Amity Institute

Building International Friendship and Cultural Understanding Through Teaching Exchange.

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About

Amity Institute is a U.S. Department of State designated BridgeUSA J-1 program sponsor and nonprofit organization with over 60 years of experience facilitating cultural exchange. In 1962, Dr. Ernest and Emily Stowell of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, founded Amity Institute to meet the needs of American foreign language teachers and students for direct personalized contact with world languages and cultures.

They also sought to involve young people from abroad in American education, family and community life.  Several decades later, Amity Institute has broadened to provide exchange programs that work toward achieving the mission of building international friendship and cultural understanding through teaching exchange.

Today

 

Intern
The Intern Program provides participants the opportunity to live in the U.S., gain teaching experience and serve as informal ambassadors for their country in U.S. schools. Interns assist in the classroom for a minimum of 32 hours per week.  Interns generally live with American host families.
Teacher
The International Teacher Program arranges for certified, experienced teachers from other countries to serve as faculty at the primary and secondary levels in the U.S. International Teachers can be assigned to a school for up to three years and are compensated at rates similar to their American colleagues.


 Meet the Amity Team

 

 Jim Price, Executive Director  
Sue Gibbons-Bullock, Host School Liaison 
Rocelle Cruz, Assistant Director                          

Sara Conui
Programs Director

 Marnie Kitchin-Pajuelo
Admissions Coordinator
 
 Brittney Harrell
Program Counselor

 

Flo Rizalado
Program Counselor
   
Cristian Araujo
Program Counselor

 

Melissa Dominguez
Program Counselor

 

                                                                           

Nena York
Program Counselor
 

Kaitlyn Woo
Data and Admissions Specialist

 

 

 

 


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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amityinstitute

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 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
Congratulations to the 2nd place winner of our Pho Congratulations to the 2nd place winner of our Photo Contest, Natalia Castro Rodriguez! 🇪🇸✨

“This photo captures one of my favorite memories from my exchange experience — and Friends fans might recognize it instantly! ☕🎬 Yes, it’s the iconic café from the beloved 90s series Friends!

For one of my host sister’s birthdays, we traveled to Los Angeles, California, and had the most unforgettable adventures together — from attending a Dua Lipa concert 🎤 to walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame ⭐ and watching the sunset at Venice Beach 🌅. One highlight was visiting the Warner Bros. Studio and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the world of film and television.

Visiting Los Angeles had always been a dream of mine, but what made it truly special was sharing the experience with my incredible host family. These are memories I’ll carry with me forever.” ❤️

#j1 #bridgeusa
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