INTERN TEACHER SCHOOL INFORMATION
Welcome to the Amity Institute Intern Teacher program. Founded in 1962, the Amity Intern Teacher Program is based on the belief that language learning and cultural exchange are essential to building international friendship and cultural understanding. This philosophy still remains at the core of the program today.Amity Institute provides sponsorship for Interns under the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa (12 months maximum) or the Q-1 visa (cultural exchange, 15 months maximum) and handles all the administrative paperwork associated with the sponsorship. Each Intern will be assigned to an Amity Program Counselor who will guide them through the visa application process, and provide ongoing monitoring and support. In addition Amity Institute will provide the following services in regards to the sponsorship:
Health insurance provider for the Intern
Orientation materials for all participants
Orientation seminars in areas with a high concentration of Interns
Program materials
There are four main responsibilities asked of Amity Intern Teacher Host Schools. Please click on the responsibilities below to learn more about each one.
Financial Information
Host Family Recruitment
Mentoring and Support
Personal Study Classes
Financial Information (return to responsibilities)
The following financial responsibilities should be taken into consideration by the Host School.Amity Administrative Fee:
Varies depending on the length of the assignment. This fee covers the visa, administrative and counseling services provided by Amity. Please inquire about fee at interns@amity.org.
Intern Stipend:
$150 a month minimum
- Paid to the Intern monthly (holidays included)
- May be prorated according to beginning and ending assignment dates
Transportation to School:
- Transportation to and from the nearest airport, train station, or bus depot upon arrival and departure
- Transportation to be arranged to and from school, in the form of a ride with the Host Family, staff member or other parent, school bus, or local bus pass.
Lunch:
Free school lunch to be provided for the Intern during the working day, $5 daily food allowance for food expenses, or meal cards at Universities and Colleges. Universtities and Colleges: Bedding and towels should be provided for the Intern.
Host Family Recruitment (return to responsibilities)
The following should apply to all Host Family living arrangements:- Free room and board for the Intern should be arranged with a family/individual in the community or on campus housing
- Intern must not live with the Supervising Teacher and ideally should not live with the School Coordinator
- Intern must have a private bedroom
- Intern can live with multiple families, but each family must host for a minimum of nine weeks (one quarter)
- Amity Coordinator must visit each prospective home to discuss arrangements, clarify expectations and confirm living conditions prior to the Intern's arrival
- Amity Institute provides support for recruitment with materials/advice
Mentoring and Support (return to responsibilities)
Oversee the Intern Teaching assignment, both inside and outside of the classroom and assign a staff member as:Supervising Teacher
Acts as a mentor to the Intern throughout the assignment; works closely with the Intern to develop curriculum, lesson plans and classroom activities; evaluates performance and provides positive feedback.School Coordinator
Oversees the assignment as a whole; ensures program requirements are met; recruits and monitors Host Families; assists the Intern in establishing social contacts inside and outside of school; keeps in regular contact with the Amity Institute; serves as a mediator in any sensitive situations with the school or Host Family.Schools may choose one staff member to play both roles, or ask a member of the PTA to act as Amity Coordinator.
Personal Study Classes (return to responsibilities)
The following items should apply to all Personal Study Classes:- One or two classes (depending on assignment length) should be arranged free of charge for the Intern
- One class must address a topic in American Studies
- Classes should take place at a local community college, university or adult education center
- If these options are unavailable, classes may be taken at a local high school (AP classes preferred)
- Classes can be audited, Interns do not need to formally enroll in classes or take them for credit
- Classes are mandatory, but must not interfere with the teaching schedule
- Classes are intended to provide social and educational interaction outside of the teaching schedule