Refugee Resettlement & Placement
Internship Overview
In a time of record forced displacement around the world, we are here to create a safe environment for refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees and trafficking survivors. For all new refugee clients, we support them with pre-arrival planning, airport reception, 90-day case management and connection to community services.
The Refugee Resettlement & Placement (R&P) intern helps our refugee resettlement team with client support as they begin their new life in Minnesota. Tasks are varied depending on client needs and could include organizing and creating files for refugee clients, notifying clients of upcoming interviews, as well as notification of travel dates. You may also assist case managers with apartment set-ups, airport arrivals, home visits and/or mentor a family.
We work with refugees coming from all over the world, with a high proportion Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Bhutan, Burma and Iraq. This is a great opportunity to improve cross-cultural communication skills, learn first-hand about the lives of refugees living in the Twin Cities, and learn about the process of refugee resettlement in Minnesota.
About the Internship
Please read each section below before applying.
- Interact with clients, documenting and communicating information to program staff to assist clients’ needs.
- Call U.S.-based family members of refugees
- Teach clients to use public transportation
- Help set up apartments for new refugee families
- Use web-based database to track program and client information
- Develop referral information for refugee clients.
- Must be able to work remotely and have access to a computer and internet
- Must be energetic with a positive attitude and be comfortable in a cross-cultural environment
- Flexible, able to multitask and willing to learn
- Experienced with computers and Microsoft products
- Candidate must be able to pass a background check
- Preferred: Second language ability, particularly Somali, Spanish, Karen, Arabic or Kiswahili
- Minimum of 15 hours/week
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm (days and times are flexible)
- Priority given to candidates who can commit to full semester or three months
- The position is unpaid, though we are willing to work with the student if they are able to facilitate the earning of class credit through their internship or if they are interested in applying for compensation through a fellowship program.
- Free parking and bus line accessibility
- Individualized supervision with Institute staff
- Opportunity to gain refugee resettlement and non-profit experience and work directly with clients
About Us
Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota offers New Americans quality services that support their journey to stability and success. Our comprehensive offerings include refugee resettlement, English education, workforce and leadership development, college preparation and support, and immigration and citizenship assistance. The Institute also provides advocacy for policy reforms and supports systems change that improve opportunities for New Americans to move their lives forward.
Contact Us
Call or email us if you have questions about volunteering.
Kaela Schweisthal
Volunteer and Community Partnerships Manager
(651) 377-8663