The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is recruiting a Part-Time Photography Teaching Assistant Intern in New York. Gain experience working with refugee and immigrant youth while supporting photography education, creative learning, and community integration initiatives.
Overview
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is offering a unique Part-Time Teaching Assistant Internship through its Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) in New York.
This opportunity is ideal for students and recent graduates interested in photography, arts education, youth development, and humanitarian work. Interns will support refugee and immigrant youth while helping deliver photography lessons and creative projects designed to build confidence, storytelling skills, and community engagement.
The internship provides hands-on experience in a nonprofit educational setting while contributing to the successful integration of newly arrived young people into their communities.
Programme Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | International Rescue Committee (IRC) |
| Position | Photography Teaching Assistant Intern |
| Programme | Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) |
| Location | New York, USA |
| Work Arrangement | Hybrid |
| Employment Type | Part-Time Internship |
| Internship Status | Unpaid |
| Eligible Applicants | Students and Recent Graduates |
| Focus Area | Photography Education & Youth Development |
About the International Rescue Committee
Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations.
The organization works in more than 40 countries and numerous communities across the United States, helping people affected by conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises rebuild their lives and strengthen their futures.
About the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA)
The Newcomer Youth Summer Academy is a six-week programme designed to help newly arrived refugee and immigrant youth succeed in the New York City public school system.
Each year, the programme supports up to:
- 135 students
- Ages 5–21
- Participants from more than 20 countries
Students participate in:
- Academic learning
- Creative arts
- Physical education
- Life skills development
Internship Responsibilities
Photography Instruction Support
Interns will:
- Assist the lead photography instructor during lessons
- Help students understand photography concepts
- Provide individual and small-group support
- Assist with camera operation and technical troubleshooting
- Support learning activities and assignments
Classroom and Equipment Management
Responsibilities include:
- Setting up photography equipment
- Managing cameras, tripods, and accessories
- Organizing learning materials
- Maintaining equipment inventories
- Supporting classroom logistics
Photo Editing Support
Interns will help students learn:
- Basic photo editing techniques
- Image enhancement skills
- Adobe Lightroom fundamentals
- Digital photography workflows
Field Trip Assistance
The role may include:
- Accompanying students on photography excursions
- Supervising activities
- Assisting with real-world photography projects
Collaborative Photography Project
Interns will support a special collaborative photography initiative involving NYSA and IRC headquarters.
Tasks may include:
- Project coordination
- Progress tracking
- Documentation through photos and videos
- Exhibit preparation and planning
Learning Opportunities
Participants will gain experience in:
Photography Education
- Teaching photography concepts
- Creative mentorship
- Arts-based learning approaches
Youth Development
- Supporting refugee and immigrant youth
- Educational programming
- Student engagement techniques
Nonprofit Operations
- Working within an international humanitarian organization
- Programme delivery and coordination
- Community integration initiatives
Project Management
- Planning activities
- Managing creative projects
- Supporting exhibitions and events
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should be:
- Currently enrolled in or graduated from a college or master’s programme
- Studying:
- Photography
- Art
- Design
- Media Studies
- Related disciplines
Required Qualifications
Strong candidates should demonstrate:
Photography Experience
- At least one year of photography-related coursework
- Minimum two years of DSLR camera experience
- Knowledge of composition, lighting, and visual storytelling
Portfolio
Applicants should provide:
- 5–10 original photographs
- Examples demonstrating photography skills and creativity
Technical Skills
Experience with:
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Microsoft Office
- Google Workspace
- Digital file management
Preferred Qualifications
Additional advantages include:
- Experience working with youth
- Experience with refugee or immigrant communities
- Multilingual abilities
Languages considered beneficial include:
- Spanish
- Russian
- Ukrainian
- Mandarin
- Haitian Creole
- Dari
- Pashto
- Arabic
Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must:
- Be based in the United States
- Be a U.S. citizen or possess valid U.S. work authorization
- Be willing to comply with IRC workplace policies and professional standards
Professional Development Benefits
Interns will have opportunities to:
- Develop teaching and mentoring skills
- Gain nonprofit sector experience
- Strengthen photography education skills
- Build intercultural communication abilities
- Work with diverse communities
- Expand professional networks
Why This Opportunity Matters
Photography can be a powerful tool for storytelling, self-expression, and community building.
Through this internship, participants help refugee and immigrant youth share their experiences, develop creative confidence, and strengthen their connection to their new communities while gaining valuable professional experience within one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organizations.
Conclusion
The IRC Part-Time Teaching Assistant Internship 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for students and graduates interested in photography, education, youth development, and humanitarian work.
By supporting refugee and immigrant youth through creative learning and storytelling, interns gain practical experience while contributing to positive social impact and community integration.
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