I worked to design and implement the summer program for elementary and middle school students in the area. I loved how hands-on the experience was! You get real insight into the refugee resettlement process, social work, and ESL teaching. It is a great mix of different types of leadership opportunities; you get to help create curriculum and then you lead instruction. While it is often exhausting work, it is definitely a rewarding experience that gives you exposure to skills needed in many other areas of work beyond non-profit management (i.e. strengthens communication skills, teaches you how to compile resources, work on a team, interact with diverse populations, teach, organize lessons, etc.).
What I wish was different
Advice
I would recommend coming into the experience with a willingness to be flexible. There are many different cultures, experiences, and languages represented in the populations NICE helps, and every child varies in their English language and social abilities. While you might have created a specific lesson for the day, it often happens that you need to adapt it to better suit the child's individualized needs that day. Be ready to change plans last minute to ensure you, and the children you help, get the most out of the program.
