Former Participants: We love to hear your stories. Would you like to share about your Amity experience? Email jtburke@amity.org!
“How can such an experience not be a part of your life forever? It changed me. Staying in the U.S., working in a school, and mostly living with my host 
family changed me. I learned so much, and gave so much. The internship was the best experience of my whole life, but as each good thing, it has an end. Which, in a way, makes it so precious. Kansas City and my family will always be in my heart. It is now a part of who I am.” – Tiphaine Verhooghe, France (2016-2017 Intern)
“During my time as an Amity Exchange Teacher, I was able to share my culture on a daily basis, and learn from my students as well. Cultural exchange plays undoubtedly an important role in education because it broadens minds. I see it as the key to opening a cage and setting the students free. These students are able to become well-rounded citizens. Through programs like Amity’s, the same knowledge that could’ve been found in a book or the internet and forgotten in a couple days is brought by a person who is clearly an example of how things are done differently somewhere else. This experience helped me become aware of who I am and what I have, while understanding that there is so much more out there. When you understand that your way is not the only way, and not necessarily the best way, you become humble and open-minded.” – Antonio Morata, Spain (2013 – 2016 Exchange Teacher)
“The best part of the program was to get to know different people from different countries and cultures, which broadened the perspective I had about the United States and the world. Also, it gave me the chance to personally grow up and realize that I was never alone, and that people would always be there to help me when I needed it most. I learned to appreciate my country, tradition and my family even more. Some advice for new participants: there will always be ups and downs, especially because you will be facing a totally different context from which you are used to, but remember you always need to put your heart into every single activity, and a little more if possible. Also, feel proud of your home country! Though you are in America, don’t ever forget the pace you come from.” – Denis Gonzalez, El Salvador (2016-2017 Intern)
“I highly recommend the Amity program. I became more confident, critical, and open-minded…I have a better idea about what teaching and the world means. I shared with my American family their customs and traditions, and in a way, became American too. At the same time I shared with them part of my customs and traditions. I learned so much about the American education system which helped me to have a bigger idea about teaching. I also learned different strategies and methodologies to use in the classroom. On the other hand, I started seeing my own country ad the outside world with a different perspective. It is an amazing and unforgettable experience which makes interns love teaching, have a better idea about the United States, their own country, the world and themselves.” – Michel Corredor Sanbria, Spain (2015 Intern)
“The benefits of the internship are innumerable and always differ depending on your own experience
. However, three major advantages can be highlighted: friendship, professional growth and self-understanding. Living and working with new people from different cultures generates bonds that only get tighter as the year progresses. Support and love come from the families, the kids and your friends at work. You can never get bored of living new adventures with every person you meet (and believe, everyone is eager to know you!). Regarding the school, working within the USA educational system is usually completely different from what you might be used to, and this is the best part! Your knowledge of teaching and learning will broaden enormously thanks to a combination of new methods and approaches, different dynamics and the inevitable confrontation with your own; and let’s not forget fun. These two benefits will merge into a change of your mind set. Your vision of the world gets wider and humbler. You understand why you’re doing this and what you’re expecting from yourself now that you have understood better what you want in life. If you’re having second thoughts about Amity…yes, it’s normal to be afraid! But you’ll never regret taking this chance.” – Laura Gallardo, Argentina (2014-2015 Intern)
“I am very grateful for the experience I had as an Amity Exchange Teacher. It was an opportunity to interact in a community of families from diverse cultural backgrounds within the United States. It was incredibly interesting to see how U.S. citizens have embraced and identify with more than one culture. This experience brought into my life a new view of American culture, beyond movies and stereotypes… the understanding of a culture of freedom, expression, and justice.” – Diana Vanegas, Spain (2013-2016 Exchange Teacher)
“The internship was an amazing experience. Not only was it an invaluable professional experience, because it showed me what teaching really was and how amazing it is, but it also was incredible human experience. I made lifelong friends and my host family is now like actual family to me. This internship has granted me with motivation to finish my studies and pursue my future dreams.” – Colin Trillard, France (2015-2016 Intern)
“Our family decided to host interns in order to bring a little more German culture into our home, and to help our children have some language support at home as we are not German speakers. It’s sometimes hard to imagine having another person in your home, a total stranger at first. But fostering a (likely) long-term relationship with a new household member, for the kids and parents, makes it well worth it! Our family adapted well to our guests became our family.” – The McCollough Family, Hosts
“It’s been several years since my internship ended and I still think it was the most incredible adventure of my life. While living in the United States, I learned so much about my professional self and goals. I recently accomplished my Master’s Degree in Teaching French as a Foreign Language at the University of Strasbourg and I’m now teaching young bilingual children. I just love it! The Amity program also provided me with a new family. I stay in touch with my American dad, American mom, and siblings. My parents have even visited them and keep in touch with them. It really is an experience of a lifetime, and changed not only mine, but my parent’s lives, as they never thought they would cross the Atlantic. I drastically improved my English and I’m very proud of it. The experience will stay in my heart and my life forever.” – Amelie Koch, France (2013-2014 Intern)
“I was an Amity participant from 1976 to 1977 in Minnesota. The experience with Amity was life changing; I came from a very conservative, homogenous, middle class background and in my environment there was not opportunity to meet people from different cultures, religions or ethnicities. The Amity experience opened the door for me; solidifying the desire to experience the world’s many exciting places, people, and food. Thus, traveling has become one of my life passions. Amity also gave me the opportunity to begin friendships that I still maintain, with fellow interns and supervising teachers.” – Myriam C. Velez-Baldwin, Colombia (1976-1977 Intern)
A Letter of Gratitude from Former Intern Allison Palacios (2016-2017)
