General Counsel's Office Internship at the Institute of International Education

SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Objective:
•To become versed in the federal regulations for exchange students and scholars
•To learn what laws and technical systems have been created in the post-9/11 environment
•To develop the technical skills to navigate IIE and U.S. Government applications

Internship Description: 
The internship program is structured to provide insight into a unique area of U.S. immigration policy and the rare opportunity to experience real life situations impacting graduate students and scholars applying for entry to the United States. Interns will develop analytical and technical skills, as well as develop professional verbal and written communication skills in a business environment.

Interns will obtain first-hand knowledge of U.S. Government requirements for sponsoring and monitoring international students and scholars in the United States. Interns will also develop a broad perspective on the various protective tools put in place in a post-9/11 environment, such as SEVIS, USA PATRIOT Act, and U.S. Visit.

The internship will encompass training on IIE’s database and web application. In addition, in-depth training about the Department of Homeland Security’s database (SEVIS), IIE’s diverse exchange programs and the Code of Federal Regulations as they relate to Exchange Visitor Visa sponsorship. There will be significant opportunity to learn how to interact with staff, interpret regulations and provide needed oversight to an important aspect of international educational exchanges.

Once familiar with tracking systems, interns will be trained on how to review and provide quality assurance over the data entry for IIE’s scholarship recipients. Quality review includes checking the accuracy of names, date and place of birth, grant dates, financial amounts, and field of study information. Review also includes scrutinizing supporting documentation and making decisions about the adequacy of documentation.

All interns are required to possess a basic knowledge of computer systems prior to the commencement of the program and therefore, to have completed at least one college level course related to computers. We also encourage interns to learn how to develop solutions on their own in order to cope with high work volume and to hone the skills to prioritizing and coping with competing deadlines. As an intern, IIE will provide the opportunity to discuss and share the knowledge and issues with staff in both the program offices and the legal department of IIE. Interns will acquire an in depth understanding of complex systems and an appreciation of business practices, which will help to prepare him/her for success in a future career.

Candidates must be students at an accredited college or university, and must receive academic credit for their internship or an internship must be a requirement of their degree program.

Interested candidates should forward their resume with a cover letter including availability dates to: 
Nancy Mills, Director – Exchange Visitor Programs 
The Institute of International Education
809 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017nmills@iie.org