For more than 100 years, the International Institute of New England (IINE) has created opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, employment support, and pathways to citizenship. With locations in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire, IINE welcomes and serves thousands of individuals and families annually, including people displaced by political instability, violence, and climate crises; survivors of human trafficking; and unaccompanied children joining family members in New England. As one of the oldest and largest organizations in the region, IINE plays a leading role in shaping public understanding and support of our newest neighbors.

IINE offers internships to students, graduate students, and recent graduates with demonstrated interest or experience in supporting refugee, 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 School (education) semester system:

• Fall Internships: Mid September through Mid December 2026

First consideration is given to applicants who can commit at least 16 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 a hybrid format, meaning that some in-person hours at our Manchester office are required.

Employment Services Internship Overview

IINE’s Employment Services program places newly-arrived refugees into their first jobs in the US and assists more established refugees as they take the next step in their career. Students are typically enrolled in the Career Services program when they are enrolled in the Community Services Program and exit once they have a job. Employment specialists track retention at regular intervals and offer a variety of continued support and coaching for the student as they settle into their new job. Interns meet one-on-one with clients to provide additional resume and cover letter writing support, help practice for interviews with potential employers, and to answer questions clients may have once they start new jobs.

Reports to: Case Specialist, Employment Services

Location: Manchester, NH

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Job Developer to provide feedback to clients working on resumes, cover letters, and job applications
• Practice mock interviewing with clients applying to jobs
• Check in with clients about their applications and interviews
• Financial literacy and saving info-sessions
• Regularly summarize client accomplishments and feedback for Case Specialist
• Follow-up with clients to assess retention and alert the Job Developer when clients require further services
• Help the Job Developer update the online database with case notes
• Assist the Job Developer in contacting local employers and inquire about job openings
• Assist the job developer in applying for unemployment benefits for clients
• Assist the job developer in applying for IRS stimulus benefits for clients
• Refer clients to the necessary resources regarding legal, tax and banking advice
• Conduct outreach with local employers and job opportunities

Qualifications:

• Interest in international, refugee, asylee, and/or immigrant issues
• Patience speaking with non-native English speakers / non-English speakers
• Professionalism, discretion, and maturity in dealing with confidential information
• Experience with US job application process
• Experience editing and formatting, especially resumes and cover letters
• Language skills in Kinyarwanda, Swahili, Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Somali preferred
• Highly organized with great attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize and create strong resumes and cover letters
• Hone editing and formatting skills
• Successfully navigate the application, interview, and orientation processes typical of recruitment systems used by US employers
• Identify and access community resources and services, particularly those that cater to the needs of refugees and immigrants.
• Understand the US Refugee Resettlement program, as well as what part VOLAGs and resettlement agencies like the International Institute of New England play in receiving and integrating refugees.
• Respectfully express and engage with ideas and values in a multilingual environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods and use a computer and telephone.
• Occasional light lifting and handling of documents or office supplies.