Vocational ESL Intern

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.

LOCATION: Salt Lake City, UT
DURATION: Fall 2026, 10-15 hours per week

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 oppression 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.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: The Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) Intern will play a crucial role in supporting community-based VESL program with adult students at varying levels of English proficiencies including preliterate beginners. The classes aim to empower students by gaining the literacy, language, and confidence needed to navigate everyday life in the US. These skills expand resource accessibility, employment opportunities, and self-sufficiency. Tasks may include setting up the classroom, making copies, answering clients’ questions regarding language and culture, assisting with classroom activities, data entry, and administering placement assessments during student registration appointments.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) Intern will:
• Learn how to effectively manage a classroom with students of various backgrounds and English language levels and deliver support services within the established requirements, to provide the best possible service to vulnerable populations
• Gain experience working with adult learners from a variety of backgrounds, including those with limited formal education and/or literacy skills
• Learn about barriers to education for refugee populations and research community resources that support increased learning
• Develop critical thinking, client service, and social work skills and intercultural education
• Learn about the IRC locally and globally, the available services to refugees and ORR-eligible clients in Salt Lake City, UT

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Attend and observe classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Assist VESL Instructor with the enrollment, coordination, and implementation of classes, including:
• Attend registration appointments and provide support with assessments and data entry
• Contacting students to confirm their availability to attend classes.
• Navigating client barriers to education
• Communicating with local adult education services to connect students to appropriate classes
• Support instructor in the preparation of the student materials for the classes
• Collect data to support educational initiatives and encourage student success
• Arrive a few minutes early to check in with instructor about the day’s classroom activities
• Assist students with class assignments and help integrate digital literacy in the classroom
• Help create a welcoming environment that fosters community and learning among program participants while interacting with diverse populations
• Occasionally provide supervision when needed for young children when present during registration appointments
• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy, and practice sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients by respecting their beliefs and values
• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISION & MENTORSHIP:
• The intern will report to and receive ongoing mentorship from IRC staff
• Regular check-ins will be scheduled to review progress toward learning objectives to ensure a meaningful educational experience

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree or recent graduate (TESOL, TEFL, or related field and/or working towards receiving TESOL/TEFL certification is a plus)
• An interest in or experience with teaching generally and teaching ESL specifically
• Cultural awareness of and sensitivity to vulnerable populations, and a desire to help refugees adjust to life in the U.S.
• Ability to adapt to different learning skills and environments, has a passion for education
• Patience, understanding, and flexibility
• Exposure to global environments and languages is a plus
• Fluent in spoken and written English
• Effective communication skills, especially in a multicultural environment
• Engaged in learning about the IRC (mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts) and willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies

This position is unpaid and reports to the Workforce Development Manager.
*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 or disability.

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.

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Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

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The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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