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 Boston office are required.

Education Services Internship Overview

IINE’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program serves clients ages 18+ who are committed to taking their next college and career steps in the United States. Some students are refugees and asylees resettled by IINE, while others are referred to the Institute by affiliate organizations offering similar case management and employment services. IINE-Boston's adult education program also welcomes immigrants interested in improving their English. Students come with a wide range of schooling and instruction; many have experienced interrupted education and may not have completed high school in their countries of origin, while others have completed advanced degrees.

Both morning and evening students are provided with English instruction focused on workforce readiness; finding and maintaining employment; the pursuit of higher education; and living safely, comfortably, and happily in their homes in the Boston area. Students complete a reading and writing assessment when they register for classes or begin services. Placement in the appropriate class level is determined based on assessment results. Classes run throughout the year.

Education interns assist with student recruitment and advising as well as classroom instruction. Working alongside IINE’s Admissions Specialist, education advisor and ESOL Instructors, they meet with prospective students to enroll them in programming, provide occasional instructional support in ESOL, and serve as advisors that help clients find and apply for entry-level jobs, pursue and obtain job promotions, enter training programs, and further their education. Classes meet in the morning and evening depending on student need.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meet with and help enroll new students
• Advise students on career, education, and civic engagement goals, as well as basic tech and digital literacy support
• Assist ESOL instructors in classrooms
• Help create and update student files and data.
• Help conduct PoPs Surveys
• Help with clients’ intakes

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Interest in international, refugee, asylee, and/or immigrant issues
• Ability to work respectfully in a multicultural environment
• Patience speaking with non-native English speakers/second language-English speakers
• Tutoring or teaching experience, especially in small groups or on a one-on-one basis; Experience teaching or tutoring adult learners preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized with great attention to detail
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and to switch gears quickly
• Professionalism, discretion, and maturity in dealing with confidential information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Language skills in Arabic (Modern Standard), Arabic (Darija), Dari, Pashto, French, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Somali, Swahili, and Nepali preferred
• Comfort navigating the Boston area on public transit

Education & Experience

• Education or any other academic majors

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize common challenges faced by immigrant and refugee populations
• Develop strong advocacy and people skills
• Identify best practices associated with case management and how to effectively conduct client meetings
• Capture important information from meetings and check-ins in concise case notes
• 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 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.