Host an International Intern!
25-26 Interns, Host Families, and Apoyemos Board Members. Thank you Host Families!
Join our community by opening your home to a Spanish Immersion intern!
Interns are young adults studying to become teachers in their home countries, who will be participating in a cultural exchange program to gain classroom experience while strengthening their English skills. Hosting is a rewarding experience that integrates a new member into your family while supporting the K-12 Spanish Immersion Program in the Lincoln cluster.
“Hosting Ana was such a rewarding experience for our family and one of the highlights of our year. She quickly became part of our everyday life; bonded so naturally with our kids; brought warmth, energy, and joy to our home; and loved joining us on family adventures from camping to skiing.”
The Sheyda-Losick Family (2 students at Ainsworth)
Host Family to Intern Ana from Spain in 24-25
Host Family Requirements
Accommodation: Families provide room and board. A private bedroom, and three meals a day and/or available groceries to prepare meals for themselves.
Transportation: Families are responsible for the intern's transportation to and from school; interns frequently ride the PPS school buses if possible. Interns may walk, bike, or use public transit at their own expense (a PPS bus pass is provided) for outings.
Communication: We encourage direct, open communication regarding house rules, chores, and schedules.
Program Overview
Time Commitment: We primarily seek families for the full academic year, though half-year commitments are considered.
Arrival & Departure: Interns typically arrive around a week before the school year begins, to settle in before school starts. They often depart their host family within a week after the last day of school, and travel with friends or visiting family during the last month of their allowed visa stay.
The Intern’s Role: Interns come to us through a government sponsored J-1 Visa International Cultural Exchange Program to experience the American education system by assisting in public school classrooms. Through their experience with their host family, broader community and assisting at school, they are able to fully immerse themselves in American culture, hone their English skills and gain valuable experience in the classroom to bring to their future careers in their home country. Interns are not to be considered guests - but become a member of your family - joining meals, attending games, and folding into family routines.
Financials & Logistics
Stipend: Interns receive a small monthly stipend, from Apoyemos, for living expenses.
Activities: Interns will be at their assigned school site during regular student school hours, and spend time with their host families during the evenings and on weekends. They often find community with each other and through participating in other activities in the local area. While interns are responsible for their own personal costs, families should be clear about when they are "treating" the intern or when the intern needs to cover his or her expenses for family outings.
Support: Apoyemos is here to help throughout the year. From arrival and getting established with bank accounts, etc. to helping through any of the normal adjustments like mild culture shock or homesickness, to offering gatherings, our Intern and Host Family Coordinators are here to offer support.
Tips for a Great Experience
Integration: Invite your intern to participate in everyday family life, from grocery shopping to family adventures and holiday celebrations.
Language: Part of the intern program is the reward of cultural and language exchange. It’s a two-way street - interns often help host families (including kids!) practice Spanish - and families can help their intern practice English.
Ready to Learn More?
Feel free to email/call us to talk through things and ask questions! If you are someone who likes to read and see all the details first, click here and then reach out!
Host Family Coordinators
4hostfamilies@gmail.com
Christina Friedle: 971-275-2278 Meaghan Wheeler: 713-816-2188
