Counselors

About Our Staff

For Parents, Delegates, and Sponsors

At WAS, your student is supported by a trained team of Volunteer Counselors, Senior Staff, and Registered Nurses
who work together to create a safe, structured, and welcoming environment—so delegates can focus on learning, teamwork, and leadership. 

Who is on duty?

  • Counselors lead small-group discussions, guide simulations, accompany delegates between venues, and model leadership and respect. 
  • Senior Staff coach counselors, help with complex situations, and coordinate daily operations.
  • Registered Nurses oversee day-to-day health needs, first aid, and care coordination.

Training & Screening

All counselors complete pre-seminar training and follow WAS policies covering youth protection, conduct, and emergency procedures.
(Background and reference checks are part of our standard onboarding.)

Health & Wellness

Our on-site nursing team handles routine needs and first aid, and partners with local care providers if additional treatment is required. Families will be contacted when appropriate. 

Safety, supervision & daily structure

  • Counselors attend all sessions with delegates, facilitate floor meetings, and help with check-in/check-out.
  • The team implements and enforces rules consistently and respectfully, with clear escalation to professional staff and nurses when needed.

Join Our Staff

WAS Counselors & Nursing Staff

Help shape the next generation of global leaders.

We’re recruiting Counselors and Registered Nurses for June 20–25, 2027 (plus a required training day on June 19).

Counselors come from many backgrounds—teachers, librarians, guidance counselors, business professionals, college students, and past participants—and work as a cohesive leadership team throughout the week.

Join our talented community today!

Roles at a Glance

Our staff consists of four levels:

  • Counselor 1 (first and second year counselors)
  • Counselor 2 (third year or more)
  • Senior Staff
  • Registered Nurse (school, pediatrics, or ER experience preferred; camp nursing background a plus)

What You'll Do

  • Facilitate simulations and discussion groups; support academic sessions and recreational activities
  • Walk with delegates to and from large and small group sessions; lead nightly floor meetings
  • Implement and enforce participant rules and expectations; model inclusion and respect
  • Assist with check-in/check-out, daily logistics, and parent/school/partner questions as needed
  • Nurses: provide first aid and routine care, document incidents, coordinate outside care when appropriate

What We Look For

Interested in applying for a counselor position? You’d be a fantastic candidate if the following are met:

Minimum Requirements:

  • You are completing your Sophomore year of college, or at least two years out of high school
  • If you are a WAS alumni, you should have a 1 year gap between applying and your last year as a delegate

Additional Recommended Qualifications:

  • Experience working with high-school age youth
  • Collaborative and imaginative attitude
  • Interest or experience in global issues and diplomacy
  • Experience facilitating small groups through academic exercises
  • Able and willing to participate in recreational and physical activities
  • Possess strong analytical and problem solving skills
  • Flexible mindset in response to unique circumstances

Why Serve On Staff

  • Direct impact on student growth in diplomacy, teamwork, and problem-solving
  • Professional experience in facilitation, mentorship, and crisis response
  • Join a mission-driven community that values service and global awareness

Time Commitment

Your contract will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026.

Please plan your travel to ARRIVE on campus at the latest by 11 a.m. to check-in and receive your room assignment.

Your contract will continue through the departure of all Seminar participants by 2:00 p.m. on June 26, 2026.

Nursing Staff

REGISTERED NURSE: Medical Services/Special

The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) requires a Registered Nurse to provide on-site medical support and general health care to student delegates during the Seminar.

Skills & Abilities:

Registered Nurse licensed in Wisconsin. Ability to work independently, highly detail-oriented, and capable of administering medical care.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Maintain Medical Records
    1. Review health forms
    2. Distribute medications
  2. Flag health concerns
  3. Coordinate special arrangements
  4. Provide 24-hour access to care
  5. Maintain health records
  6. Communicate with parents
  7. Transport students if needed
  8. Apply medical standing orders
  9. Communicate with Medical Director
  10. Manage supplies
  11. Communicate with WAS staff
  12. Use nursing resources
  13. Other duties as needed

Apply to join our talented staff today!

General Application

REQUIRED TO APPLY.

Click Here

Staff Health Form

REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE.

Click Here

Note: If you are unable to complete the online forms or prefer a PDF form to complete, please contact our staff at contact@worldaffairsseminar.org and we would be happy to provide appropriate accomodations. Thank you!