FAQs about Language Ambassadors

Q:  Are LAs student teachers? Or foreign exchange students?

A:  Many of the teaching assistants are college grads, some with teaching degrees in their own country.  The program is for ages 20 - 30, and it requires that they be enrolled in college, or a recent graduate.  So it is a bit different from the better known 'foreign exchange student' type of program.

Q:  What is the benefit of having LAs at ISLA?

A:  Well, in an immersion program, the idea is to surround our children with spanish speakers.  When spanish is someones native language, they may have a depth of language beyond what is normally taught in the curriculum.  Also, since spanish is spoken in so many countries, each has it's own dialect, and nuances.  It is wonderful when our kids have exposure to spanish from so many sources.

Q:  What does the LA program cost?

A:  We go through an agency that sponsors the LAs, and helps them get the necessary paperwork together to come here.  They also offer advice and training to the LAs and the Host Families and schools.  The fee when we obtain a LA through them is $1500 for a LA that will be here for the school year.  In addition, we must provide the LAs with a stipend - $300 per month - and pay for their lunches on school days.  So, just the bare minimum cost is @ $4500 per LA.  The PTO has also budgeted money to help fund classes for them, (the visa requires them to take two AP or college level classes).  We have some money set aside in the PTO budget to offer to our host families to cover a bit of the room and board they provide.

Q:  How can I become a Host Family for a future LA?

A:  It's easy!  Send an email to info@isla-pto.org, stating that you are interested.  Our LA Coordinator will give you a call, and we can get the process going.

Q:  What if our family is on the go alot?  Can we still host a LA?

A:  Sure!  Remember, these are adults.  They will begin to network and find friends through facebook and at LA meetings.  They will most likely be on the go alot, too. 

Q:  My house is disorganized / cluttered / small / loud / busy.  Does that matter?

A:  You do not need to have a perfect house to be a host family.  Actually, the LAs are here for the experience, and living in the 'not perfect' house may be exactly the experience they are looking for.  They want to learn about you and your family.