“During my time at IINE, I was able to support students daily, and not only utilize my Spanish, but improve it. I was able to learn from my students and they were able to learn from me. A unique opportunity I got to participate in was planning a field trip to the Boston Museum of Science for our ESOL students. It felt like a valuable experience learning how to plan a trip, working with the museum in getting our students and staff free admission, and giving students a chance to go out into the community. Students stated that it was one of the first things they got to do outside of normal day-to-day tasks, and their first time at a museum ever, which was heartwarming for me to hear. I am so glad I got the opportunity to do this internship and support the meaningful work of IINE.”

Ava is pictured with ESOL students and staff at a field trip to the Boston Museum of Science, which they took the lead in planning.

“The Shelter Services team was focused on working in Massachusetts shelters with Haitian and Cuban entrants, supporting them in establishing their new lives. We welcomed them to the state, found them their first homes, set them up with benefits, and supported them in finding employment opportunities. This internship provided insight into all the work going into supporting each family transitioning out of shelters and how IINE supports clients to become self-sufficient. Due to the number of entrants and asylum-seekers in the US, it was so heartfelt to see client reactions when they got their first home, started their lives in the US outside of the shelter system, and learned new ways to support themselves in the US. I’m grateful to have been able to witness this first-hand and this internship experience has built my desire to work with similar populations in the future. To get to see this specific side of the asylum-seeking process and entering the US at this time with our current political climate is more than I could image in an internship.”

Madeline volunteered her time to support the HR team with their All-Staff Gala this summer, focused on bringing together staff from all offices. She is pictured with some of her fellow Summer 2024 Interns at our event check-in table.

“Clients expressed wanting to know what foods they were receiving from IINE’s food delivery services and throughout my internship, I was able to create videos and displays to inform clients about nutrition. These nutrition education sessions taught clients what the foods were, new recipes for them to try, and English words/phrases about cooking. I enjoyed having these sessions with clients as it was interactive, and I got to see clients while learning. I also continued to work on a monthly newsletter to encourage people to volunteer at IINE and what tasks volunteers support with including walking tours and apartment set-ups. I have never seen the behind-the-scenes of what it takes to make a great team of volunteers and support the local community, but this internship provided clear insights of how a non-profit works and cultivated connections with new volunteers in the community that will hopefully last beyond the summer.”

Juliette is pictured giving a presentation on food and nutrition to our clients. 

“This internship allowed me to feel a sense of belonging I’ve never felt before, even when I’ve worked with other non-profits. As an international student from Liberia, the multi-cultural environment of IINE was so valuable and I was overwhelmed with the care and consideration staff gave to their clients that were from other cultural backgrounds. The Program Benefits & Administration Internship allowed me to interact with clients, support the Refugee Cash Assistance program, provide easy resolutions to benefit access, and correlate the needs of both the organization and clients simultaneously. I felt supported throughout my whole internship by IINE’s staff and would love to rejoin the organization in the future.”

Richard volunteered his time to support the HR team with their All-Staff Gala this summer, focused on bringing together staff from all offices. Richard is pictured with our CEO, Lowell staff members, and a few of his fellow Summer 2024 Interns in our photo booth.

“My experience at IINE was unique as I got to complete two internships in back-to-back semesters. In Spring 2024, I was a Community Services Intern and in Summer 2024, I was a Healthcare Certification Intern. Doing two internships in consecutive semesters provided me with learning opportunities working with clients and students. My time at IINE was the first time I worked with refugee populations. As an international student from Myanmar who is studying social work, I felt I was able to relate to clients on both personal and professional levels. My intern supervisors supported my career and educational goals throughout both internships and with the support I received I didn’t want my interning time at IINE to end.”

As an intern who was with us for two consecutive semesters, Yi Mon was able to join our staff for our Let’s Go Tubing! Winter Outing Event in January 2024. She is pictured with some of our Lowell Community Services staff.