Spring 2026 Community Services Intern

The International Institute of New England is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving refugees and immigrants in Boston, MA, Lowell, MA, and Manchester, NH. The Institute offers internships to students, graduate students, and recent graduates with demonstrated interest or experience in supporting refugee, asylee, and immigrant populations. Each internship includes an educational component, through which interns contextualize their experience and reflect on their service.

All internships are unpaid and correspond roughly with the US semester system:

Spring Internship: January 20th 2026 through May 8th 2026

First consideration is given to applicants that can commit at least 10 hours per week over the course of the semester outlined above. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of whether their schedule fits the semester system; IINE makes exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Slots fill quickly and candidates are encouraged to apply earlier than the requested date above.

Please note that this internship will be Onsite format, at our Lowell, MA office are required.

Overview

The Community Services Intern will support the Community Services Department in providing case management, client support, and administrative assistance to refugee and immigrant families as they rebuild their lives in the Greater Lowell area. The intern will work closely with staff on various programs including Refugee Support, Matching Grant, Preferred Communities, and other community integration initiatives

Responsibilities

• Assist case managers with client intakes, needs assessments, and service coordination.

• Support clients with access to essential services such as housing, employment, education, healthcare, and public benefits.

• Help with documentation, data entry, and file maintenance in case management systems (e.g., Apricot, RISIS).

• Participate in outreach and community events promoting client self-sufficiency and inclusion.

• Conduct follow-up calls to clients to ensure completion of referrals or service plans.

• Translate or interpret basic materials (if bilingual in relevant languages).

• Assist with scheduling appointments, preparing letters, and maintaining resource lists.

• Attend team meetings and contribute to program planning and evaluation.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and basic data entry.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information professionally.

• Strong time-management skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

• Problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude toward client and program needs.

• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently when needed.

• Cultural sensitivity and empathy in serving refugee and immigrant populations.

• Language proficiency in Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Spanish, French, or Portuguese is a plus.

Education & Experience

Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program in:

• Social Work

  • Human Services

  • Public Administration

  • Psychology

  • International Relations

  • Sociology, or a related field.

  • Prior experience (paid or volunteer) in community service, refugee resettlement, or nonprofit work is preferred but not required.

  • Familiarity with social service systems, public assistance programs, or cross-cultural environments is a plus.