Are you aware that our PTA has been sponsoring native Spanish-speaking interns to come and assist our teachers and kids each year? Puesta Del Sol has been working with an organization called The Amity Institute for over 10 years. The Amity Institute is based out of San Diego, CA and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building international friendships and cultural understanding through teaching exchange. Each year our interns become a very important part of our school community. For 14-20 weeks, families from our school community open their home to host one of the interns. The interns are between the ages of 20-30 and have a passion for working with children. While being hosted, the interns have a great opportunity to learn about the US, its culture, and the diversity of people that make up our society. At the same time, your family has an opportunity to learn about the intern's country and culture, and your kids have a great opportunity to practice their Spanish. If you would like to learn more about the Amity Institute and its mission, please check out their website at www.amity.org.
 |
Andrés Mauricio Ramírez SánchezHello! I am a foreign languages student in the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia. I decided to come to the United States because I love being a teacher, also to learn about American culture and obviously improve my level of I love music, I know how to play the trumpet, trombone and any instrument with a I hope this school year to bring all my knowledge to the students so they can learn Spanish and about Colombia. Also, being able to learn from everyone. |
 |
Josué Martinez MartinezGreetings! I'm Josué, I'm 25 years old, and I'm from El Salvador. I have a variety of hobbies that keep me busy, including reading, watching movies, playing video games, and taking long walks. I also recently completed my bachelor's degree in Modern Languages with a specialization in English and French. I am eagerly anticipating a year filled with exciting experiences and meaningful connections. My main goals for this journey include immersing myself in American culture, expanding my teaching skills, and building lasting relationships with students, fellow interns, school teachers, and my host families. I can't wait to explore new places, share my culture, and grow both personally and professionally during my time in the U.S. ¡No puedo esperar a comenzar esta nueva aventura junto a ustedes, nos vemos muy pronto! |
 |
Jennifer González RecioHi! My name is Jennifer González Recio, Amity intern at Puesta del Sol Elementary In my free time I like to spend time with my friends and family. I like to listen to music, both Spanish and international. I also like to play sports, for example, playing volleyball. This year I hope to live new experiences in the educational world, meet people and travel a lot, since it is another one of my hobbies. |
 |
Karla Griselda Velasquez RodriguezHello! I like to listen to any kind of music and dance as well. Not only that, but I love watching TV, movies, or series. Furthermore, I like cooking, go out with my family and friends, so I try to be so sociable as I can. Currently, I have a teaching English degree, but I continue my studies with an educational bachelor degree. I’m looking forward to meets you, that we can learn a lot of about El Salvador culture, and grown up together. |
"Hosting an amity is a wonderful and life-changing experience. Although opening up your family to a new member can sometimes be hard, the results are growth, new friendships and a clearer perspective on the world for both kids and adults. After hosting three amities interns I can say the experience has brought our family closer, taught us to be flexible and created lasting friendships that we maintain today. Our three children have embraced Spanish culture, food and really moved to becoming not only biliterate but bicultural in part because of this program. If you've never hosted, I encourage you to consider stepping up for the upcoming year and embrace an opportunity to give back to the Spanish Immersion program as well as help young adult gain skills and opportunities to improve their future. You won't regret it."
--Broussard Family
"Our experience as an Amity host family was nothing short of wonderful! We welcomed an intern from Spain and it gave us an incredible opportunity to learn about the country, understand the culture norms and build a nice relationship with someone that will continue on for years to come. We had a lot of fun introducing new foods and first time experiences with our intern, and it brought so much joy to our family. Our daughter was most excited about riding the bus and practicing her Spanish everyday with our intern. It was a great bonding moment for them. Another reason why we hosted was because we knew the Amity program positively impacts Puesta teachers in getting the help they need in their classrooms. I strongly encourage families who have an extra room at home to consider hosting an intern because the experience everyone gets out of it is invaluable and the impact it has on our children is priceless!"
--Terlaje Family
"We have had an amazing experience hosting several interns in the past. This year, we hosted Danilo very briefly at the start of the year and we are hosting Celia winter term. Highlights from our time together include camping, watching Newsies musical, playing the game Telestrations, and trying different ethnic cuisines. Together, our children practice speaking Spanish at home through daily conversations with the interns and also by spending time writing stories and doing art and crafts together. This is a wonderful opportunity to welcome interns and learn about different cultures and make friends from around the world."
--Cho Family
We are starting to look for host families for School Year 2024-2025. We are in need of 15-18 host families for this upcoming school year. Host families can participate in 3 or 6 or 9 month terms. Families are asked to provide housing and meals.
Are you interested in making friends from another country? Open to sharing and learning about other cultures? Do you want your child(ren) to have more Spanish exposure/learning at home? Consider applying to be a host and join our amazing Amity family!
If you are interested in hosting for the 2024-2025 school year, please fill out the Amity Host Application Form
 |
