San Diego Community
Serving San Diego families and volunteers since 2002.
About this Community
The AMIGOS San Diego Community recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and families in their local community. Volunteers from San Diego and outlying areas meet together as a group before leaving for their summer experience in Latin America. Our local AMIGOS network supports volunteers and families with service learning, community building, and overall preparation.
The San Diego Chapter was incorporated in 2002, and over 500 youth from San Diego and its suburbs have volunteered through the chapter path, fundraising and training locally before the summer. During Fall 2024, the San Diego network piloted the Community model. Local San Diego area volunteers continue to build community before their summer experience in Latin America.
Current San Diego Community Volunteers Attend
Canyon Crest Academy
Chaparral
El Camino
El Capitan
Francis Parker
Great Oak
La Costa Canyon
Mater Dei
Murrieta Mesa
Murrieta Valley
Pacific Ridge
Pacific Trails
Point Loma
Sage Creek
San Diego High School of International Studies
San Dieguito Academy
Santa Monica
Torrey Pines
Troy High
Vistamar
Westview
Support the San Diego Community’s volunteers and families.
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How to Apply
AMIGOS gives you an exciting chance to have an adventure and explore the world outside of a classroom.
Explore the National Chapter Path
Learn more about the National Chapter path! Volunteers from San Diego should select “National Chapter” on the application. While there is no longer a formal San Diego Chapter, there is a strong alumni and supporters network that supports AMIGOS as the San Diego Community. You have the option to join the San Diego AMIGOS Community activities taking place throughout the spring.
Attend an Information Session
Attend an HQ-led online information session.
Apply Online
Submit your application (it should take around 30 minutes or less) and pay the deposit to hold your spot.
Questions or tech issues? Reach out to our Admissions team at admissions@amigosinternational.org.
San Diego Community Requirements
The transformative AMIGOS experience starts before leaving home.
Pre-Departure Activities
With over 60 years of experience preparing young people for travel and service abroad, AMIGOS training offers unparalleled global youth leadership development. Pre-departure training equips volunteers with the critical thinking and communication skills they need to make a meaningful impact across cultures while staying healthy and safe. Meetings are facilitated by the San Diego AMIGOS Community Coordinator.
Highlights of the Spring Program Include:
Extensive health and safety training
Opportunities to practice Spanish
Creating a community of young people with shared values
Calendar
The San Diego Community is finalizing its spring activities calendar. More information will be shared soon!
Optional Fundraising
Fundraising is a key part of making an AMIGOS experience possible and an opportunity to begin building key skills you will need for success during your time abroad. We offer guided support to help you succeed.
Members of the San Diego Community can opt in to fundraise with the National Chapter to help cover the cost of their program fees. AMIGOS will support in creating an individual online fundraising page, provide a webinar, a fundraising guide and mentoring!
Questions?
National Chapter students should email admissions@amigosinternational.org for more information.
Need Assistance?
AMIGOS is committed to making our programs accessible to anyone who wants to join. We offer need-based financial assistance and fundraising opportunities for the San Diego Community through the National Chapter. We work closely with every family to understand need before determining financial assistance packages. Financial assistance applications are considered on a rolling basis and funds are available until exhausted.
Additional Funding Opportunities
All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award. We highly encourage you to apply for financial assistance.
2026 applicants, alumni, and parents of alumni can earn discounts or cash payments for referring the next cohort of AMIGOS volunteers! Learn more about our Alumni Referral Program and sign up to receive your unique referral code.
Contact
Please reach out to our Admissions team at admissions@amigosinternational.org if you have any questions about financial assistance.
Team
Staff
Mentors
Kirsten Chaplin Rojas
AMIGOS Nicaragua, ’16 / AMIGOS Ecuador, ’19Bianca Allende Boyd
AMIGOS Dominican Republic, ’16Lauren Levinson
AMIGOS Dominican Republic, ’15Patrick Rahilly
AMIGOS Paraguay, ’16
Get Started with AMIGOS San Diego
Explore new cultures, serve communities, and form lasting friendships along the way.
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How To Join