Announcement
Photo: Nisha Datt for the IRC.
Internships with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Phoenix offer college students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience supporting refugees, asylum seekers, survivors of trafficking and violence, and other vulnerable community members. Internships are available year‑round, with options during the fall (September–mid‑December), spring (January–early May), and summer (late May–August) terms. Schedules vary by season—summer interns typically serve 20–25 hours per week, while fall and spring interns serve 10–15 hours per week, all during standard business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
To be eligible, applicants must be 18 or older, currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university, and able to complete a background check and obtain an Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. Some roles may also require the ability to complete tasks remotely using secure personal devices.
Internship opportunities span many IRC programs. Depending on availability each cycle, interns may support areas such as Refugee Social Services, Survivor and Victim Services, Case Coordination, Intensive Case Management, Employment Programs, Operations and Supply Chain, Immigration Legal Services, Psychosocial Support, or New Roots urban agriculture and community education. These roles provide direct exposure to nonprofit work, client support, program operations, and community engagement.
The application process includes submitting a resume and online application through Handshake, interviewing with program staff, and completing required onboarding steps. Onboarding includes background checks, fingerprint clearance, and signing standard IRC waivers. After placement is confirmed, interns attend an orientation covering organizational expectations, confidentiality, and required training. Summer applications are due by April 15, while spring and fall positions are filled on a rolling basis.
Although internships with IRC Phoenix are unpaid, interns gain valuable professional experience, multicultural teamwork skills, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of newly arrived community members. Internship durations range from three months to one year, with a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week.
For more information click here, or please contact VolunteerPHX@rescue.org.