Adult Education Intern - Spring 2027

International Rescue Committee•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The Adult Education Intern assists the Adult Education Specialist with planning and implementing English language training classes for refugees and immigrants served by IRC Richmond. The role supports students’ access to education and helps build their English speaking, reading, and writing skills, which can improve access to resources and employment opportunities. The intern also helps clients access community classes and supports program growth through community partnerships and related skill-building classes, including digital literacy initiatives. The position provides experience managing classes and related services within established requirements, serving vulnerable populations, and developing critical thinking, client-service, intercultural education, and social work skills. The intern will also learn about IRC’s local and global work and the services available to refugees and ORR-eligible clients in Richmond, Virginia. This is an unpaid position reporting to the Adult Education Specialist.

Requirements

Cultural awareness and sensitivity toward vulnerable populations, and a desire to help refugees adjust to life in the United States.
Background in education or formal or informal teaching experience.
Patience, understanding, and flexibility.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Effective communication skills, especially in a multicultural environment.
Interest in learning about IRC’s mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts, and willingness to follow IRC volunteer and workplace policies.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate or graduate-level studies in education, social work, international relations, social sciences, or a related field.
Proficiency in more than one language, especially Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Spanish, or Kinyarwanda.

Responsibilities

Assist IRC staff with enrollment, coordination, and implementation of classes.
Contact students to confirm their availability to attend classes.
Help address client barriers to education, including transportation and childcare.
Differentiate and scaffold instruction for individual students or small groups.
Communicate with local stakeholders and adult education services to connect students with appropriate classes.
Support teachers in preparing student materials for classes.
Coordinate with volunteers to ensure appropriate coverage for adult education classes, including childcare volunteers, and cover the childcare volunteer role as needed.
Collect and interpret data to support educational initiatives and encourage student success.
Follow IRC policies, especially those concerning confidentiality and client privacy, and respect clients’ beliefs and values while being sensitive to cultural and personality differences.
Provide other support as needed.