Vocational English as a Second Language Spring 2026 Intern - 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 
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and that they are connected to community support systems. The IRC works with refugees, immigrants, and survivors of trafficking to help them gain self-sufficiency.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Economic Empowerment program assists refugees to become economically self-sufficient by assisting eligible clients in accessing public benefits, placing recently arrived refugees in their first job in the United States, and supporting longer-term clients with economic mobility via career laddering. The Vocational English as a Second Language Intern will support clients in English language development specific to high-demand industries such as warehousing, manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare, with a focus on workplace vocabulary, communication, and cultural fluency. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide equal treatment to all client groups in accordance with the agency's commitment to the dignity of all persons.
• Assist in developing and implementing multi-level comprehension and literacy activities.
• Facilitate group and one-on-one instruction to students of varying English proficiency levels.
• Support program activities by researching new curriculum content and preparing educational materials as requested by program lead.
• Assist with class preparation, record attendance, and complete pre-and post- program evaluations to measure student progress.
• Promote core competencies of English language skills needed to obtain and retain employment and achieve self-sufficiency
• Facilitate and support technology skills to low digital literacy skills students to enhance access to independent study tools
• Other duties as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

• The intern will gain US resettlement agency experience in service provision.
• The intern will practice effectively managing a classroom and teaching English to students of various backgrounds and English language levels.
• The intern will gain experience working with adult learners from a variety of backgrounds, including those with limited formal education and/or literacy skills.
• The intern will learn to work as a team to effectively prepare and execute lessons and activities.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a current undergraduate student, graduate student, or fewer than 12 months past graduation. 

• Candidates must have work authorization status in the United States (the IRC must not be represented as a sponsor or host in any application, filing, or other context for an intern).  
• Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM).  
• Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment. 
• Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially. 
• Strong intercultural communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. 
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team. 
• Previous experience working with vulnerable populations preferred but not required. 
• An interest in or experience with teaching generally and teaching ESL specifically TESOL or TEFL certificate or working towards receiving TESOL/TEFL is preferred. 
•  Fluent in spoken and written English. 
• Adherence to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies 

TRAINING & GUIDANCE

In-depth training will be provided for interns to understand IRC programming and the various needs of clients accessing IRC services. Interns will receive training on IRC’s federal R&P and APA service agreements and their programmatic requirements for resettlement services. Interns with client languages who could serve as an interpreter will receive guidance on policies when interpreting. Other activities, specific training will be provided as needed. Flexibility, initiative, and a desire to collaborate are essential qualities for this intern opportunity. A high level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients.

HOW TO APPLY

All intern opportunities are contingent on clearing a background check*. Interns must adhere to the IRC intern and workplace policies, which include confidentiality and client safeguarding. Apply online at Rescue.org/Careers, selecting Louisville. Email questions to Volunteer.Louisville@Rescue.org.

FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, & YOUTH PROGRAM LEADERS

If you would like to discuss connecting your organization with the IRC in Louisville for internship opportunities, please email  Volunteer.Louisville@rescue.org with the subject line “INTERNSHIP."

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT

• Learn more about the IRC’s work at Rescue.org/Louisville
• Fight for policies that deliver real change for the people we serve: Rescue.org/take-action

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

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 $143 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.