Host + Buddy Families make our Intern Program possible
Did you know that the Spanish-speaking interns in your child's classroom become a part of our community by living with local Eden Prairie families? They are also supported by other EP families who volunteer to be their "Buddy" families during their time here. Learn more about these amazing ways to get to know our SEF Interns, then apply to become a Host or Buddy family today!
Become a Host Family
Without host families, we wouldn’t be able to bring these amazing interns in our classrooms! Host Families are EHSI, CMS, and EPHS families who provide room & board for interns while they are here with us. Families can choose to host an intern for half of the year or the entire school year.
The biggest requirements of host families are that they provide interns with a private bedroom (with a legal egress window if located in the basement) with a lock on the door, access to a bathroom and all meals + snacks, except lunch on school days. School day lunches are provided to the interns and paid for by the SEF.
Host families welcome interns into their homes, and they quickly become part of the family participating in family routines and special occasions.
Benefits of Hosting:
The bonds you and your child(ren) will make with the intern are so special and long-lasting.
There is typically a noticeable improvement in the Spanish of the kiddos when they live with a native speaker.
Having the interns in the classroom is a HUGE help to our teachers - better support for teachers means better learning outcomes for our scholars.
Sharing cultures, both learning an intern's and sharing yours with them, is an exceptional life experience that benefits both kids and adults alike!
Need more information on the commitment, expectations or housing requirements? If so, check out this 7-minute recorded information session and see if hosting an intern might be the right fit for your family!
Become a Buddy Family
Intern Buddy families support both the host families and the interns by helping with intern transportation, taking interns on family outings, offering interns another home to stay or visit during breaks or vacations when their host family may not be in town, providing them with local cultural experiences, and more!
The biggest requirements of buddy families are that you agree to get together with your intern a minimum of once per month and you commit to being on call to help with driving.
Many buddy families plan regular get togethers after school; others choose to reach out on a more ad hoc basis as activities and opportunities come up. It’s truly up to you and your intern based on what works for everyone’s schedules. Interns are typically matched with two buddy families for the entire school year.
Curious to learn more about being a buddy family? If so, check out this 7-minute recorded information session and see if being an intern Buddy Family might be the right fit for your family!