July 18, 2012
Whether enjoying on-campus barbecues or touring New York City’s
landmarks, St. John’s nearly 10,000 summer guests depend on the
Office of Conference Services and the University community for a
world-class living and learning experience.
St. John’s Conference Services’ Student Ambassadors play a key role
in this summer-time effort. Recruited and specially trained by the
Office of Conference Services, they serve as the “face of St.
John’s” for more than 1,500 international students who are on
campus to learn English in America’s biggest city.
Working primarily on the Queens and Manhattan campuses, nearly 80
ambassadors are serving as hosts to the young visitors. The program
offers St. John’s undergraduate and graduate students summer
employment and real-world experience in customer service and the
hospitality business.
Student Ambassadors greet international guests at
airports; oversee on-campus social activities; and help to escort
the visitors on off-campus tours of major sites throughout New York
City. They also ensure an optimal learning and living experience on
campus as liaisons with The Language Connection; Facilities and
Dining Services; Information Technology; and Public Safety.
The ambassadors are working with young people visiting from China,
Italy, Russia, Spain and Thailand. The guests are part of the
University’s Junior Study Vacation Program, a joint effort of
Conference Services and The Language Connection. These
international students engage in “American English” classes and a
cultural exchange during their two to three weeks at St. John’s.
One group that just finished a two-week stay here expressed their
thanks by presenting a cake to the ambassadors.
“Many would agree that the Student Ambassador program is the glue
that keeps more and more groups yearning to witness what the
University has to offer each summer,” said Louis Romero ’12CPS,
’14MS, one of four team leaders. “Our goal is to embody the core
values of the Vincentian Tradition — truth, love, respect,
opportunity, excellence and service.”
“Even if this seems like a short summer endeavor, the ambassadors
are helping to bring positive change to the lives of students we
are guiding through our city,” said Sarah Faxon ’12G, also a team
leader. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the students, who have
fun practicing their lessons outside the classroom with our
ambassadors.”
The Student Ambassadors are one facet of the lively summer
experience visitors enjoy at St. John’s. The Office of Conference
Services will continue to update you throughout July and August and
highlight the many other roles our students play to support
Conference Service guests.