About the role#
The Adult Education Intern assists the Adult Education Specialist in planning and running English language training classes for refugees and immigrants in Richmond. This role focuses on helping new arrivals build the speaking, reading, and writing skills necessary to access local resources and employment opportunities. You will gain experience in intercultural education and social work while supporting the delivery of services to vulnerable populations.
What you'll do#
- Assist staff with the enrollment, coordination, and implementation of classes.
- Contact students to confirm their availability.
- Help clients navigate barriers to education, such as transportation and childcare.
- Differentiate and scaffold instruction for students in individual or small group settings.
- Communicate with local stakeholders and adult education services to connect students to appropriate programs.
- Prepare student materials and coordinate with volunteers to ensure class coverage.
- Cover the childcare volunteer role when needed.
- Collect and interpret data to support educational initiatives.
- Follow IRC policies on confidentiality and client privacy while practicing sensitivity to cultural differences.
What you'll need#
- Current undergraduate or graduate studies in education, social work, international relations, social sciences, or a related field.
- A background in education or experience teaching in formal or informal settings.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable populations.
- A desire to help refugees adjust to life in the United States.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Effective communication skills for a multicultural environment.
- Patience, understanding, and flexibility.
- An interest in learning about the mission and work of the IRC.
- Proficiency in more than one language is preferred, specifically Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Spanish, or Kinyarwanda.
Location & details#
- This position is located on-site in Richmond, Virginia.
- The term is for Winter 2027.
- This is an unpaid, part-time internship.
About International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee is a nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian aid to people affected by war and disaster. Founded in 1933, it operates in more than 50 countries and 28 cities across the United States. The organization focuses on areas such as refugee resettlement, health care, and emergency relief. It employs over 13,000 people to support its mission of assisting displaced populations.
How to get in at International Rescue Committee
Applying early gives you a distinct advantage at the International Rescue Committee because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first before the pile grows. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting your materials to a massive, stagnant queue. You can reach out directly to the recruiters behind the company's roles to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves your response rates. Intern Insider surfaces these specific contacts, allowing you to bypass the standard portal and connect with the people actually hiring for the team.
