoring floor activity.
• Resource Connection: RAs connect residents with the resources they need, whether it's academic help, advice on institutional policies, or information about social justice initiatives and groups on campus. They guide residents towards the appropriate resources to support their personal and academic development.
• Administrative Tasks: RAs may also have administrative duties such as ordering supplies, managing budgets, and determining the need for maintenance, repairs, and furnishings for the residence halls.
• Role Model Behaviour: As representatives of the institution, RAs must uphold professional and personal accountability. They are expected to balance their own academic and personal needs while being role models for other residents and fostering a positive living environment.

Overall, the RA position requires a blend of organisational, leadership, and communication skills, offering valuable experience that can enhance one's resume and future career prospects.

Skills developed as anRA

International students can work as resident assistants, and it can be an attractive opportunity for them, as it is an on-campus part-time work opportunity. The role of a resident assistant (RA) comes with a lot of responsibilities and benefits. RAs are tasked with maintaining order, enforcing dorm rules, ensuring the safety of other residents, and are usually on-call for most of the day.

Leadership and Teamwork

As an RA, you will be responsible for leading a group of residents and fostering a sense of community. You will need to be able to work effectively with your team, which includes other RAs and residence hall staff. You will also need to know all the residents and help them with any problems they may have. This could range from relationship issues to classwork questions.

Time Management

Juggling the responsibilities of an RA with your own academic and personal needs requires excellent time management skills. You will need to balance your schedule and priorities with the needs of the students you support.

Communication and People Skills

Effective communication is essential in building relationships with residents and staff. Good communication skills will help you identify and address the needs of your residents, whether it is offering advice or referring them to other resources. Active listening and the ability to ask good questions are important aspects of this skill.

Organization

RA duties include various administrative tasks such as managing budgets, ordering supplies, and submitting reports. Organizational skills will help you manage multiple responsibilities, understand priorities, and meet deadlines.

Compassion

As an RA, you will be supporting the development of maximum personal independence for your residents. You will need to approach this role with compassion and respect, especially when enforcing house rules and addressing conflicts.

Professionalism

RAs are expected to act as role models for residents and uphold professional and personal accountability as outlined by the institution. This includes maintaining a calm presence in emergencies and being knowledgeable about various university resources to assist your residents.

Frequently asked questions