Welcome to Kansas City

As AL students were winding down those last days of summer, across the globe another group of students was preparing for the journey here. The intern program is just one of the truly unique opportunities students have at AL, the chance to have more one on one help in the classroom from French speaking interns who take up residence with AL families for the duration of the school year.

The intern program is managed by Diane Balagna, and the amount of thought and planning that goes into this role is quite expansive. Aside from selecting which interns will make the 4000+ mile journey to Kansas City, Diane recruits AL families and community members to host the interns and insure that their experience is both rewarding and safe. For some, this will be the first time they have visited the US and for others, this may be a place they eventually call home. Over the course this school year interns will aid teachers in classroom instruction giving our students access to unparalleled guidance and one-on-one instruction.

Hosting an intern is an experience that many AL families continue to do year after year. Not only does having an intern in the classroom further the engagement of students, but imagine having on in your own home who essentially becomes part of the family! Imagine the experience you’re family will gain an the experience your intern will cherish forever!

For families who aren’t quite ready to host an intern, or who maybe don’t have the space to do so, the Mentor program is another way to get involved. Through the Mentor program, families can offer help without having to host an intern in their home. Mentor families usually participate by providing occasional rides to interns, helping navigate the city and including them in a dinner or family outing during their stay here.