I loved the people, the location, and feeling like I was making a difference and learning.
What I wish was different
COVID halted a lot of programs and plans, so that was disappointing, but it was still amazing to work with my supervisors.
Advice
Take initiative in your work, find new projects to work on!
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Resource Development Intern
May - July 2020 • Charlottesville, VA
What I liked
I liked working directly with IRC clients and using my French language skills to communicate with them.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Immigration intern
May - July 2020 • Charlottesville, VA
What I liked
Jumped right in, given a wide variety of tasks, learned a lot of about the citizenship application process
What I wish was different
A little more guidance/connection with other interns, although understandably that was difficult because of COVID. But at times it seemed unorganized, which could be stressful
Advice
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Software Quality Assurance Analyst Intern
June - July 2020 • Tucker, GA
What I liked
I liked reading the different hardships that these refugees were going through their transition here in America. Some of their stories were inspiring.
What I wish was different
I wish we were able to be in the office but because of COVID, we had to work from home. It was very impersonal and a lack of planning and transparency.
Advice
Know your skillset and know what you are good at and hone in on that. The work was not challenging and engaging enough for me.
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Adult Education Intern
January - August 2020 • New York City, NY
What I liked
I really enjoyed having a supervisor who I could work with throughout the day and ask any questions that came up for a specific project. It was also really great to interact with clients and personally connect with them. Everyone at the office was incredibly welcoming and helpful.
What I wish was different
I wish I had had more time at the office, but I was unfortunately remote for the majority of the internship due to Covid restrictions.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask coworkers or your supervisor questions outside of the general work protocol: ask about career/academic advice; they might have connections that could help you in the future.
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Case Work Intern
August - December 2019 • Glendale, AZ
What I liked
I loved being able to learn about this organization and get hands-on experience working with refugees.
What I wish was different
I wish it was a paid internship so that I could have devoted more time to it. Because of my financial situation I had to redirect some time to my other job.
Advice
Even if you think you aren't qualified, just try! You'll be surprised at how quickly you learn when you are passionate about something.
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Intern
May - August 2017 • Decatur, GA
What I liked
Interacting with refugees
What I wish was different
If I had my own project to work on- most of my work was assisting the social workers.
Advice
Take initiative and stand up for yourself. Create your own project or take the initiative to help out with someone else's project.
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Extended Case Management Intern
May - August 2018 • Dallas, TX
What I liked
Not only were the clients I worked with amazing and inspiring individuals, but the IRC team in the office was easily one of the most supportive, knowledgable, and dedicated teams I have ever been a part of. They provided great training, and were always there for me when I needed guidance. The IRC gave me one of the most rewarding opportunities of my life, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to work with our refugee clients and this groundbreaking organization.
What I wish was different
Nothing, I wouldn't trade it for the world. The only thing I would change would be that my internship lasted longer than just the summer.
Advice
Jump in!! The beginning will feel very challenging, but that is because you are stepping out of your comfort zone. Be okay with feeling uncomfortable at times, because those were some of the moments I learned the most. The staff at the IRC are there to help you, so ask questions. The biggest mistake you can make is to hold back out of fear of the unknown. The best way to learn from this position and get the most out of this experience is to be as involved as you can!
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Anti-Human Trafficking Intern
June - September 2019 • Sacramento, CA
What I liked
The work was rewarding
What I wish was different
Time
Advice
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Survivors of Torture Intern
September - December 2019 • Tucson, AZ
What I liked
Making a difference in their lives
What I wish was different
Supervisor was more professional
Advice
Do not go into this internship thinking it will be easy since there’s 100% a lanaguage barrier
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Cultural Orientation Intern
July - August 2019 • New York City, NY
What I liked
I liked interacting with refugees about classwork and their life stories. I would definitely do it again!
What I wish was different
I wish their was more scheduling/office work attached to my internship and I wished I would have submitted my paperwork earlier because I could have gotten cleared earlier in the summer.
Advice
Submit your paperwork early and get ready to work in a fast paced environment!!!
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Program Intern
October 2018 - June 2019 • Sacramento, CA
What I liked
I loved learning about the international non-profit and its myriad of programs. While supporting a unique and successful program in the Sacramento office, I was also able to lend my help to the operations of the office and organization as a whole. I also thoroughly enjoyed the people I worked with, all of whom have global perspectives and speak multiple languages.
What I wish was different
Advice
I would urge others to ask as many questions as possible and be willing to make mistakes. You can learn just by being in the office environment and observing processes.
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Medical advocate
May - August 2018 • Tucson, AZ
What I liked
The International Rescue Committee was very welcoming and helpful. Being able to experience firsthand what they do everyday to help refugee families was an amazing experience that has helped me in my job as a case manager today. It was my first look into advocating and working within a non-profit.
What I wish was different
I wish I would’ve had more time, as the experience felt kind of rushed.
Advice
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you need help, ask for it! There are plenty of people that are willing to assist.
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New Roots Intern
June - August 2019 • Sacramento, CA
What I liked
Working with refugees in my community and getting to know these populations more intimately.
What I wish was different
I could've used a little more independence from my supervisors.
Advice
It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with your community.
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Intensive Case Management
June - August 2019 • Baltimore, MD
What I liked
I like meeting new people who just arrived to the United Sates. I get to help them adjust to the way people live in the US. Last but not least I widen my network and have a hands on experience with what I want to do in the future.
What I wish was different
I wish I worked a bit longer and help out more as they done so much to better the world.
Advice
I learn to not judge people based on where they come from, how they dress, how they look, their race, or where they are from because I don’t know what they been through in life. The best I can do is treat them like the way I want to be treated.
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Employment Intern
September 2019 • Charlottesville, VA
What I liked
Really good hands on experience for anyone interested in global development.
What I wish was different
Advice
Be ready and willing to take on a variety of tasks, the job differs from day to day.
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Asylee Casework Intern
June - August 2019 • Silver Spring, MD
What I liked
I appreciated working with people from several different countries both in terms of clients and coworkers. I loved the environment which was always resourceful and caring.
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Even if you are not sure what you are doing, be willing to volunteer to perform different tasks or help people aside from your supervisors.
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Economic Empowerment Intern
June - September 2019 • San Jose, CA
What I liked
Meaningful Work
What I wish was different
Advice
Be proactive, there are a lot of interns
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IRC Intern
May - August 2019 • Tallahassee, FL
What I liked
I gained knowledge and education about Tallahassee through orienting my clients on how to live here. I learned about public transportation and many resources available to refugees. I also learned about the way refugee funds are regulated from the state and federal levels.
What I wish was different
I wish there was the funding for interns to be compensated for gas money when we transported our clients.
Advice
Be open with your clients and always be aware that they are coming directly from a much different society.
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Co-director
May - August 2019 • Tucson, AZ
What I liked
I loved how hands on the internship was
What I wish was different
I wish that it was unpaid and did ask a lot of the interns but also I would 10/10 recommend
Advice
It is so fun really hands on and great learning experience. I would say don’t be afraid to really get involved
