Fall 2026 Community Services Internship

International Institute of New England 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 on-site format. Ideally, we are looking to recruit individuals near to the Boston area who are able to commute into the office.

Overview

The Community Services and Resettlement team provides case management and other services to newly arrived refugees, asylees, and other clients for up to one year after arrival. During this time, staff coordinate the arrival, integration, and social services of refugees, asylees, Haitian entrants, victims of human trafficking, and other clients after their arrival in the United States. Interns assist 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist staff with case management responsibilities including:
• Applying for temporary financial assistance (TAFDC, SNAP benefits, SSDI/SSI)
• Assisting clients with school enrollment process of their children
• Advocating for health and social services
• Assisting clients with scheduling medical appointments
• Assisting clients with affordable housing applications
• Accompanying clients to the Department of Transitional Assistance, health clinics, and Social Security office
• 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 including case notes
• Provide general administrative assistance to the Community Services team

Required Skills/Abilities

• 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 interacting with social welfare agencies highly desirable
• Experience advocating on behalf of others
• Language skills in Spanish preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized with great attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

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.

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.