Summer Activity Leader

Move Language Ahead; Mahwah (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an industry leader as an Activity Leader for a summer role that blends fun with purpose. Responsible for leading engaging activities and managing excursions for international students, fostering a dynamic and unforgettable experience. Enjoy a competitive hourly wage plus room and board while contributing to cultural exchange and personal growth for youth.

Benefits

Hourly wage plus free room and board

Opportunity to explore more of the US

Paid formal training

Resume enhancement from industry-leading company

Qualifications

• Previous experience as college tour guide, resident advisor, or sports player preferred.
• Knowledge of city and attractions valued.
• Training/experience in Sport, Theatre, or Hospitality is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead activities and excursions for students.
• Ensure safety and well-being of students during activities.
• Guide students on local and regional excursions while fostering excitement.

Skills

Positive and enthusiastic outlook

Ability to work long hours in a high-pressure environment

Passion for working with youth

Flexibility and adaptability

Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills

Ability to work as part of a team

Job description

Activity Leader

LOCATION MLA New York at Ramapo College
Other North America locations: MLA Los Angeles, MLA Miami, MLA Toronto

POSITION OVERVIEW

• Seasonal role available from mid-June – mid-August
• Responsible for the activity and excursion programme, including tours of New York City, for international students
• 30-50 hours per week, depending on student enrollment
• Learn more by watching a two-minute video here

BENEFITS

• Hourly wage plus freeroom and board
• Opportunity to explore more of the US
• Paid formal training
• Resume enriched by industry leading company

DATES
June 19, 2025 – August 15, 2025*
*Contract dates may vary to meet the needs of the program

Join the MLA Move Language Ahead team as an Activity Leader and embark on an extraordinary summer adventure filled with joy, cultural exchange, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of international students.

COMPANY

For almost 50 years, MLA World has been bridging cultures together through education and world travel. We are a company dedicated to encouraging the growth of global citizens through English language learning abroad and safe, culturally immersive youth programming. With travel and education at the forefront of our mission, MLA’s work culture is always exciting and full of change. We are an international team who loves sharing culture, stories of travel, and a passion for working with youth and enlarging their perspectives of the world. MLA Move Language Ahead is an industry leader committed to providing premier international study abroad programs that ensure the highest levels of safety, education, and cultural immersion.

As a full-time, seasonal position running from mid-June to mid-August, you'll be at the heart of our immersive language programme, working closely with the Activity Manager, Centre Administrator, and Centre Director to create a dynamic and unforgettable experience for our students.Your role as an MLA Activity Leader goes beyond just ensuring safety and well-being; it's about fostering a sense of excitement and connection among our diverse group of international students. Your days will be filled with creativity as you design and lead engaging activities, from afternoon sports to evening dance parties, ensuring every moment is brimming with energy and enthusiasm.

We're on the lookout for someone who thrives on flexibility, cares deeply about making a positive difference, and is genuinely excited to work with high school students. Your infectious energy will be key as you guide students on local and regional excursions, sharing your passion for the attractions they explore and creating memories that last a lifetime. As a vital member of the MLA team, your commitment is essential to ensuring our international students feel cared for throughout their entire journey with us — from the excitement of their arrival at the airport to the bittersweet farewell at the end of their transformative experience.

If you're ready to blend fun with purpose, eager to contribute to the growth and cultural exchange of young minds and seek a summer experience that goes beyond the ordinary, apply now to join us as an MLA Activity Leader. Let's make this summer unforgettable together!

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Positive and enthusiastic outlook - it takes a lot of energy to tour our students every day!
• Ability to work long hours in a high-pressure environment
• Passion for working with youth
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as part of a team

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Previous experience as college tour guide, resident advisor, or team sports player
• Knowledge of the city and tourist attractions
• Experience of training for or working in the Sport, Theatre or Hospitality industry
• Knowledge of the rules and organisation of one or more sports / games
• An interest and ablilty to organise activities such as drama, arts & crafts, talent shows for teenagers

SCHEDULE
Activity Leaders are required to work a flexible schedule to meet the demands of the programme, including a variety of day, night, and weekend shifts. Shifts will include a range of the following listed duties. Shifts can be as short as 2 hours on campus and as long as 12-14 hours on tour.

KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

As an Activity Leader you are responsible for entertaining, guiding, planning and leading the students through a variety of activities, which you will both lead and partake in both on- and off-site. In addition, you will be responsible for residential supervision such as at mealtimes and pastoral duties. Summer centres are very busy environments and there may be duties to perform in addition to those detailed below;

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide guided tours once the group arrives at the destination to familiarize and educate guests
• Ensure adequate preparation & set up for on/offsite activities and excursions
• Lead, supervise, motivate & engage students on activities and excursions
• Pro-actively encouraging the children to take part in planned activities both during the day and in the evenings
• Ensuring you have read and are adhering to all risk assessments
• Assist in the organisation and preparation of a wide range of activities, including during the day, evenings, weekend excursions and pastoral duties
• Participate in, supervise and lead all activities including sports, karaoke, disco nights, etc.
• Establish accurate meeting locations and times, and effectively communicate this information to the guests for activities and excursions

WELFARE AND SAFEGUARDING

• Take reasonable responsibility for the students under your charge and act to always secure and never to endanger their physical and moral welfare
• Check all students are accounted for during activities/excursions
• Maintain proper levels of student discipline, safety and welfare
• Carry out residential supervision, including meal and night guardian duties
• Welcome new students to the centre and give airport assistance
• Address any student or staff concerns raised to you and report them to the relevant persons involved
• All staff share the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and must adhere to, and comply with MLA Safeguarding Policy

COMPANY QUALITY PERFORMANCE

• Ensure customer satisfaction in the leading of activities and trips at your centre
• Liaise with all other members of the MLA Team keeping all lines of communication open
• Develop a strong rapport and professionalism with all departments in MLA
• Behave in a professional manner and demonstrate leadership skills
• Provide support to all students, Group Leaders and Staff at all time

OFFICE DUTIES

• Support our Group Leaders with their needs and questions
• Answer phones and make calls to confirm bookings, reservations, etc.
• Assist the center administration in making photocopies, running errands, preparing activities, etc.

TRAINING

• Attend all required training and induction meetings and take an active part in discussion and feedback prior to start of employment
• Review itineraries and become knowledgeable about attractions
• Complete any required training sessions/courses both online and in person as directed
• Provide all necessary paperwork prior to employment

COMPENSATION

The Activity Leader position will receive a wage commensurate with the successful candidate’s education and experience. The Activity Leader will also receive complimentary room and board as part of their compensation package.

MLA REPUTATION & CODE OF CONDUCT

• To actively support MLA in its mission to provide quality learning
• To provide courses that will challenge the students (realise their potential) and work together to reach their academic targets and support them
• Develop a good rapport with the students and Group Leaders
• There is a specific list of what code of conduct we expect from all staff members in our Staff Handbook

US AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT
MLA Move Language Ahead is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation,handicap/disability, Vietnam-era/disabled veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other non-job related criteria.