Internships
World Relief Western Washington (WRWW) interns gain valuable professional casework experience, build meaningful relationships, and deepen their understanding of local and global refugee issues—both through direct service to refugees and through ongoing trainings and debriefing sessions.
Internship opportunities can be found in King, Thurston, and Whatcom Counties.
Our alumni have pursued careers in a variety of fields; including, but not limited to, international development, education, local government, refugee resettlement. Many participants leave the internship feeling empowered to apply the skills they have acquired, such as cross-cultural communication and trauma-informed care, to advocate for their new neighbors and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Explore Paid & Unpaid Internship Opportunities in:
King County - K Thurston County - T Whatcom County - W
Paid Internships
General Programs - K, T, W
Role & Responsibilities
- Transportation Support: Assist caseworkers by transporting refugee clients to important appointments.
- Practical Assistance: Help newly arrived families with essential tasks such as paying bills, applying for employment, or obtaining state identification.
- ESL Support: Assist with English classes and practice conversational English with refugees to help them adjust to American culture.
- System Navigation: Guide refugees and other immigrants in navigating everyday systems—such as grocery shopping, public transportation, banking, and budgeting.
- Community Connections: Work with staff to advocate for clients and connect them to community resources like childcare, libraries, or employment opportunities.
- Relationship-Building: Foster mutually transformative relationships with refugee families.
- Intern Project: Participate in an intern project designed to enhance program effectiveness.
- Additional Tasks: Take on other related tasks as assigned, based on organizational needs and your interests.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Full-Time Availability: Ability to commit to a full-time internship schedule.
- Faith Foundation: Active Christian faith and alignment with World Relief’s values.
- Willingness to Learn: Openness to ongoing learning, feedback, and professional growth.
- Flexibility & Adaptability: Comfortable embracing diverse opportunities and responding to evolving needs.
- Enthusiasm & Initiative: Eager to contribute meaningfully while supporting newcomers.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English; knowledge of additional languages is a plus but not required.
- Driver’s License: Must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.
- Program Commitment: Ability to commit to a 9-month internship, gaining valuable experience while advancing our mission.
Requirements
- Clearance Requirements: Must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check and Motor Vehicle Record check.
- Passion for Service: Genuine commitment to serving refugees and other immigrants.
- Faith Alignment: Commitment to Christian values and principles.
- Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
- Teamwork & Independence: Able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
- Reflective Growth: Willingness to engage in reflective practices and personal growth opportunities.
- Openness to Learning: Desire to explore new perspectives and develop cultural humility.
- Flexibility & Adaptability: Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with changing needs.
- Cross-Cultural Experience: Experience in or enthusiasm for working across cultures.
- Conference Participation: Ability to participate in the Vision & Call Conference in October 2025.
Resiliency Programs - K
2024 Resiliency Programs Internship
Equity & Sustainability Summer Intern
A 3-month paid Internship
Download Internship Description
Internship Details
World Relief Western Washington (WRWW) envisions every refugee and immigrant welcomed by community, rooted in community, and empowered for community. Our Resiliency Programs build on the inherent strength and resilience of refugees and immigrants, working to alleviate vulnerable conditions by connecting individuals and families to resources, supportive spaces, and healthy communities.
Internship Summary
The Equity & Sustainability Internship Program offers paid positions for cohorts of interns to learn about sustainable community development and become advocates for inclusive, resilient communities. Within our community garden and commercial teaching kitchen programs, interns focus on areas such as environmental and outdoor education, sustainable garden management, or local food systems and nutrition equity. Throughout the summer, interns engage in hands-on tasks, develop and implement programs, and plan events to support Resiliency Programs—all while building communication skills and professionalism through workshops. In addition, scheduled field trips provide opportunities to explore the many academic and career fields connected to this internship—true highlights of the summer experience.
Internship Goals and Responsibilities
-
Mission Engagement: Learn about World Relief Western Washington’s mission by engaging directly with services offered to the immigrant and refugee community.
