PSI International Frequently Asked Questions
Job Requirements
What academic backgrounds are required for instructors?
Most PSI instructors are expected to have a doctoral degree in statistics, survey methodology, sociology, psychology, or related quantitative disciplines. Applicants with Master's degree in these fields are expected to have several years of teaching and/or researching that involve statistics and/or survey methodology.
Most PSI instructors are expected to have a doctoral degree in statistics, survey methodology, sociology, psychology, or related quantitative disciplines. Applicants with Master's degree in these fields are expected to have several years of teaching and/or researching that involve statistics and/or survey methodology.
Does PSI prefer instructors from any specific country?
We welcome instructors from everywhere in the world. In 2012, 13 instructors had joined PSI from US, Germany, Australia, Britain, Qatar, and Switzerland.
We welcome instructors from everywhere in the world. In 2012, 13 instructors had joined PSI from US, Germany, Australia, Britain, Qatar, and Switzerland.
Job Descriptions
What are the roles of Instructors?
The role of PSI instructors will be to teach survey statistics and interdisciplinary survey research methodology. Prior to travel to the hosting country, instructors are expected to prepare syllabi and develop course materials according to PSI guidelines. Day-to-day roles will include in-class teaching, assigning homework/readings, grading exams or papers, and holding office hours twice a week. Upon the conclusion of PSI, instructors are asked to provide feedback on PSI's programs and for the students, so as to facilitate the continuous improvement of PSI in the future.
The role of PSI instructors will be to teach survey statistics and interdisciplinary survey research methodology. Prior to travel to the hosting country, instructors are expected to prepare syllabi and develop course materials according to PSI guidelines. Day-to-day roles will include in-class teaching, assigning homework/readings, grading exams or papers, and holding office hours twice a week. Upon the conclusion of PSI, instructors are asked to provide feedback on PSI's programs and for the students, so as to facilitate the continuous improvement of PSI in the future.
Are instructors responsible for developing course syllabi and preparing course materials?
Yes, instructors will need to develop course syllabi and prepare instructional materials, including PowerPoint slides, if necessary. Materials from the previous year are available for reference.
Yes, instructors will need to develop course syllabi and prepare instructional materials, including PowerPoint slides, if necessary. Materials from the previous year are available for reference.
How many courses is each instructor expected to teach?
One, or no more than two, courses.
One, or no more than two, courses.
How many teaching hours and days should be devoted to one course?
Instructors teach or are paired to co-teach an intensive 4-week-long course, which requires two hours of teaching per class from Monday through Friday. Instructors also need to set up office hours twice a week, and spend time prepreparing for the following day's class. Those teaching intensive workshops are expected to spend two to three hours per class, Monday through Friday, for one to two weeks depending on the workshop topics.
Instructors teach or are paired to co-teach an intensive 4-week-long course, which requires two hours of teaching per class from Monday through Friday. Instructors also need to set up office hours twice a week, and spend time prepreparing for the following day's class. Those teaching intensive workshops are expected to spend two to three hours per class, Monday through Friday, for one to two weeks depending on the workshop topics.
How long is the commitment?
Instructors are expected to teach for a period from two to four weeks.
Instructors are expected to teach for a period from two to four weeks.
What is the language of instruction at PSI?
English is the official language of instruction in classrooms, cafeteria, and all casual meetings on the hosting universtiy campus. PSI students' English proficiency is as good as international students studying abroad in North America or Europe.
English is the official language of instruction in classrooms, cafeteria, and all casual meetings on the hosting universtiy campus. PSI students' English proficiency is as good as international students studying abroad in North America or Europe.
Is there any cultural issue I need to be mindful of?
A general rule for foreigners is to show respect for the hosting country's culture and to build positive relationships. Teachers and the elderly are well respected in the hosting country's culture.
A general rule for foreigners is to show respect for the hosting country's culture and to build positive relationships. Teachers and the elderly are well respected in the hosting country's culture.