J-1 Inclusive Design Internship Boston @ IHCD
Design Without Barriers: Your Internship at IHCD in Boston
Good design should work for everyone—regardless of age or physical ability. At the Institute for Human Centered Design (IHCD) in Boston, you have the opportunity to dive deep into the world of inclusive design and accessible construction. You will work within an organization that has been setting international standards since 1978, learning how to make the built environment and digital media accessible to all.
The Host Organization
IHCD is a globally recognized educational organization based on Harrison Avenue in Boston. The team advises clients worldwide on how Universal Design can be implemented in architecture, urban planning, and digital communication. For students in the fields of architecture, design, or real estate management, this is the ideal setting to build specialized expertise in an increasingly critical field.
Your Role in the Consulting Team
During your time at the institute (flexible duration between 8 and 52 weeks), you will be fully integrated into project work:
- Design Consulting: You will support the team in analyzing and evaluating architectural and design projects with regard to accessibility and inclusion.
- Research & Analysis: You will engage intensively with international standards and best-practice examples, helping to prepare design solutions for clients.
- Project Participation: You will work in interdisciplinary teams on real consulting projects and learn how to professionally justify design decisions to clients.
- Digital Inclusion: Optionally, there is a chance to contribute to projects for accessible apps and websites.
- Housing: As Boston is a highly sought-after location and no housing is provided, finding accommodation requires proactive effort. The monthly compensation of $2,560 ($1,280 semi-monthly) serves as support for your local living expenses.
Career Impact
Inclusive design is no longer a niche topic; it is a core requirement in architecture and urban planning worldwide. With a reference from IHCD on your resume, you demonstrate not only technical know-how in a specialized area but also a deep understanding of social responsibility in design. This is a powerful asset for your future career in international architectural firms or consultancies.
The J-1 Process
To ensure your focus remains entirely on your professional development in Boston, all administrative requirements are handled via the VisaNerd infrastructure. The system manages the legal verification of the institute and handles the issuance of your DS-2019 form for the entire duration of your internship.
Infrastructure Guarantee
This placement is exclusively tied to the VisaNerd infrastructure. The legal vetting as well as the issuance of the DS-2019 form are handled entirely via the certified VisaNerd system.
Exact Address: 560 Harrison Avenue, 02118
Frequently Asked Questions regarding this position
You will dive deep into the subject matter: from analyzing international accessibility standards to developing solutions that work for people of all ages and abilities. You will learn to justify design decisions in a human-centered and professionally sound manner.
Yes, IHCD offers the option to contribute to digital inclusion projects—such as the design of accessible websites and apps—alongside the built environment (architecture/urban planning).
IHCD reviews applications throughout the year (on a rolling basis). Since the review process often occurs in batches, it may take a few weeks. Patience pays off here to secure a spot with this world-renowned organization.
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