Fall 2026 Community Services & Resettlement Internship

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 hybrid format. Ideally, we are looking to recruit individuals near to the Manchester area who are able to commute into the office.

Community Services and Resettlement Internship Overview

The community services team provides case management and other services to newly arrived refugees, asylees and other clients for up to 90 days after arrival, with some case management services provided after the first 90 days. During this time, staff coordinate the arrival, integration and social services of refugees, asylees, Haitian entrants and other clients after their arrival in the United States. Interns assist the Case Specialists by checking in with clients by phone, helping clients access local transportation and other public services, and ensuring clients understand available resources through cultural orientation workshops.

Reports to: Community Services Case Specialist

Location: Manchester, NH (hybrid format)

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist staff with case management responsibilities including:
  • Applying for temporary financial assistance
  • Advocating for health and social services
  • Outreach to clients via home visits and/or phone calls
  • Accompanying clients to the Department of Health and Human Services, health clinics, Social Security office, Department of Motor Vehicles, and other appointments.
  • Helping to coordinate referrals to a wide variety of social services
• Conduct cultural and workforce orientation workshops for recently arrived refugees
• Review and update client records at Case Specialist’s direction
• Provide general administrative assistance to the Community Services team and other case management staff as necessary

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 advocating on behalf of others
• Language skills in Dari, Pashto, Arabic, or Swahili highly desirable
• Highly organized with great attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Driver’s license and car required

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.