International Internship Food Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 may be a hybrid format, meaning that some in-person hours at our Boston, MA office are required.

Overview

IINE offers employment and job-readiness training to youths and adults; including ESOL class, work orientation for newly arrived refugees/asylees, training in job readiness skills, and learner permit training for English Language Learners. The Employment and Skills Training Interns will help develop or update client resumes and cover letters, assist with teaching and lesson planning for training programs and assist with interview practice or follow up on clients who are job placed.

Responsibilities

• Support the recruitment, assessment, and enrollment of skills training participants
• Assist in developing classroom activities to support language learning
• Assist in the preparation of graduation ceremonies
• Assist in the in-person or online classes by working one-on-one and/or in small groups
• Support data-entry and logistical program support
• Assist in the preparation of classroom materials and activities
• Assist clients one-on-one and in small groups
• Assist clients in developing resumes and cover letters and in applying for jobs
• Practice with clients ahead of interviews and follow up with clients about their applications and interviews
• Teach work readiness trainings and tutor clients who require additional English practice
• When needed and appropriate, accompany clients to job fairs, interviews, and job shadows
• Conduct information sessions and intakes
• Provide general administrative assistance

Required Skills/Abilities

• Passionate about international, refugee, asylee, and/or immigrant issues
• Patience speaking with non-native English speakers/non-English speakers
• Professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information
• Tutoring or teaching experience, especially in small groups or on a one-on-one basis
• Previous work experience in industries where clients often apply for first jobs: retail, customer service, food service, or production is a plus.
• Experience editing and formatting, especially resumes and cover letters
• Experience with US job application process
• Language skills in Haitian Creole, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Swahili, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Somali, Russian, Ukrainian, a plus
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized with great attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Education & Experience

• Some work experience strongly preferred need not be immediately related to the scope of the internship. Teaching experience (even informal) would be considered favorably.
• Some college education preferred.

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.