-
Active Participation: Attend and participate in all weekly meetings, workshops, and field trips led by WRWW staff and organizational partners.
-
Hands-On Support: Complete physical tasks related to the maintenance and improvement of program spaces.
-
Program Leadership: Develop educational curriculum, lead programming, and coordinate logistics and outreach for summer events and programs.
-
Focus Area Expertise: Become knowledgeable in one of the following focus areas—environmental and outdoor education, sustainable community garden management, or local food environments and nutrition equity—and share that learning with others.
-
Community Ambassadorship: Serve as an ambassador for healthy, resilient communities through engagement with local stakeholders.
-
Professional Growth: Maintain a growth mindset, actively develop professional skills, network with professionals, and explore diverse career pathways and opportunities.
Is This You?
Applicant Requirements
-
Interest Areas: Passionate about community development, nutrition equity, stormwater management, sustainable gardening practices, environmental conservation, and/or outdoor education for diverse populations.
-
Adaptability & Growth Mindset: Flexible, eager to learn, and able to engage positively across a variety of work contexts; comfortable completing physical, outdoor tasks while contributing to positive community change.
-
Time Commitment: Available to work 15–20 hours per week Monday through Friday from mid-June to mid-August, plus 20–30 hours of independent pre-work and virtual training approximately six weeks prior.
-
Local Residency: Must live locally in King County.
-
Education Level: Entering junior or senior year of high school, or freshman or sophomore year of college.
-
Lived Experience: A refugee or immigrant background is strongly preferred, though all are welcome to apply.
Apply Now
We are now accepting applications! Use the link below to submit your interest by March 31. Application review and interviews will be completed by May 1.
For more information about the internship or questions about the application process, please contact Jerusha English at JEnglish@wr.org or call the World Relief office at (253) 277-1121.
Unpaid Internships
Case Management Programs - K, T, W
Purpose
The Holistic Support Internship helps build a welcoming and supportive foundation for refugees and immigrants as they begin rebuilding their lives in the U.S. By assisting with the smooth delivery of vital services and resources, the intern plays a key role in fostering client dignity, stability, and long-term self-sufficiency during this critical season of transition. Additionally, the intern supports quarterly focus group listening sessions, helping elevate client voices to ensure programming remains responsive to community-identified needs and grounded in mutual trust and respect.
Internship Term:
- Duration: 3 to 6-month commitment
- Schedule: 1 - 3 days per week
- Mondays - Fridays
- 8:30AM – 4:00 PM
- Some remote work available
Primary Responsibilities:
- Budget Support: Assist in creating and managing client budgets.
- Medical Referrals: Coordinate and submit medical referral requests.
- ESL Connections: Facilitate referrals to English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.
- Client Communication: Draft and prepare case closure letters for departing clients.
- Data Management: Create and update client cases in the Dynamics database.
- Transit Assistance: Refill and distribute ORCA (public transit) cards to clients.
- Phone Set-Up: Assist with setting up phones for clients as needed.
- Financial Support: Support check distribution and documentation tracking.
- Accurate Records: Maintain timely and accurate documentation of all services provided.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with caseworkers to ensure coordinated, client-centered care.
- Focus Groups: Help plan, facilitate, and document quarterly focus group listening sessions with program participants.
- Program Feedback: Gather, summarize, and communicate participant feedback to inform program improvements and responsiveness.
Compensation:
- Volunteer
- Unpaid Internship
- School Credit
Purpose
The Housing Support Internship plays a vital role in helping refugee and immigrant families establish safe and stable homes as they begin life in a new country. By coordinating housing logistics, essential item deliveries, and home setups, the intern helps ensure each household feels welcomed with dignity and care. Through follow-up visits and engagement with in-kind donors, the intern also strengthens connections between the community and newcomers, creating tangible expressions of hospitality and belonging.
