Amity Institute

Building International Friendship and Cultural Understanding Through Teaching Exchange.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amity Institute?
Amity Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and designated J-1 visa sponsor.  Founded in 1962, the Amity programs were based on the belief that language learning and cultural exchange are essential to building international friendship within our global community.  This philosophy is still at the core of the organization.
How long will the intern stay with our family?
Interns will stay with a Host Family for a minimum of eight weeks. They can stay longer and Host Family assignments vary from school to school. 
Are Host Families paid?
Host Families are volunteers and provide free room and board to Amity Interns.
Has my intern had a security of police background check?
Yes. All interns have a clean police record in their home country. 
What should we expect of the intern?
They will participate in a cross-cultural exchange that will be a challenging and educational experience for all involved.  The intern and members of the Host Family must work to understand and communicate with each other.  Hosts should remember that interns have placed themselves in a foreign environment for the purpose of expanding their knowledge of education and culture.  Their highest priority is the internship at school.  Both the Host Family and the intern will have their own initial expectations of what the experience will be like and should communicate openly with each other.
What happens if the intern gets sick?
Each intern must have sickness/accident insurance throughout the entire time they are in the U.S.  Many use an insurance policy recommended by Amity. If interns get sick or need medical attention, they should go to a local doctor, medical/emergency center or the emergency room at a local hospital that accepts their insurance.  The intern may have to pay out-of-pocket to cover some initial expenses.  They will need to find out the exact procedure in regards to how to use their insurance and should carefully follow instructions provided by their insurance carrier in order to receive reimbursement. 
Can the intern act as a babysitter?
Like any family member, interns are expected to help out around the house.  However, interns are not live-in babysitters and should not be expected to perform the duties appropriate for an au pair, such as child care, housesitting or housework beyond that of other family members. 
Can the intern use the family car?
Interns are permitted to drive only if they hold a valid driver’s license.  They may not drive their Host Family’s car unless a prior written agreement has been signed between the parties, including insurance issues and potential damages.
Who can I contact if there is a problem?
The local School Coordinator is your primary contact. Your assigned Amity Program Counselor is also available to answer your questions and assist with your concerns.
What should we do if the intern asks us to help him/her stay longer in the U.S.?
The Educational Internship Program is limited to the original program dates stated on the intern’s J-1 visa sponsorship document DS-2019 and the T/IPP form DS-7002.  All interns have to return home at the end of their assignment.  The program cannot be extended beyond the original term. 
What can I do to make sure that our experience is successful?
Clear, positive communication is the key to success. Please do not assume that your Intern understands your expectations unless you have taken the time to discuss them directly.  

 

Host Family Information

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

Stories from America: Director Jim Price Speaks on COVID-19 Impact

https://youtu.be/8K55GsTMPlk

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Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor 🇺🇲 (BridgeUSA)
International friendship + cultural understanding through teaching exchange 🌍
📣 Admissions is open!

Amity Institute
Who else can't wait to TRAVEL? ✈️ Here's to lo Who else can't wait to TRAVEL? ✈️ Here's to looking at the Earth from 40,000 ft in the sky, through the plane window! 🌍

Pictured here: Amity Alum @alejandra_lab at the airport a few years ago, heading back to Spain at the end of her incredible intern experience.
🌟 Monday motivation, courtesy of @edutopia 📚 🌟 Monday motivation, courtesy of @edutopia 📚
Oh the places you'll go... 💭 We cannot wait to Oh the places you'll go... 💭

We cannot wait to welcome Interns and Teachers into our 2021-2022 programs. Have you always dreamed of an experience in international education and cultural exchange? Contact us today!

Pictured here: Intern Alum Patri in Salt Lake City, UT 🇺🇲
During an incredibly challenging year, our Amity C During an incredibly challenging year, our Amity Community has been the silver-lining.  Thank you for helping us stay true to our mission of building international friendship and cultural understanding through teaching exchange under the most difficult circumstances.  We are so grateful for you!

Happy New Year from each of us at Amity. Here's to a brighter 2021! We are very excited for all that is to come. 

See you next year!
The Amity Team
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