Experiential Learning at Leir
The Leir Institute serves as The Fletcher School’s hub for applied research, teaching, and engagement on migration and its root causes, grounded in a human security approach.
Leir advances Fletcher’s mission to educate leaders and advance solutions to complex global problems through government, business, and civil society by connecting rigorous scholarship, policy relevance, and hands-on student learning. Through a wide range of experiential learning opportunities, we embed students in active research and policy work, enabling them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges.
Leir provides high-impact experiential learning through:
- Research assistantships on funded faculty projects
- Fieldwork and field-adjacent research
- Applied policy analysis and practitioner engagement
- Sponsored unpaid summer internships and summer research
- Seminars and events
Students gain:
- Methodological skills
- Professional networks
- Substantive expertise in migration and human security
- Critical experience in migration and human security
At Fletcher
Leir offers Team Research Assistant (RA) opportunities for current students who have prior experience or are interested in developing skills in marketing, social media, communications, and event management. Through weekly one-on-one meetings, Team RAs receive individualized mentorship and coaching while contributing to a range of research, communications, and programmatic initiatives. We view these positions as an opportunity to provide both professional mentorship and hands-on, applied learning that prepares students for future academic and professional endeavors.
During AY25 and AY26, Leir employed six Team RAs.
Project and Field Research
We also offer research opportunities across Leir's current projects, both at Fletcher and in the field. Our Research Assistants have gained field experience in Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and United Kingdom, while also supporting major institute initiatives, including the launch of Leir's past project Leadership in Migration Initiative in New York and Medford.
Students contribute to our research in a variety of capacities, including research assistants, co-authors or contributors, field researchers and data analysts.
During the AY25 and AY26, Leir employed 28 RAs to support research across our projects.
Leir Events and Summer Grants
We continuously develop Leir Events and Seminars that connect students to global experts. Each semester, we host multiple Leir Talks, Leir Seminars and Leir Book Talks, typically organizing 5–7 events with the support of our research assistants and staff.
Our events have featured inspiring speakers on leadership, human rights advocacy, NGO development, and activism, as well as authors who have shared powerful insights on diasporas and migration.
In addition, the Leir Institute awards up to four summer grants to support students pursuing unpaid internships and summer capstone research projects, further expanding opportunities for experiential learning and professional development.