Internship Term:
- Duration: 3 to 6-month commitment
- Schedule: 1 - 3 days per week
- Mondays - Fridays
- 8:30AM – 4:00 PM
- Some remote work available
Primary Responsibilities:
-
Storage Management: Organize and maintain storage areas for housing and household goods.
-
Move-In Support: Gather, pack, and deliver Move-in Supply (MNS) items to new arrivals.
-
Client Coordination: Assist with coordinating and supporting client move-in dates.
-
Utility Assistance: Support utility setup and provide education for newly arrived families.
-
Home Visits: Participate in home visits and follow-up housing orientations.
-
Transportation Support: Be open to driving the box truck to assist with furniture or item deliveries.
-
Donor Coordination: Respond to in-kind (GIK) donation inquiries and assist with donor coordination.
-
Team Collaboration: Work with the Housing & Donations team to ensure smooth, dignified housing transitions.
-
Documentation: Maintain accurate records of all housing-related services provided.
Compensation:
- Volunteer
- Unpaid Internship
- School Credit
Purpose
The Employment Support Internship works alongside the Employment Specialist to assist refugees and immigrants on their path to economic self-sufficiency. This role provides both behind-the-scenes and client-facing support through administrative tasks, job development activities, and participant follow-up. By contributing to the logistical and relational aspects of the employment program, the intern helps ensure that newcomers receive timely, personalized, and effective assistance in securing and sustaining employment in their new community.
Internship Term:
- Duration: 3 to 6-month commitment
- Schedule: 1 - 3 days per week
- Mondays and/or Fridays
- 8:30AM – 4:00 PM
- Some remote work available
Primary Responsibilities:
- Client Tracking: Assist the Employment Specialist with tracking client progress, job applications, and employment outcomes in case notes and databases.
- Follow-Up Support: Contact clients by phone, text, or email to schedule appointments, send reminders about interviews, or check employment status.
- Paperwork Assistance: Support clients in completing employment-related paperwork such as job applications, onboarding documents, I-9s, and W-4s.
- Job Research: Research job leads and update opportunity lists tailored to client needs and skills.
- Outreach & Events: Attend job fairs or outreach events with the Employment Specialist as needed.
- Workshop Preparation: Help prepare onboarding packets and materials for job readiness or employment workshops.
- Records Management: Maintain organized digital and paper records while upholding client confidentiality and data security.
- Additional Support: Provide transportation or interpretation assistance for clients, if appropriate and approved.
- Learning Opportunity: Observe and assist in client appointments to gain experience in employment counseling and case management best practices.
- Barrier Resolution: Collaborate with the Employment Specialist to identify barriers to employment and strategize solutions to support client success.
Compensation:
- Volunteer
- Unpaid Internship
- School Credit
Purpose
The Job Readiness Class Coordinator Internship supports refugee and immigrant participants in developing the foundational skills and confidence needed to secure employment and navigate the U.S. workplace. This role provides direct assistance in job readiness classes, helping with curriculum delivery, participant engagement, and classroom activities. By fostering a welcoming and empowering learning environment that honors each individual’s dignity and potential, the intern helps equip newcomers with the tools they need to thrive in their new communities and advance toward self-sufficiency.
Internship Term:
- Duration: 3 to 6-month commitment
- Schedule: 1 - 3 days per week
- Mondays and/or Fridays
- 8:30AM – 4:00 PM
- Some remote work available
Primary Responsibilities:
-
Classroom Support: Assist in facilitating Job Readiness Classes by supporting instructors, leading activities, and encouraging participant engagement.
-
Individual Assistance: Provide one-on-one or small-group support to participants needing extra help with understanding material or practicing skills (e.g., mock interviews, résumé edits).
-
Digital Navigation: Support newcomers in using digital tools such as Zoom, Google Docs, or online job boards.
-
Welcoming Environment: Help maintain an encouraging, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed classroom setting.
-
Attendance Tracking: Track participant attendance and class engagement as requested by program staff.
-
Class Preparation: Assist with preparing class materials, setting up classroom space (in-person or virtual), and organizing supplies.
