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 semester system:

• Fall Internship: Mid September through Mid December 2026

First consideration is given to applicants that 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 is a hybrid format, meaning that some in-person hours at our Boston, MA office are required.

Volunteer Program Internship Overview

The Volunteer Program at the International Institute of New England contributes to the mission to help immigrants and refugees succeed by connecting dedicated volunteers with opportunities to support immigrants and refugees both directly and indirectly. Volunteers work directly with clients seeking employment, learning English, or needing help to get settled and navigate around their community. Volunteers contribute indirectly via administrative assistance, event set up and management, and helping staff with activities to allow IINE to provide comprehensive, thorough services to clients. The Volunteer Intern works directly with the Volunteer Coordinator on day-to-day administrative activities, assists with internal and external communication required to identify and connect volunteers with opportunities, and assists with event planning and program forecasting. This role supports the mission-driven work of the program, offering hands-on experience in volunteer management, event coordination, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Help identify and communicate volunteer opportunities internally and externally.
• Assist in volunteer communication and scheduling.
• Assist in maintaining current and accurate records of all volunteer profiles.
• Tracking volunteer activity and updating records in SalesForce.
• Assist with donation collection, organization, inventory, and distribution.
• Participate in volunteer activities (eg: classroom assistance, donation collection).
• Assist in volunteer onboarding and task specific training.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Interest in international, refugee, asylee, and/or immigrant issues
• Highly organized with attention to detail: ability to track data and report in multiple systems; maintain trackers for volunteer profiles, activities, and open opportunities
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Professionalism, discretion, and maturity in dealing with confidential information
• Any additional language skills a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Learning Objectives

• Recognize common challenges and barriers faced by immigrant and refugee populations.
• Develop strong volunteer coordination, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Identify best practices in volunteer management, including recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and training.
• Develop skills in maintaining accurate volunteer records, tracking participation, and managing program data.
• Understand best practices in event planning, community engagement, and nonprofit program coordination.
• Identify and access community resources and services that support the needs of refugees and immigrants.

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.