Program Manager (Costa Rica)

Job Description:

The Program Manager is responsible for advising, converting, and supporting students participating in WorldStrides Higher Education programs throughout a specific region.

Program Managers guide students from application through departure, ensuring a smooth, informed, and supportive journey to studying abroad. The role includes ongoing communication with students, families, and U.S. university partners. 

Our team believes deeply in the power of international education and brings that enthusiasm to every student interaction.

Responsibilities

• Student Advising & Case Management
• Provide high‑quality advising from application through program departure using established best practices.
• Maintain proactive communication via phone, email, and virtual meetings.
• Review and determine eligibility of student applications for designated program locations.
• Advise students on academics, course registration, host university expectations, housing, visas, budgeting, cultural preparation, and program logistics.

Program Operations

• Review course selection forms, academic documentation, and placement exams; manage accurate and highly-detailed course information.
• Manage and update pre-departure orientations for assigned locations.
• Prepare Arrival Guides and all pre‑departure materials for each student cohort.
• Support visa advising for destinations, in coordination with internal teams.
• Track acceptance timelines, enrollment metrics, and withdrawals; use these insights to inform best practices.

Stakeholder Communication

• Communicate professionally with families and U.S. university partners regarding program details, expectations, and processes.
• Respond to on‑site incident reports in collaboration with regional teams and other internal stakeholders.
• Participate in the program-wide on‑call rotation approximately once per year.

Program Improvement & Team Collaboration

• Review program evaluations and work with the Team Lead on improvements.
• Support emerging projects, new program locations, and evolving responsibilities driven by enrollment trends.
• Optional domestic travel to support recruitment efforts and pre‑departure orientations at U.S. universities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 1–3 years of professional experience preferred.
• Strong interest in international education and student development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong phone presence.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Detail‑oriented with strong time‑management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to take on responsibilities beyond core tasks as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs (e.g., recruitment materials).
• Valid passport in the even international program support is needed.
• Friendly, positive, service-oriented approach to student support.
• Experience living, studying, or working abroad
• Previous experience in student advising, customer service, or administrative roles.
• Strong intercultural communication skills in a professional context.

Work Perks

• Fun & driven environment.
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage, life, accidental death and dismemberment, accident, critical illness, and disability insurance, FSA healthcare, FSA dependent care, HSA with employer contribution, and generous 401k match.
• 10 paid floating corporate holidays, 1 paid volunteer day & up to 25 accrued PTO days to start – accrue up to 28 over 3 years, up to 4 mental health days per year, and 5 bereavement days.
• Tuition reimbursement up to five thousand, two hundred fifty dollars annually or one thousand dollars towards professional certification annually.
• Opportunities for paid and discounted travel.
• Flexible work schedule providing on-site, remote, and virtual office opportunities.
• Encouraged participation in our Employee Resource Groups and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion council.
• Fitness Center and café onsite at select locations.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Parental, Caregiver, and Disability leave.
• Team Member Discount Program