Fall 2026: Vocational ESL Intern (Unpaid)

theirc
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📍 San Diego, CA USAPart time
Part timeIn Person

About this role

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.

SCOPE OF VESL Intern’s WORK: The VESL Plus Program, a vocational English and work readiness training program, focuses on helping newly-arrived refugees to prepare for and find entry-level work.  The VESL Intern will help to strengthen the VESL Plus Program and increase client learning by engaging with clients; teaching and/or developing classroom materials; providing administrative support; and carrying out other tasks as needed. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: Depending on the experience, skills, and interests of the intern, the primary responsibilities of this position will be focused in the following areas: 

 

Classroom Instruction and Materials Development 

  • Teaching/assisting the VESL teachers in classrooms as needed 

  • Assisting with on-going development of curricula, specifically with the research and development of materials 

 

Administrative 

  • Assisting with program intake, and collection and copying of required documents 

  • Helping to maintain well-organized client and cohort files, both digital and paper 

  • Assisting with tracking of student attendance 

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The Intern will gain experience: 

  • Teaching/assisting in a non-traditional, multi-level, fast-paced, (on-line) English language classroom 

  • Working with refugee and asylee populations 

  • Meeting grant funding requirements, including the organization, filing, and tracking of client information and documentation      

  • Developing classroom materials to meet specific goals for a target population 

 

REQUIREMENTS:  

  • Currently enrolled in undergraduate or TESOL/TFL Certificate program 

  • Overseas study experience and/or ESL teaching experience preferred 

  • Experience working with adults from diverse backgrounds preferred 

  • Strong computer skills  

  • Comfortable using on-line platforms (Zoom, Teams) to engage with clients and staff 

  • Must be flexible, organized, and a self-starter 

This position reports to the Education and Training Supervisor

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity. 

Working Environment:   

  • The VESL Plus Internship is in-person at the El Cajon office. 

  • San Diego office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm PST. Selected interns can choose their hours based on this window of availability. 

  

 

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


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.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Fall 2026: Vocational ESL Intern (Unpaid) position at theirc?
The salary for this Fall 2026: Vocational ESL Intern (Unpaid) role at theirc is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Fall 2026: Vocational ESL Intern (Unpaid) position at theirc located?
This Fall 2026: Vocational ESL Intern (Unpaid) role at theirc is based in San Diego, CA USA. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Fall 2026: Vocational ESL Intern (Unpaid) role at theirc full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Part time position. It is posted as a Fall 2026: Vocational ESL Intern (Unpaid) role at theirc.
How do I apply for the Fall 2026: Vocational ESL Intern (Unpaid) position at theirc?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to theirc's official application portal hosted on workday where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Fall 2026: Vocational ESL Intern (Unpaid) job at theirc posted?
This Fall 2026: Vocational ESL Intern (Unpaid) position at theirc was posted on Aug 14, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Fall 2026: Vocational ESL Intern (Unpaid)
theirc
Apply for this role ↗

You'll be redirected to theirc's official application page on Workday.