Fall 2026: VESL Plus Intern (Unpaid)
International Rescue CommitteeAbout the role
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
SCOPE OF VESL Intern’s WORK: The VESL Plus Program, a vocational English and work readiness training program, focuses on helping newly-arrived refugees to prepare for and find entry-level work. The VESL Intern will help to strengthen the VESL Plus Program and increase client learning by engaging with clients; teaching and/or developing classroom materials; providing administrative support; and carrying out other tasks as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Depending on the experience, skills, and interests of the intern, the primary responsibilities of this position will be focused in the following areas:
Classroom Instruction and Materials Development
Teaching/assisting the VESL teachers in classrooms as needed
Assisting with on-going development of curricula, specifically with the research and development of materials
Administrative
Assisting with program intake, and collection and copying of required documents
Helping to maintain well-organized client and cohort files, both digital and paper
Assisting with tracking of student attendance
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The Intern will gain experience:
Teaching/assisting in a non-traditional, multi-level, fast-paced, (on-line) English language classroom
Working with refugee and asylee populations
Meeting grant funding requirements, including the organization, filing, and tracking of client information and documentation
Developing classroom materials to meet specific goals for a target population
REQUIREMENTS:
Currently enrolled in undergraduate or TESOL/TFL Certificate program
Overseas study experience and/or ESL teaching experience preferred
Experience working with adults from diverse backgrounds preferred
Strong computer skills
Comfortable using on-line platforms (Zoom, Teams) to engage with clients and staff
Must be flexible, organized, and a self-starter
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