We believe young people are catalysts for social change
and educators are the spark.
When young people are given the chance, they rise to the challenge and spark meaningful change. It takes a passionate community of educators to help guide and support them along the way.
We’re thrilled to have you join us in inspiring the next generation of global leaders! AMIGOS is here to support you with engaging classroom presentations, digital resources, and more to get your students involved and ready for an unforgettable experience. Let’s make an impact together!
INTRODUCTION TO AMIGOS FOR EDUCATORS
AMIGOS is a transformative program that empowers students to make a meaningful impact through community service in Latin American countries, while fully immersing themselves in vibrant new cultures. By living with host families and working on service-driven projects, students not only develop essential leadership skills but also gain a profound understanding of global issues and their role in creating positive change.
Our mission is to cultivate global citizenship and foster personal growth through authentic experiences. AMIGOS programs not only broaden a student’s global perspective but also sets them on a path toward academic and career success.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
AMIGOS offers programs ranging from 2 to 6 weeks for students ages 13-22, with various locations throughout Latin America. This summer, participants can choose from programs in Costa Rica, Panama, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic, each featuring unique themes such as Biodiversity, Sustainability, and Cultural Connections, among many others.
PROGRAM DEADLINES
Final Application deadline for Programs leaving in June – Apr 8, 2025
Final Application deadline for Programs leaving in July – May 14, 2025
Through AMIGOS programs, students earn college credit and service hours while gaining invaluable real-world leadership experience.
College Credit: Students who take part in a 3-6 week AMIGOS program are eligible to receive college credit, allowing them to expand their academic portfolio by adding hands-on work to the knowledge they’ve attained.
Service Hours: Students can earn up to 150 service hours as they complete their service abroad. *Each project has different service hour equivalents. Please explore each project’s page for additional details.
Real World Application: AMIGOS facilitates real-world application by immersing students in hands-on experiences that challenge them to apply their learning meaningfully.
By engaging in AMIGOS programs, volunteers have the chance to enhance their soft skills as they collaborate with others and navigate real-world experiences.
Affordability
AMIGOS offers financial assistance to support students in funding their international experiences. We also provide fundraising materials and tips to help students raise funds for our programs.
Financial assistance is based on a sliding scale. See more HERE
AMIGOS offers exciting partnership opportunities for educators who want to enrich their students’ learning experiences through global engagement. Here’s how you can collaborate with AMIGOS:
Host Information Sessions: Invite AMIGOS representatives to your school to provide students and parents with detailed information about the program, including its benefits and how to apply.
Create Custom Programs: Work with AMIGOS to design tailored experiences that align with your school’s curriculum and educational goals. This can include incorporating community service projects, leadership development, and language immersion into your academic plans.
Support Students in the Application Process: AMIGOS offers guidance to help educators support students through the application process, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.
Promote Global Citizenship: By partnering with AMIGOS, you’ll be fostering a spirit of global citizenship in your students, helping them develop critical thinking, empathy, and a broader worldview.
Join the AMIGOS Educator Network: Become part of an exclusive network of educators who are passionate about providing transformative experiences for their students.
Together, we can help your students develop leadership, cultural understanding, and lifelong skills that will impact their futures.
If you’re interested in exploring these partnership opportunities, please reach out to us to get started!
Check out what other educators have to say about our programs
How To Get Involved
Educators who want to bring AMIGOS to their school can learn more and connect with us through the following options:
Explore Our Website & Register for an Info Session: Sign up for an upcoming informational session to learn more about our programs.
Schedule a Classroom Visit: Contact us at [email protected] to arrange a visit to your classroom and bring AMIGOS to your students!
Connect with a Counselor: Have questions? Schedule a 1:1 with one of our counselors by clicking HERE or reach us at 713-986-2967.
Educator FAQs
Q: How do students apply for the program?
Students can apply HERE. Our team provides support throughout the application process to ensure a smooth experience for students. Visit our HOW TO JOIN page for more details.
Q: How long can a visit to our school last?
School presentations can be anywhere from one classroom period to the entire day, depending on availability. Educators can share their preferred schedule with our presenters, and we’ll work together to find the best timing for the visit.
Q: Does AMIGOS only offer classroom presentations?
Not at all! AMIGOS is excited to visit your school for all kinds of events, from college fairs and lunchtime tabling to parent information nights. We’ll tailor our visit to what works best for you and your students!
Q: How does AMIGOS support students in sharpening skills they use in the classroom?
AMIGOS supports students in sharpening skills they use in the classroom by offering hands-on leadership experiences, cross-cultural learning, and opportunities to tackle real-world challenges. These experiences help students develop key skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, which they can apply directly to their academic work.
Q: What support do you offer educators through a student’s application journey?
We’re with you every step of the way! From requested application workshops to individual student check-ins and plenty of resources, our team is here to ensure educators feel confident guiding students through the process. Educators are always welcome to reach out for assistance and guidance whenever needed!
Testimonials
“I wrote about my experience as an AMIGOS volunteer in one of my college application essays, and several universities mentioned it in my acceptance letters that it stood out to them. AMIGOS not only gave me real-world skills and confidence but also helped me stand out as a college applicant.” – Jessica Toll, Alum & AMIGOS Senior Program Coordinator
“My AMIGOS experience opened a new path for me in life; I decided to take a gap year in Bolivia before starting college, which is something I never thought of doing before. Connecting with a new culture on such an authentic level not only taught me so much about Ecuador, but also myself and what I was capable of. I carry my experience with me every day as I connect with the new generation of Amigos and see these lessons reflected in their experiences, too.”– Emma Reagan, ’15 Alum & AMIGOS Bay Area Outreach Manager
“AMIGOS pushed me out of my introverted high school comfort zone into my unique leadership style and helped me become a more effective communicator. The leadership skills I gained from AMIGOS earned me a full tuition scholarship through the Posse Foundation at the University of Texas at Austin and ultimately through law school. Today, the empathy I practiced throughout my AMIGOS experiences have equipped me to better serve Houston communities through my current role at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.” – Ryan Thompson, Alum & Harris County Attorney
Please fill out the form below to request AMIGOS resources for your school, schedule an info session, or receive more information!
Questions? Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll reply in 24–48 hours.
