Welcome Camp 2026 - Unit Leader

EF High School Exchange Year
Thornwood, NY

Unit Leader

EF High School Exchange Year is seeking positive, energetic, and responsible individuals to work with international high school exchange students at its Welcome Camp program held on the EF Academy campus in Thornwood, NY. EF Welcome Camp provides participating exchange students with a memorable New York City experience, valuable communication skills, and strong bonds with other exchange students before they embark on their high school exchange year.

The ideal candidate:

Has experience working with and managing peers

Has a strong ability to assess interpersonal dynamics between staff for the purpose of building cohesive teams

Is comfortable providing feedback to students and staff

Has a high emotional intelligence and empathy

Able to lead small and large-scale group activities

Has a “nothing is impossible” attitude and is willing to go the extra mile to deliver high quality programming

Has exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions quickly

Stamina to maintain high-energy and quality work over an extended time

Is comfortable in an airport / assisting students with check-in processes

Has a passion for cultural exchange, travel, and education

Is familiar with the exchange student experience and community

Previous experience working at Welcome Days

If 21+, must be comfortable driving minivans, preference for comfort with 15-passenger vans too

Unit Leaders are responsible for managing the Camp Counselors team and overseeing the support of activities to ensure a successful program. This includes overseeing campus preparation, ensuring classroom/activity supplies are stocked, being the first contact for Camp Counselors questions or concerns, and responsible for supporting Camp Counselors and ensuring they feel empowered to manage their groups each week.

EF Welcome Camp is broken up into four (4) sessions and includes Senior Staff and all-staff trainings as detailed below.

Senior Staff arrivals: July 12

Senior Staff training: July 13-16

All-Staff Training: July 17 - July 22

Week 1: July 23 - July 28

Week 2: July 30 - August 4

Week 3: August 6 - August 11

Week 4: August 13 - August 18

Staff departures: August 19

The Unit Leader position is a part of our Senior Staff, who are collectively responsible for the smooth operation of a fast-paced and ever-changing summer program. All Senior Staff candidates must be available for the full duration of our summer season.

Unit Leaders are estimated to work around 45 -60 hours per week at $ 17/hour, with any overtime hours being paid at time and a half. All summer roles are provided room and board for the duration of the program. All staff are required to complete two online training modules to familiarize themselves with the EF High School Exchange Year program and attend a training prior to students’ arrival.

At EF Education First, we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another. Since 1965, EF has helped millions of people see new places, experience new cultures, and learn new things about the world and about themselves.