TWC Student Helps Create Opportunities for Afghan Refugees via Internship with Lawyers Without Borders

Maroua Rahaoui, an undergraduate student at Worcester State University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Pre-Law, had a vision of coming to Washington, D.C. and making a difference. 

In her immersive internship with Lawyers Without Borders, a global non-profit focused advocating for those in greatest need, she was able to help individuals experiencing tremendous hardship. Her work has brought life-changing benefits to refugees and victims of human trafficking, while allowing her to build a network and gain skills that will empower Maroua as she charts her professional journey and continues the fight for justice.

Where are you interning and what are some of your responsibilities there?

I am interning at Lawyers Without Borders, where I complete research tasks for different international programs. This includes searching for job opportunities for Afghan refugees and compiling research on human trafficking in Kenya, as well as staying up to date on current issues of the organization.

Tell us about a project you worked on during your internship that was your favorite, the most challenging, or the most exciting.

My favorite project has to be with the ALCOP program, which works within the United States to find career opportunities for Afghan refugees who were lawyers and judges. I worked with these individuals located across the United States to find them job opportunities that fit their interests, availability and skills set. I also helped them find workshops to improve their professional skills, and for some, English classes to improve their language proficiency. It's very fulfilling work and extremely gratifying to have a positive impact on the lives of these refugees.

How have you expanded your professional network during your time with TWC?

I have made connections with people in the law field as well as those working within non-profit organizations. All are amazing individuals that are committed to doing great work and to helping people around the world. I know these relationships will be extremely beneficial to me in the future and with my career goals.

How has this experience impacted your career goals?

This experience has changed my outlook on the legal profession and the law enforcement field and has piqued my interest in working more with non-profit organizations, which is a path I definitely hope to explore.

What advice do you have for students considering an internship with TWC?

I would tell them to go for it. It's a great opportunity to not just create professional relationships and expand your skills set, but also go on your own journey and discover what truly inspires you. 

How has the support of the Samuel G. Rose Scholarship, and the Massachusetts State Scholarship expanded your opportunity via TWC and career exploration?

Without the financial support from Samuel G. Rose, as well as financial aid from my home school, Worcester State University, I would not have been able to be here, at The Washington Center, and to create so many new memories, both professional and personal. Those scholarships are a huge blessing for students like me who come from a low-income family, and they open much more opportunities.

About the Author

The Washington Center is the largest and most established student internship program in Washington, D.C. Since our founding, we've helped more than 60,000 individuals from across the U.S. and around the globe expand their academic pursuits into rewarding jobs and careers. We use our scale and expertise to deliver solutions that open career pathways for learners, solve recruitment challenges for employers, while helping create greater access, equity, advancement and representation.

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