Group Guide

The Group Guide ensures the safety, coordinates logistics, and helps travel program participants have an educational, fun, and culturally immersive experience. The Guide pays for group meals and activities, translates where necessary, provides cultural insight, and responds to emergencies. They are typically with the group from breakfast to dinner, working 8-12 hours per day during the program. The Guide typically stays in the same hotel as the group and is available for emergencies at night. The Guide creates a collaborative working relationship with the faculty leaders, provides exceptional customer service to all group members, and facilitates positive group dynamics. The Guide is supported remotely by a Program Coordinator during the program. Responsibilities Before Program Start Complete remote training and obtain first aid certification Review itinerary and emergency plan, participating in risk assessment with Group Coordinator In person visits to service providers (lodging, meals, activities, and transportation), if necessary Participate in pre-departure orientation with students and faculty During Program Accompany group during the entire program from arrival to departure During this time the Guide is fully available to the group during all scheduled activities and for emergencies at night. The guide typically stays in lodging facilities with the group and shares meals included in the program The guide is available for emergencies during scheduled free time Translate when necessary Serve as a professional, friendly, and informed host, while keeping the group on schedule. Provide cultural, historical, and political context to group activities, working collaboratively with faculty leaders to share knowledge Pay for services with company credit card or cash, saving receipts Ensure smooth logistics for all activities by confirming reservations, communicating with service providers, and adapting to any schedule changes Resolve emergencies and conflicts if they arise Document the program with photos and videos Request feedback from students and professors After Program Provide feedback to Program Coordinator Provide a complete list of cash expenses and cash and credit card receipts Qualifications Fluency in English and local language At least 1 year experience in travel guiding or tourism, international education, or international service-learning preferred High degree of familiarity with the destination country through travel, work, or live abroad experiences, if not native to destination Friendliness, high energy, extraverted and outgoing personality Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills CPR + First Aid certification required - expense will be covered