West Michigan Refugee Education & Cultural Center : Internship Experience
Francis
Experience Information
Employer: West Michigan Refugee Education & Cultural Center
Job Title: Site Administrative Intern
Major: International Relations
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center is a non-profit organization that provides tutoring programs, literacy lectures for refugee families. The objectives are: to help first generation or second generation refugee children to improve their English and succeed in school; the integration of families in their new community. The Refugee Center was created in 2006 and is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
As a site administrative intern, my tasks were : to supervise literacy lectures for older children; to update reading scores in files; assist with coordinating the peer support program for middle and high school refugee students; and the Leadership program for outstanding students to help them reach their potential in leadership skills, to improve their communication skills as well as community service. During field trips, I helped along with volunteers and other interns to look after the children.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through this experience I improved my tutoring and organizational skills. I gained confidence in taking responsibilities by supervising volunteers and assisting in the coordination of other activities/programs.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part was to be able to work with dedicated, hard working volunteers and supervisors/administrators.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
In my future, my goal is to work for a non-profit organization, or a development bank such as the International Bank for Reconstruction and development. This experience improved my knowledge on how to assist refugee families in integrating their new community, to assist children in improving their English and engage socially.