Spanish Language Internship Program

Internship Opportunities 

There are a wide variety of internships available for all levels of Spanish proficiencies! See below for placements in advocacy, education, public health, immigration law, communications, translation, and more. 

• Corner Health Center: Interns support efforts to provide judgment-free, quality, affordable health services to young people aged 12 through 25. Volunteers will assist in translating patient information forms, clinic documents, and create website content into Spanish. Intern will also work directly with clinic staff to assist with additional administrative duties when needed.

• Hope Clinic: Interns will assist clients with checking in and making appointments, sharing clinic resources in Spanish, assisting with administrative translations, and translating for clients as needed.

• Fortis Academy (K-8) & Ann Arbor Public Schools (K-12th grade): Students can select the grade level they would like to work with and will assist Spanish-speaking English language learners in the classroom with individualized language support.  Students will review class materials, translate materials when necessary, and assist with homework. Students will also support EL learners with vocabulary retention, reading, and encourage social acclimatization. 

• Mexiquenses en Michigan: This organization was established by a committed group of Spanish-speaking immigrant parents affected by socioeconomic, cultural, and immigration-related barriers.  Volunteers will support first-generation high school students with the SAT prep project, review materials from the study guide, assist with the college application process, and serve as mentors.   Volunteers will meet once a week with high school students on Thursdays 6:30 - 8 pm.

• ALIANZA Washtenaw: Assist Washtenaw Health Project staff with a health-focused outreach initiative for Spanish-speaking clients. Intern will attend  ALIANZA Washtenaw Coalition meetings to help provide updates on work being completed for the project.  Manage the AW Instagram account and provide bilingual posts. Create a bilingual community AW newsletter, and should be familiar with Canva. Intern may provide translations for the community and will be expected to be on-site at least 2x per month.

• Washtenaw Health Plan: Intern will assist in bridging language barriers for walk-in Spanish-speaking clients and English-speaking staff.  In this role, the intern would need to feel comfortable speaking in Spanish and help direct any questions.  Conversational Spanish is preferred.  One of our successes in the community is that we can serve clients in Spanish, and an intern will help us continue this quality service delivery and feel how critical this is for our work and community.

• Immigration Law and Justice Michigan (ILJM): ILJM provides affordable immigration legal services through family reunification and humanitarian-based cases. JFON helps immigrants understand their choices and navigate the complexities and barriers of the immigration legal system. Pro bono legal services are also provided to low-income immigrants living in Michigan communities. Students will work under the direction of a staff attorney, provide translations, and help with administrative duties.  

• The Women's Center of Southeastern Michigan: Provides individual counseling, career coaching, financial coaching, and divorce support/education services to individuals ages 16 and over.  The Center is expanding its reach to Spanish speakers by providing community advocate positions to assist clients with resource navigation. Work is expected to change based on the needs of our clients and the center, but interns can expect to assist with translation, referrals, and direct client communication.

• SafeHouse Center: The mission of Safe House Center is to empower survivors of violence by providing advocacy, support, and promoting social change within our community. Intern will support staff with translations of program materials and assist with community outreach. 

• Bright Futures, Afterschool Program: Students assist Program Director with afterschool tutoring, reading, and other activities with Spanish-speaking elementary school students.  This program requires volunteers to be comfortable reading aloud in Spanish and speaking conversationally. This program operates Monday through Thursday, 3-6 pm.

• En Nuestra Lengua Program: Students would assist with the Saturday morning Spanish program for heritage language speakers of Spanish. Duties range from classroom support to administrative support, depending on Spanish proficiency. ENL operates entirely in Spanish.

• ESL Coach, St. Mary’s Student Parish: Students support adult ESL learners with basic English classes and conversation. Materials are provided. The adult ESL sessions are on Sundays at 12:45 pm and 3:00 pm.

Note: A background check is required for placements involving minors. Please refer to U-M Children on Campus for more information or contact faculty advisor Teresa Sanchez-Snell for details.