Amity Institute

Building International Friendship and Cultural Understanding Through Teaching Exchange.

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Non-profit organization and U.S. State Department designated BridgeUSA J-1 program sponsor.

Over 60 years of experience building international friendship and cultural understanding through teaching exchange.

Intern Program

Teacher Program

Host Schools

Host Families


This experience changed my life! Now, I have more dreams and some other goals. I'm so thankful for everything that I've learned. I want to continue growing as a human and as a teacher. The Amity program is one the best things that ever happened to me." - Michelle, 2018-2019 Intern

We have been working with Amity for several years. Learning about different cultures, communities, traditions, music, arts, dances and more, helps our students to see the world as a global place fostering diversity and respect. Having a second adult in the classroom helps our teachers to be able to have more individualized attention to students and work on small groups. Amity has been a wonderful organization to work with, reliable and accessible, bringing highly qualified young people to work in our school."- Maria Buceta Miller, Amity School Coordinator, John Stanford International School

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Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor 🇺🇲 (BRIDGEUSA)
📣Intern and Teacher Admissions for SY 26-27 is now open! Click the link in our bio to apply today!

Amity Institute
Congratulations to Mr. David Trinidad for receivin Congratulations to Mr. David Trinidad for receiving the Teacher of the Year Award! 🇵🇭

“I am humbled and grateful to share with you that I recently received the Teacher of the Year Award from my school-River Valley High School. The award was presented by our school principal last May 1, and this recognition truly means a lot to me as an educator and exchange teacher under the Amity Institute program.

I would like to sincerely thank you and the Amity Institute for your guidance, support, and encouragement throughout my journey in the United States. Being part of this program has helped me grow both professionally and personally, and I am honored to represent the program through my work in education.

I am very thankful for this opportunity and wanted to share this special milestone with you.

Thank you once again for all your support.”

#j1 #bridgeusa
Congratulations to Amity Teacher, Ms. Capili, for Congratulations to Amity Teacher, Ms. Capili, for receiving the “Mustard Seed Award”! 🌱✨

“My name is Russelle Anne Capili and I am proud to be part of Amity Institute. This award recognizes teachers who teach with faith, purpose, and a heart that plants seeds for lasting growth. Seeing parents, students, and STS staff smile, applaud, and cheer filled me with joy.”

#j1 #bridgeusa
Congratulations to 3rd place winner of our Volunte Congratulations to 3rd place winner of our Volunteerism Photo Contest, Hongxu Jian!🇨🇳

“As part of our community outreach, I volunteered at Utah House to help introduce Chinese New Year traditions to local 4H youth. We guided the students through two hands-on activities: ink blowing painting (chuimohua) and dumpling making. The children were excited to learn how to wrap dumplings and use chopsticks for the first time. Everyone had a wonderful time exploring these cultural traditions in a fun and interactive setting.”

#j1 #bridgeusa
Congratulations to our 2nd place winner of the Vol Congratulations to our 2nd place winner of the Volunteerism category of the Photo Contest, Brenda Ivania Guzmán Cruz! 🇸🇻✨

“This photo was taken in Sioux Falls during a Project Warm-Up event with School Principal Tracy Vik and Sonia, an intern from Spain. I had the opportunity to help make and organize blankets for children in need.

It was such a meaningful experience—one that left me feeling grateful and fulfilled. Being able to give back to the community through something made with care and love was truly special.” 💙

#j1 #bridgeusa
Now moving on to the Volunteerism category! Cong Now moving on to the Volunteerism category! 

Congratulations to our 1st place winner of the Photo Contest, Laura Valentina Giraldo Rengifo! 🇨🇴✨

“In this photo, Yaneth Menjívar (from El Salvador) and I are volunteering at Feed My Starving Children in Minnesota, a moment I’ll never forget. Being there together made the experience even more special—we laughed, worked side by side, and stayed motivated to pack as many meals as possible for children in need.

What made it even more meaningful was knowing the meals we packed were sent to Colombia, creating a real impact back home. Even while far from our home countries, our internship experience continues to connect us to something bigger.

This day reminded us that friendship, teamwork, and small acts of service can go a long way—and truly turn compassion into meaningful change.” 💙🤝✨

#j1 #bridgeusa
Congratulations to our 3rd place winner of the Pho Congratulations to our 3rd place winner of the Photo Contest, Natalia Molina Hoyos! 🇨🇴✨

“In this photo, I’m with my host family celebrating Día de las Velitas, one of Colombia’s most cherished traditions. Every December 7th, families gather to light candles and lanterns in honor of the Immaculate Conception, marking the beautiful beginning of the Christmas season. Beyond the lights, it’s a moment of unity, reflection, and hope—when wishes are made and shared under the glow of candlelight.

Last year, I wanted to bring a piece of my culture to my host family. I surprised them with personalized candles in their favorite colors and names, shared the meaning behind the tradition, and together we lit each one while making wishes. It became such a meaningful evening—one that blended cultures, created connection, and turned a tradition from home into a shared memory we’ll never forget.” ✨🕯️

#j1 #bridgeusa
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Address: 2727 Camino del Rio S Suite 137 San Diego, CA 92108 Ph: 619.222.7000

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