-
Team Participation: Join team meetings, trainings, and supervision with World Relief staff to reflect on progress and learn best practices.
-
Professional Modeling: Model professionalism, punctuality, and positive workplace communication for participants.
-
Encouragement & Empowerment: Affirm participants’ strengths and support their capacity for employment and community integration.
Compensation:
- Volunteer
- Unpaid Internship
- School Credit
External Engagement - K, T, W
Purpose
The External Engagement Internship
Internship Term:
- Duration: 3 to 6-month commitment
- Schedule: 1 - 3 days per week
- Mondays and/or Fridays
- 8:30AM – 4:00 PM
- Some remote work available
Primary Responsibilities:
Compensation:
- Volunteer
- Unpaid Internship
- School Credit
ESL Programs - K, W
Purpose
The ESL Assistant Internship supports English as a Second Language (ESL) programs that empower refugees and immigrants to develop essential language skills for daily life, employment, and community engagement. Interns assist instructors in fostering a welcoming and supportive classroom environment, providing one-on-one and small-group support, and helping learners build confidence in their English abilities. This role is vital to helping newcomers thrive and feel at home in their new communities.
Internship Term:
- Duration: 3 to 6-month commitment
- Schedule: 1 - 2 days per week
- Mondays or Wednesdays
- 8:30AM – 4:00 PM
- Some remote work available.
Primary Responsibilities:
-
Classroom Support: Assist instructors during ESL classes with activities and lesson implementation.
-
Student Support: Work with students in small groups or one-on-one during class time.
-
Language Practice: Potentially be paired with a student to regularly practice English conversation outside of class.
-
Encourage Participation: Foster student engagement and build supportive relationships with learners.
-
Inclusive Environment: Help create a welcoming and inclusive learning space for all students.
Compensation:
- Volunteer
- Unpaid Internship
- School Credit
Purpose
The ESL Assistant Remote Internship strengthens English as a Second Language (ESL) programs that equip refugees and immigrants with vital language skills for daily life, employment, and community engagement. Interns collaborate with instructors to create a welcoming, supportive online classroom, providing one-on-one and small-group support, encouraging learners, and building confidence in their English abilities. This internship plays an essential role in helping newcomers thrive and feel at home in their new communities.
Internship Term:
- Duration: 3 to 6-month commitment
- Schedule: 1 - 2 days per week
- Tuesdays or Thursdays
- 12:00PM – 5:00 PM
Primary Responsibilities:
-
Classroom Support: Assist instructors during online ESL classes with activities and lesson implementation.
-
Student Support: Work with students in small groups or one-on-one during class time.
-
Language Practice: Potentially be paired with a student to regularly practice English conversation outside of class.
-
Encourage Participation: Foster student engagement and build supportive relationships with learners.
-
Inclusive Environment: Help create a welcoming and inclusive learning space for all students.
Compensation:
- Volunteer
- Unpaid Internship
- School Credit
Children & Family Programs - K
Purpose
The School-Age Programs Internship is designed to prepare interns for cross-cultural service by immersing them in the field of refugee resettlement. Serving with the Children and Family Department as a School-Age Programs Intern offers a unique opportunity to befriend and support children in grades 1–8 and their families as they adjust to life in the U.S., address learning loss, build peer connections, and re-establish a sense of home.
School-Age Programs vary throughout the year: during the school year, activities include after-school programs, tutoring, field trips, and family events; in the summer, programming centers on camps and excursions. Resources and school navigation support are offered year-round.
Internship Term:
- Duration: 3 to 6-month commitment
- Schedule: 1 - 3 days per week
- Mondays - Fridays
- 8:30AM – 4:00 PM
Primary Responsibilities:
-
Support Family Access: Help families register their students for programs and connect with community resources.
-
Administrative Assistance: Complete day-to-day operational tasks that keep programs running smoothly.
-
After-School & Tutoring Support: Assist staff in leading local after-school or tutoring programs. If interested, help lead short icebreakers or activities such as art projects, yoga, science experiments, or sports.
