At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create a welcoming environment for international students this summer.
- Company: Join EF, a global leader in education and cultural exchange.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, enjoy social events, and boost your CV.
- Other info: Live-in role with meals provided and opportunities for future employment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Energetic, customer-focused, and able to handle diverse situations.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
EF (Education First) London International Language Campus is looking for a responsible and culturally intelligent Residence Lead to join our team for summer 2026. In this role, you’ll take a leading role in helping create a welcoming and secure environment, where international students feel at home, supported and part of a vibrant community throughout their studies.
Position Details
- Full-time Day shifts with flexibility required; hours may vary, 5–6 days per week including weekends
- Live-in role with half board provided
- Fixed-term contract between June/July and August 2026
If you’d like experience within international business this summer, and are passionate about student welfare, customer service and multicultural environments, we’d love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Lead, support and manage a team of up to 6 Residence Advisors, providing guidance, motivation, and performance oversight
- Plan, organise and oversee daily and weekend operations within the residence, ensuring a welcoming, safe and engaging environment
- Create and manage staff rotas, ensuring appropriate coverage and efficient allocation of duties
- Act as the main point of contact for your team, escalating issues to the Residence Manager where appropriate
- Oversee arrivals and departures, ensuring smooth check-in/check-out processes and accurate documentation
- Ensure high standards of accommodation through regular building checks and proactive maintenance reporting
- Monitor and enforce curfew procedures, particularly for under 18 students
- Support students with enquiries, welfare concerns, and behavioural issues, working closely with school staff when needed
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are strictly followed and any concerns are reported appropriately
- Take responsibility for fire safety procedures, including training, drills, and appropriate responses to alarms
- Ensure clear and effective communication between day and night teams
- Support emergency response procedures, including managing the residence emergency phone when required
- Work collaboratively with security and other departments to maintain a safe environment
- Lead by example, promoting professionalism and adherence to EF policies and the Residence Code of Conduct
Requirements
- Given the nature of the position, a flexible, hands-on approach to nature & hours of work undertaken is essential
- Highly motivated, energetic & positive
- Customer service orientated, friendly & approachable manner
- Able to remain calm under pressure & to diffuse potentially difficult situations
- Sensitive to needs of international students living away from home
- Excellent communicator with students, colleagues, and external clients
- Attention to detail, organised & thorough
- All offers are subject to a clear enhanced DBS check and two references
- Legally able to work in the UK at commencement of employment and for the duration of the contract
Why you will love working with EF
- Work in a truly international environment
- Boost your CV this summer with a world renowned organisation
- Regular social events
- Pre-summer online and in person trainings
- Staff are encouraged to innovate, take ownership of their ideas and bring them to fruition
- Ambition is nurtured and post summer job opportunities are available at EF’s year round Language Campuses
- Access to EF Hello language learning
EF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. References will be followed up and will ask specifically whether there is any reason that the applicant should not be engaged in situations where they have responsibility for, or substantial access to, persons under 18. Upon interview all gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily and proof of identity and, where applicable, qualifications will be required. Appropriate suitability checks will be required prior to confirmation of appointment. EF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to inclusion and belonging across race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, identity, parental status, experience, and everything else that makes you unique.
About Us
Some companies are in the business of banking. Others are in the business of shoes. Or sports. Or soft drinks. At EF, we’re in a different kind of business. One that’s a little less tangible, and a lot more important. Because our business, what we make, makes everything else possible. We’re in the business of understanding. Between people. Between cultures. For over half a century we’ve been the leader in international educational programs and experiences designed to foster such understanding. Through language, cultural exchange, academic studies, and educational travel, we create the kinds of immersive experiences that challenge biases, open minds, and pave the way for a more understanding world. You’ll find our offices and schools located in some of the world’s greatest cities, and filled with smart, driven people (over 50,000 of us) who push each other to be better every day. But it’s what we do together - building greater understanding, breaking down barriers, and creating a better world - that makes all the difference.
Founded in 1965 in Sweden, EF (Education First) is a global association of education companies that share a common mission of opening the world through education. EF has been recognized on Forbes 2025 and 2024 World’s Best Employers and 2024 Top Companies for Women lists, Fast Company’s 2025 Next Big Things In Tech, and was a 2024 App Store Award winner in Cultural Impact.
About The Team
At EF Language Abroad, we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another. Since 1965, we’ve helped millions of students discover new places, embrace diverse cultures, and gain fresh perspectives. We’re dedicated to our mission of opening the world through education, harnessing the power of language learning to deepen the connection between people across the globe. We offer immersive short-term and long-term language courses and programs across different languages in the countries where they’re spoken. Through blending classroom-based lessons with interactive exercises and real-world practice, our courses bring you to the heart of the language. Together, our global staff help students from around the world develop the language skills they need to achieve their dreams. EF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All positions are subject to a criminal background and/or reference checks, as applicable.
Summer Residence Lead employer: EF
At EF Education First, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates diversity and encourages personal growth. As a Summer Residence Lead, you'll not only gain invaluable experience in an international environment but also enjoy benefits such as regular social events, comprehensive training, and opportunities for career advancement within our global network. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of students while enhancing your own professional journey in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Summer Residence Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out EF's social media and website to understand their values and mission. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on how your experiences align with the role of Residence Lead, especially around student welfare and customer service.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for multicultural environments! During the interview, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your ability to work with diverse groups. This will resonate well with EF's commitment to understanding and inclusion.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep your name fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Summer Residence Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with international students shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about student welfare and creating a vibrant community.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in customer service or multicultural environments. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at EF!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for the Residence Lead role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with EF.
How to prepare for a job interview at EF
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Summer Residence Lead. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like managing a team, ensuring student welfare, and maintaining safety standards. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Cultural Intelligence
Since this role involves working with international students, it's crucial to demonstrate your cultural awareness and sensitivity. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated multicultural environments or supported individuals from diverse backgrounds. This will highlight your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle situations like a student feeling homesick or a conflict between residents. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your problem-solving skills and your approach to maintaining a positive living environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, the training process, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
