Admissions

Are you ready for an incredible adventure, authentic opportunity to live like a local, and thorough training to expand your leadership? Let's get started!

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The Basics

Discover AMIGOS

  • Ages 13–15
  • No Spanish requirement
  • Two weeks in Costa Rica or Panama
  • 2020 Programs are suspended due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You can read an open letter from our President & CEO about the decision here.

Explore AMIGOS

  • Ages 15–17
  • No Spanish requirement
  • 17 days in Costa Rica
  • 2020 Programs are suspended due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You can read an open letter from our President & CEO about the decision here.

Summer Program

  • Ages 15–22
  • Spanish requirement: 2 years or equivalent
  • Four to eight weeks in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, or Panama
  • 2020 Programs are suspended due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You can read an open letter from our President & CEO about the decision here.

Gap Program

  • Ages 17–22; high school graduates
  • No Spanish requirement
  • Semester or academic year in Ecuador or Uruguay
  • April 15, 2020 is the early bird deadline for programs beginning in fall 2020. Applicants who pay their deposit by this date will receive a $500 discount.
  • July 1, 2020 is the final deadline for programs beginning in fall 2020.

 

Picking Your Project and Country

The choice is yours! Projects are filled on a first come, first served basis. You’ll be able to rank your preferences when you fill out your application. Unsure of which to pick? Explore our programs or reach out to us to connect with an alum.

ADMISSIONS: STEP BY STEP

1. Pick Your Program

2. Pick a Chapter: Local or National

3. Apply

4. Interview

5. Admissions Decision

6. Final Review

7. Become an Amigo

1. Pick Your Program

AMIGOS offers 3 major programs:

  • Summer Immersion experiences for ages 15–22
  • Discover AMIGOS, an introductory program for ages 13–15
  • Gap Semester or Year Program for high school graduates ages 17–22

Visit this page to see the requirements for each program and to explore your options!

2. Pick a Chapter: Local or National

Your Training and Fundraising Path

Your AMIGOS journey begins with our expert training program that prepares you for life in Latin America, cultural adjustment, communicating across cultures, and developing your leadership skills. It is a fun time to make new friends and explore interesting questions before traveling abroad.

  • Summer Immersion
    • Local Chapter – Find one near you and train throughout the spring.
    • National Chapter – Open to anyone, whether or not you live near a local chapter. Join a four-day group training with volunteers from across the country before you begin your project
  • Discover AMIGOS
    • National Chapter – Online preparation before you go abroad
  • Gap Year & Semester
    • National Chapter – Train with fellow volunteers at a four-day workshop upon arrival in-country

Find out more about local chapters here. Learn more about the difference between local chapters and the National Chapter here.

3. Apply

Your online application will take approximately 30–40 minutes and includes questions to get to know you better, as well as your choice of project location and country.

We won’t ask you for your GPA!

We want to learn more about your motivations, why you are interested in AMIGOS, and what you are hoping to gain from your experience.

The $50 application fee is required for your application to be considered fully submitted and ready for your interview! The application fee is refundable if requested within 30 days of payment.

4. Interview

You will be contacted shortly after you submit your application to be interviewed via phone or in person, depending on your chapter choice.

You will have the chance to share more about yourself and your passions and motivations. We’ll also do a short Spanish language assessment if you are applying for a Summer Immersion or Gap Program (Spanish is not required for Discover AMIGOS).

5. Admissions Decision

You’ll be notified shortly after an admissions decision has been made. After this, you’ll receive a welcome packet in the mail with more information and some fun surprises. It’s time to start getting excited!

6. Final Review

During this time, you will:

  • Finalize your paperwork and medical forms
  • Apply for financial aid if necessary
  • Attend parent and volunteer webinars to help guide you through what to expect

7. Become an Amigo

Begin your training either through a local chapter or at the 4-day group training in Houston or in-country. Don’t forget to check in with your chapter or Admissions Officer if you have any last minute questions. You’ll receive more details and packing lists to ensure you’re ready for your AMIGOS adventure!

Welcome to the AMIGOS family!

More Questions?

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Frequently Asked Questions