Photography Teaching Assistant Intern (Unpaid)

START DATE: June 1st, 2026
DURATION: June 1st – October 30th

Hybrid: June 1st – June 26th and August 17th – October 30th
In-person: June 29th – August 14th
 

The Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) is a six-week program focusing on preparing newly arrived refugee youth to succeed at their grade level in the New York City public school system. Up to 135 students from ages 5 – 21 from over 20 countries will participate in academic, creative arts, physical education, and life skills classes.

The Photography Teaching Assistant Intern at the NYC Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) office will support the lead photography instructor during a photography class for newcomer youth and a collaborative photo project of NYSA and IRC HQ. This internship offers an exciting opportunity to work directly with refugee and immigrant youth, helping them develop creative skills while learning the technical aspects of photography.

The intern will assist in creating a positive, educational, and supportive environment where students can express themselves and document their personal experiences through photography.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assist the lead photography instructor in facilitating weekly lessons, ensuring that students understand concepts such as camera operation, composition, lighting, and storytelling.
• Planning and leading photography learning sessions under the supervision of the lead photography instructor.
• Provide one-on-one and small group support to students during class activities, helping them with camera settings, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing feedback on their work.
• Set up and break down equipment (cameras, tripods, lighting, etc.) before and after each class. Support the preparation of class presentations or visual aids as needed and ensure that all necessary materials are available for each session.
• Support equipment management and maintenance, ensuring cameras and accessories are properly handled, stored, inventoried, and kept in good working condition.
• Assist with file management, including organizing, labeling, and archiving student images and maintaining clear digital folder structures.
• Assist students with photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom), helping them enhance their images and learn basic editing techniques.
• Accompany the group on photography field trips, providing supervision and assisting students with their photography projects in real-world settings.
• Facilitate communication with parents and students about class updates, special events, or any issues that may arise during the program.
• Help with translating written materials into different languages through a language service (training provided).

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Gain experience in photography education and mentoring, particularly in working with refugee
and immigrant youth.
• Develop skills in classroom management, lesson planning, and providing individualized
instruction in a creative subject.
• Build professional experience in an educational, nonprofit setting with a focus on youth development and cultural integration. Enhance planning and facilitation skills by supporting photography-based partnerships between IRC NY and other IRC departments.

REQUIREMENTS: 

Competitive applications will represent most/all of the following:
• Currently enrolled or graduated from a college or master’s program in Photography, Art, Design, Media Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of coursework in photography or visual arts (can include continuing education programs).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience using DSLR cameras, either through formal education or self- directed/personal projects.
• Portfolio of 5–10 original images that demonstrate a strong understanding of composition, lighting, and visual storytelling.
• Experience working with youth, particularly those from refugee or immigrant backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with students and work collaboratively
in a classroom setting.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing class logistics and student work.
• Photo equipment management skills and file management skills for organizing digital assets.
• Self-starter and team player.
• Competency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google Apps (i.e. Google Drive), and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Must be based in US, must be a US citizen or have US work authorization.
• Willing to adhere to IRC intern and workplace policies

• Fluency in written/verbal English required; preferred but not required fluency in any of the listed languages: Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Dari, Pashto, and/or Arabic.