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 for refugees and immigrants served by IRC Richmond. The intern also helps clients access community classes and supports program growth through community partnerships and related skill-building activities, such as digital literacy initiatives. The internship provides opportunities to learn how to manage classes and supporting services within established requirements, develop critical-thinking, client-service, intercultural education, and social work skills, and learn about IRC’s local and global work and services available to refugees and ORR-eligible clients in Richmond, Virginia. This is an unpaid position and reports 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.
Willingness to learn about the IRC’s mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts, and to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.
Adherence to IRC values and professional conduct standards, including Integrity, Service, and Accountability.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate or graduate 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 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, particularly those concerning confidentiality and client privacy, and respect clients’ beliefs and values while practicing sensitivity to cultural and personality differences.
Provide other support as needed.