Refugee Resettlement Internship
Christy
Experience Information
Employer: Bethany Christian Services
Job Title: Refugee Resettlement Inter
Major: International Relations
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Bethany Christian Services is a global non-profit organization that offers adoption and foster care services, and pregnancy and family counseling. I worked in the Grand Rapids branch within Refugee and Immigrant Services, specifically with Adult and Family Services. Bethany is a refugee resettlement affiliate of Church World Service, which is one of the nine designated agencies under the Department of State's Reception and Placement Program for refugees. Their tasks include welcoming and integrating refugees and immigrants into the community by providing services to them through Bethany and their broad network in the area, with the goal of the immigrants becoming thriving, self-sufficient members of the community.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
As a refugee resettlement intern, I assisted case workers in both the Resettlement and Matching Grant programs to provide services for newly-arrived refugees. This included teaching the financial literacy curriculum, providing bus training, arranging medical appointments, shadowing home visits, enrolling clients in ESL classes, completing case review of closed files, and much more.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I now understand the process of resettlement for refugees more in-depth and how difficult it can be to start over and adapt to a new home. I also increased my intercultural communication skills and knowledge of refugee populations by working with refugees from many different countries and backgrounds.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of my internship was working one-on-one with clients. I gained confidence working through interpreters and conducting my own meetings. Also, so many times clients would invite me in for a cup of tea and to chat when dropping them off at home after a long day. Everyone I met and worked with was so kindhearted, friendly, and thankful, which was so rewarding.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This internship has solidified my plans to continue working with and learning about refugee populations. In the future I hope to attend graduate school to study international migration policy.