Your Passport to Learning

Amity Institute

"It’s hard to think of one specific story about Jonathan. He is an interesting, insightful person to talk to. His kindness, creativity, and joyful spirit really touched us. He became a such good friend and a brother in just a few short months. Within a couple of weeks he felt like one of the family. We were so sad to say good bye to him and hope to stay in touch for many years to come. He painted his face on the wall in his room along with our faces and a mural of St. Louis so we definitely have something to remember him by. Francis, my son, would climb all over him, showing him much affection. My fondest memories of Jonathan are the times we had biking around St. Louis. Jonathan was a perfect match for our family. I would recommend hosting to anyone. " -- Madeline Buthod

Host Families needed for 2011-2012!

SLLIS Amity Interns have proven to be a vital asset to our school providing greater teacher to student ratios, creating enrichment opportunities such as soccer, reading club, and parent language courses, and by bringing their energy and world cultures to our students.

How can you help?

  • consider opening up a room in your house so that cultural exchange can be ongoing (for at least 9 weeks)

  • consider talking to your neighbor or family member about opening up one of their rooms to bring cultural exchange to their lives
  • consider that you can financially 'feed another face', but you don't have the space = Cooperative Hosting
  • consider that you can provide the transportation to an intern that lives in your neighborhood
  • invite an Intern to a meal in your home (see volunteer opportunities)
This year SLLIS has the privilege to host 16 enthusiastic young men and women through the Amity program, most of them working as teaching assistants in the first and second grade classrooms, in both the French and Spanish School. To learn more about our interns click on the interactive map or on the links above.

If interested in becoming a host family, hosting a meal outing or donation, you can contact our SLLIS Intern Task Force: sllispainterns@gmail.com 

Amity Institute is a nonprofit organization that works to build international friendship and cultural understanding through teaching exchange. For over forty years, Amity interns have come to the US to bring their languages and culture to life, working in the classrooms to engage and motivate students and to leave them with new confidence in their ability to communicate across borders.