Education Services Northeastern University 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.

This internship is specific to Northeastern University (NEU) Co-Op students or recent graduates. Each internship includes an educational component, through which interns contextualize their experience and reflect on their service.

Education Services Northeastern University Internship Overview

IINE's English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program serves clients ages 18 who are committed to taking their next college and career steps in the United States. Some students are refugees and asylees resettled by IINE, while others are referred to the Institute by affiliate organizations offering similar case management and employment services. IINE-Boston's adult education program also welcomes immigrants interested in improving their English. Students come with a wide range of schooling and instruction; many have experienced interrupted education and may not have completed high school in their countries of origin, while others have completed advanced degrees.

Both morning and evening students are provided with English instruction focused on workforce readiness; finding and maintaining employment; the pursuit of higher education; and living safely, comfortably, and happily in their homes in the Boston area. Students complete a reading and writing assessment when they register for classes or begin services. Placement in the appropriate class level is determined based on assessment results. Classes run throughout the year.

Education interns assist with student recruitment and advising as well as classroom instruction. Working alongside IINE's Admissions Specialist, education advisor and ESOL Instructors, they meet with prospective students to enroll them in programming, provide occasional instructional support in ESOL, and serve as advisors that help clients find and apply for entry-level jobs, pursue and obtain job promotions, enter training programs, and further their education. Classes meet in the morning and evening depending on student need.

• Reports to: Education Program Manager
• Location: Boston, MA
• Start Date: January 18, 2027
• End Date: June 25, 2027
• Please note that this position is unpaid

Key Responsibilities:

• Help with student registration intakes.
• Advise students on career, education, and civic engagement goals, as well as basic tech and digital literacy support.
• Assist ESOL instructors in classrooms as needed and time permits.
• Help create and update student files and data.
• Help conduct the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education follow up surveys.

Qualifications:

• 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 (Modern Standard), Arabic (Darija), Dari, Pashto, French, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Somali, Swahili, and Nepali preferred
• Comfort navigating the Boston area on public transit
• Current NEU student or recent NEU graduate

Learning Objectives:

• Gain practical experience in facilitating adult ESOL learning by assisting instructors in diverse classroom settings.
• Acquire proficiency in managing sensitive student records and conducting outcomes assessments for state-level reporting.
• Improve the ability to teach foundational technology skills to adult learners to support their integration and self-sufficiency.
• Enhance intercultural competence by providing services to a refugee and immigrant population with varied educational backgrounds and language needs.

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.