ESOL Intern Fall 2026 (UNPAID)

Background:
Founded in 1933 the International Rescue Committee is a leading non-sectarian non-profit organization providing emergency relief protection rehabilitationassistance resettlement services and advocacy for refugees and victims ofcrisis orviolent conflict. Domestically our 29offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food shelter and clothing and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

Scope of Role:
Developing skills and confidence in speaking reading and writing in English is crucial for new arrivals success in Richmond. These skills expand resource accessibility employment opportunities and much more. The English Language Training Intern willassistthe Adult Education Specialist in the planning and provision of English language trainingclassesto the refugees and immigrants that IRC Richmond serves.

Learning Objectives:
TheEnglishfor Speakers of Other Languages(ESOL)Intern will:

• Learn how to manage classes andsupportingservices within the established requirements to provide the best possible service to vulnerable populations.

• Develop critical thinking skillsclientsservice skills andcross-globaleducation and social work skills.

• Learn about the IRC locally and globally the available services to refugees and ORR-eligible clients in Richmond Virginia.

Responsibilities:

• Assist IRC staff with the enrollment coordination and implementation of classes including:

• Contactingstudents to confirm their availability to attend classes.

• Navigating client barriers to education.

• Differentiating and scaffoldinginstructionto students individually or in small groups.

• Communicating with local stakeholders and adult education services to connect students toappropriate classes.

• Support teachers in the preparation of the student materials for the classes.

• Coordinate with volunteers to ensure proper coverage is in place for adult education classes including childcare volunteers; cover the childcare volunteer role as needed.

• Collect data to support educational initiatives and encourage studentsuccess.

• Adhere to IRC policies particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy practice respect and consideration of clients varied backgrounds and experiences respectclientbeliefsand values.

• Other supportasneeded.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate orgraduate level studies in education social work international relations social sciences or related field preferred.

• Respect and awareness of global backgrounds and experiences and a desire to help refugees adjust to life in the U.S.

• Patience understanding and flexibility

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail

• Effective communication skills especially in a cross-global environment

• Engaged in learning about the IRC (mission philosophy global work and local efforts) and willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies

• Proficiencyin more than one language preferred but not

This position is unpaid and reports to the Adult Education Specialist.

*The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlines in the IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity Service and Accountability.In accordance withthese values the IRCoperatesand enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse Child Safeguarding Anti-Workplace Harassment Fiscal Integrity and Anti-Retaliation.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicantson the basis ofmerit without regard to race sex color national origin religion sexual orientation age marital status veteran statusdisabilityor any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The IRC is committed to fostering an accessible workplace. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds experiences and abilities to apply for positions that align with their qualifications and interests. If you are selected for an interview please inform your recruiter if yourequireanyaccommodationsduring the recruitment process. Examples of accommodations may include extended time for interviews or assessments flexible scheduling to accommodate medical appointments orassistancewith communication needs. The IRC has offices in many locations each with varying capacities to provide specific accommodations. While we are committed to doing our best to meet your needs please note that certain accommodations may depend on the resources and facilities available at each location. Pleaseknowwe will carefully consider all requests and make every effort to ensure a supportive and accessible recruitment process.