-
Mentorship: Serve as a mentor for students, potentially being paired with those who need more personalized support.
-
Field Trip Support: Chaperone student field trips to local natural areas or museums (if scheduled).
-
Transportation Support: Transport a small number of children to and from activities, as needed.
-
Program Development: Assist with planning and coordinating upcoming programs, such as summer camps.
-
Project Work: Contribute to assigned projects that support School Age Programs as a whole.
-
Training & Meetings: Attend relevant trainings and staff meetings.
-
Additional Projects: Take on related tasks as assigned or develop new projects aligned with the department’s mission based on your interests and skills.
Compensation:
- Volunteer
- Unpaid Internship
- School Credit
Purpose
The School & Resource Navigator Internship equips interns for cross-cultural service by immersing them in the work of refugee resettlement. As a School Navigator with the Children and Family Department, you’ll have the unique opportunity to befriend and support children and families who have recently arrived in the U.S., helping them address learning loss, navigate a new educational system in a different language, and re-establish a sense of home.
Internship Term:
- Duration: 3 to 6-month commitment
- Schedule: 1 - 3 days per week
- Mondays - Fridays
- 8:30AM – 4:00 PM
- Some remote work available
Primary Responsibilities:
-
Support Families with School Navigation: Serve as a trusted guide for families—answering questions about contacting teachers, obtaining supplies, understanding bus routes, and advocating for their children (under World Relief staff direction).
-
Create Cultural Orientation Materials: Help develop resources that support parents and children as they acclimate to the U.S. school system.
-
Provide Family Support Services: Research community resources, assist parents in accessing aid, request scholarships for students, and connect families with local organizations.
-
Assist with Student Enrollment: Guide parents through registration for school and enrichment activities, and help complete necessary paperwork.
-
Program Operations: Complete administrative tasks needed for day-to-day program operations.
-
Transportation Support: Transport a small number of children to and from activities, if needed.
-
After-School Programming: Serve as a back-up for after-school sessions, potentially filling in on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons.
-
Training & Meetings: Attend relevant trainings and staff meetings.
-
Additional Projects: Take on related tasks as assigned or create projects aligned with the department’s mission based on your interests and skills.
Compensation:
- Volunteer
- Unpaid Internship
- School Credit
Purpose
The Early Childhood Systems Navigator Internship equips interns for cross-cultural service by immersing them in the field of refugee resettlement. Serving with the Children and Families Department in family support services offers a unique opportunity to assist families who have recently arrived in the U.S., helping them re-establish a sense of home by connecting their young children (ages 0–5) with early learning opportunities.
Internship Term:
- Duration: 3 to 6-month commitment
- Schedule: 1 - 3 days per week
- Mondays - Fridays
- 8:30AM – 4:00 PM
- Some remote work available
Primary Responsibilities:
- Intake & Enrollment: Complete the intake and enrollment processes for preschool, childcare, home visitation programs, and playgroups, including World Relief Children & Families programs.
- Application Support: Assist parents with applications for their chosen programs.
- Program Tours: Accompany parents to tour preschools and childcare centers for enrollment purposes.
- Staff Support: Support caseworkers and other staff during phone calls and in-person meetings, including home visits.
- Documentation: Complete and maintain relevant documentation of services delivered.
- Additional Tasks: Take on related tasks as assigned, based on organizational needs and intern interests.
Compensation:
- Volunteer
- Unpaid Internship
- School Credit
Outreach Programs - K
Purpose
The Detention Center Post-Release Internship
Internship Term:
- Duration: 3 to 6-month commitment
- Schedule: 1 - 3 days per week
- Mondays and/or Fridays
- 8:30AM – 4:00 PM
- Some remote work available
Primary Responsibilities:
Compensation:
- Volunteer
- Unpaid Internship
- School Credit
Stay Up to Date
Want to learn more about how we're creating lasting change in our community? Sign up to stay in touch!
