ESOL Intern - Fall 2026 (UNPAID)

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.

Background:  
Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of crisis or violent conflict. Domestically, our 29 offices 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 will assist the Adult Education Specialist in the planning and provision of English language training classes to the refugees and immigrants that IRC Richmond serves. 

Learning Objectives: 
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Intern will: 

• Learn how to manage classes and supporting services within the established requirements, to provide the best possible service to vulnerable populations. 

• Develop critical thinking skills, clients service skills, and cross-global education 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: 

• Contacting students to confirm their availability to attend classes. 

• Navigating client barriers to education. 

• Differentiating and scaffolding instruction to students individually or in small groups. 

• Communicating with local stakeholders and adult education services to connect students to appropriate 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 student success. 

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

• Other support as needed. 

Qualifications: 

• Undergraduate or graduate 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 

• Proficiency in more than one language preferred but not required 

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 with these values, the IRC operates and 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 applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or 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 you require any accommodations during the recruitment process. Examples of accommodations may include extended time for interviews or assessments, flexible scheduling to accommodate medical appointments, or assistance with 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. Please know we will carefully consider all requests and make every effort to ensure a supportive and accessible recruitment process. 

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.