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 20 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.
This internship has a on-site format. Ideally, we are looking to recruit individuals near to the Lowell area who are able to commute into the office.
Overview
Education interns assist with student recruitment as well as classroom instruction. Working alongside IINE’s Admissions Specialist and ESOL Instructors, they meet with prospective students to enroll them in programming, provide instructional support and/or digital literacy support in ESOL classes.
Responsibilities
- Assisting with intake of new students
- Help create, scan and update student files
- Assist ESOL instructors in remote and/or in-person classes classrooms
- Assist with digital literacy instruction
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, Dari, Pashto, French, Haitian Creole, Spanish, or Swahili a plus
Education & Experience
- Pursuing a related degree, i.e., education, international studies, social services
- Experience in tutoring
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.
Skills Required
- 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 (small groups or one-on-one)
- Experience teaching or tutoring adult learners
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Highly organized with great attention to detail
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and switch gears quickly
- Professionalism, discretion, and maturity in handling confidential information
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Language skills in Arabic, Dari, Pashto, French, Haitian Creole, Spanish, or Swahili
- Pursuing a related degree (education, international studies, social services) or recent graduate
- Ability to work on-site in Lowell, MA (commute to office)
- Availability to commit roughly 20 hours per week during the semester (preferred for first consideration)
- Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods and occasionally lift light documents or supplies
What We Do
International Institute of New England (IINE) is a nonprofit organization serving refugees and immigrants in the United States. Founded in 1924, it provides humanitarian relief, English-language learning, employment support, skills training, and immigration legal services. Through offices in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire, IINE helps newcomers build self-sufficiency, access opportunity, and establish stable foundations for themselves and their families.
