Host Families

• To focus on sharing language and culture.
• To provide future educators the opportunity to gain teaching experience and participate in American culture.
• To participate in a life-changing experience.

Interns are students or recent graduates of institutions of higher learning in their home country. Many are involved in the field of languages or are preparing to teach English as a Foreign Language. They often have some experience or have worked with youth. Interns are here to gain teaching skills through their assignments, to represent their language, culture and country, and to share their knowledge and ideas. They want to learn first-hand about American culture and improve their English. An Intern’s first obligation is to complete their internship at the Host School. They are also volunteers who are role models, ambassadors of goodwill, active community participants, and integrated members of their Host Family or school environment.

• Allow your family to develop a meaningful relationship with someone from another culture.
• Learn about another country and culture.
• Create an unforgettable experience for your Amith Intern.
• Support your local school.
• Learn about yourself and your culture.
• Be part of a worldwide community bringing people together.

Interns will stay with the family beginning in August (about a week before school begins) until June (about a week after school ends.)

Host families are volunteers and provide free room and board to Amity Interns along with 3 meals a day. (BSD covers breakfast and lunch on the days they are working in the schools. This does not include days when students are not in attendance.)

• A private room
• 3 meals per day
• Transportation to and from the host school, occasional rides
• Integration into the family and community

Host families are not financially compensated for hosting an intern. Interns will pay for all of their own personal expenses.

Yes. All interns have a clean police record in their home county. They also will complete a criminal background check for BSD.

Interns will participate in cross-cultural exchange that will be a challenging and educational experience for all involved. The Intern and members of the Host Family must work together to understand and communicate with each other. The Host should remember that Interns have placed themselves in a foreign environment for the purpose of expanding their knowledge of education and culture. The Intern’s highest priority in the internship at the 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.

Each intern must have sickness/accident insurance throughout the entire time they are in the U.S. Many use an insurance policy provided by Amity. If interns get sick or need medical attention, they should go to a local doctor, medical/emergency center, or emergency room at a local hospital that accepts their insurance. The Intern may have to pay out-of-pocket to cover some of the 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. Also be sure the School Coordinator knows and your Amity Program Counselor are aware whenever your intern is sick. MOST IMPORTANT: If an Intern ever needs to be hospitalized, notify Amity IMMEDIATELY.

Like any family member, Interns are expected to help out around the house. However, Interns are not live-in babysitters or tutors and shouldn’t be expected to perform duties appropriate for an au pair, such as childcare, house sitting, or housework beyond that of other family members.

Interns are permitted to drive only if they hold a valid driver's license. They may not drive the Host Family's car unless a prior written agreements has been signed between the parties, including insurance issues and potential damages.

The local school coordinator is your primary contact. Your assigned Amity Counselor may be able to assist you, also.

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.