Internship Reflections 2026

Refugee & Immigration Services interns reflect on their Institute experiences

June 1, 2026 | Thank you to all our interns who have dedicated their time with New Americans at the International Institute of Minnesota! Our interns shared their experience with us on what this internship meant to them. We wish them all the best in their bright futures ahead and are grateful for their contributions and time with us!  If you’re interested in learning about future internship opportunities at the Institute, click here.

 

What made you interested in doing an internship at the Institute?

“I’m in law school, I’d like to be an immigration attorney, and I am very impressed with the holistic service the International Institute provides. Seeing the opportunities for students to get support from all the different areas they need to be successful in, really attracted me to seeing how things work here.”

– Caden 

What was it like to be part of the Institute during the events and challenges associated with Operation Metro Surge?

“I think at this time what was important is for everyone to come together as a community and I think the Institute is great at doing that, just showing up for each other and showing up for the clients, showing up for us. I t

hink it really helped me to feel that sense of community and feel that we were able to do something to support each other through everything that was going on.”

– Nicolas 

What did this internship teach you?

“This internship taught me so much about the immigration process and the experience of trying to gain U.S. citizenship, particularly just how confusing, expensive, and almost purposefully convoluted the whole process can be. I also got to learn, however, about the dozens of caring and dedicated people that work hard to make the process easier. It has been a great honor for me to be able to join that group of people, if only for a short period of time.”

– Maya

 

 

We are currently seeking interns for our Fall internships! Click the link below to learn more:

Current Internship Opportunities