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 U.S. State Department designated BridgeUSA J-1 program 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

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Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor 🇺🇲 (BridgeUSA)
International friendship+cultural understanding through teaching exchange 🌍
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Amity Institute
Congratulations to Leo, Intern at Lake Elmo Elemen Congratulations to Leo, Intern at Lake Elmo Elementary School, for being the second winner of Amity’s Emily Stowell Scholarship! 

Your school community is very thankful and appreciative of all the work you have done this year, all of your efforts did not go unnoticed. Thank you to your school for nominating you and congratulations on behalf of the entire Amity team!! 🥳

#j1 #bridgeusa
Congratulations to Carlota, Intern at La Academia, Congratulations to Carlota, Intern at La Academia, for being one of Amity’s Emily Stowell Memorial Scholarship winners! 

All of your hard work this year surely did not go unnoticed. Thank you to your school for nominating you and congratulations on behalf of the entire Amity team!! 🥳

#j1 #bridgeusa
Congratulations to Lisandro for winning third plac Congratulations to Lisandro for winning third place in Volunteerism! 

“The goal of Free Cycles is to help Western Montana transition to a sustainable transportation system while simultaneously setting a strong example for other places. Free Cycles provides bicycles, parts, tools, work space, and help for a healthy community. Our programs focus on re-purposing unused bicycles to reduce pollution and increase freedom, empowerment and social change.

Volunteering in free cycle has made me more aware of natural phenomena are becoming more extreme, and humanity must act as soon as possible. I am happy to contribute a little to social and environmental change’s around the world.” 🇸🇻

#j1 #bridgeusa
Congratulations to Igancio for winning second plac Congratulations to Igancio for winning second place in volunteerism! 

“The context of this picture is on Christmas days.  Last year my host family started to do a fundraiser for the kids in the salvation army with the goal to give them money to buy new toys for the families that can't buy toys. They did again this year too. We cooked cupcakes and we prepared a spot in front of our house to sell it. We also asked our neighbors for help and we got down to work. We spend all afternoon and night until really late selling the cup cakes and trying to earn as much as possible. I was so enthusiastic to help with this idea. I wear a Saint Claus costume and make the fundraiser more special. We published the fundraiser on Facebook and in other social media. A lot of people came, some with small kids and they also took pictures with me and asked for their presents. Other ones only wanted to give us money and they didn't buy any cupcakes or come and also help a few minutes talking with us and making a better environment. For me was a really special moment, I never lived anything similar and probably was one of my best experiences here. Also a couple of days  before the TV comes to our house to talk with the kids and with my host mum. The experience was amazing. I really want to share with you. I put down the link to the video made for the Dakota New and the picture that I attached is me wear the custome of santa and my hot brother Lucas.” 🇪🇸

#j1 #bridgeusa
Congratulations to Lorena for winning first place Congratulations to Lorena for winning first place in Volunteerism! 

“During the inclussion week we had different activities, the week was finished with a Polar plunge were you jump and donate for the life skills program. My host-sister Lillian who is 10 years old and I jumped to colaborate in this project.” 🇪🇸

#j1 #Bridgeusa
Congratulations to Laurie for winning third place Congratulations to Laurie for winning third place in the Host Family category! 

“This photo shows all the members of my first host family: Lea and Thomas, their wonderful twins Conrad and Vanessa, and baby Evelyn. I spent the Thanksgiving holiday with them, which was a first-time event for me. For the occasion, we went to Memphis, Tennessee, to join other family members. It was a great trip, combining cultural discovery and sharing time with an incredible family. Knowing that we weren't going to spend the Christmas holidays together, they still wanted to mark the occasion and give me matching pajamas. I was very touched by this because it was a family tradition and they had already had these pyjamas for several years. By making this gesture, they showed me how much I was integrated and loved as a true member of their wonderful family.” 🇫🇷

#j1 #bridgeusa
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