FEES & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

AMIGOS program fees include dedicated travel support, comprehensive training, all food and housing, in-country travel and excursions, and access to our 24-hour On-Call Safety Management System. As a nonprofit organization, your fees also support community development projects and leadership training for local youth in communities across Latin America.

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We can counsel you and your family about fundraising and funding opportunities to lower your program fee.

Program Fees

Program OptionLocal ChaptersNational Chapter
Ecuador - Cuenca: Gap Semester (15 weeks)-$13,775
Ecuador - Cuenca: Gap Year (30 weeks)-$24,795
Costa Rica: La Brunca (3 weeks)$4,975$5,975
Costa Rica: Los Santos (4 weeks)$5,175$6,175
Costa Rica: Los Santos (9 weeks)$5,275$6,275
Costa Rica: Montañas y Mar (2 weeks)Not available to local chapters$4,475
Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros (3 weeks)$4,975$5,975
Costa Rica: Pezeta (2 weeks)$4,175$4,475
Panama: El Pacífico (2 weeks)Not available to local chapters$4,375
Panama: Tierras Altas (3 weeks)$4,875$5,875
Panama: Valle de Anton (2 weeks)$4,075$4,375

*Flight costs are not included. Learn more about flights and travel here.

Interested in joining a local chapter?

Due to group fundraising, local chapters offer lower program fees. Click below to get more information about chapters and to find one near you.

What do my program fees include?

  • All pre-departure training & volunteer onboarding 
  • Travel support 
  • On-site training & orientation 
  • In-country food, lodging, and transportation costs  
  • Full-time program staff 
  • 24-Hour On-Call safety team 
  • Program excursions 
  • Credit for service hours 

What is NOT included in the program fee?

The following items are not included in your Program Fee: 
  • International and domestic airfare (learn more about travel support and flight costs here:.
  • Transportation to/from your home airport 
  • Airline baggage fees 
  • Airline unaccompanied minor fees (applies to some volunteers younger than 15 at time of project start)
  • Notary fees 
  • Required immunizations and medical examinations 
  • Passport/Visa Fees 
  • Personal equipment (this may include a mosquito net, backpack, water purification bottle, additional clothing, etc.) 
  • Food and discretionary purchases during travel to and from the project site  
  • Discretionary purchases in Latin America (this may include souvenirs or food/snacks outside of provided meals) 
  • College Credit 
  • Supplemental Health Insurance 
  • Travel and/or Program Fee Protection Insurance fees 

Is there an application fee?

All applicants must submit a $75 application fee to complete their application. This Application Fee is nonrefundable and is not included as part of the listed Program Fee. This Application Fee reserves a spot on one of your preferred projects while you complete the application and deposit process.  

In specific circumstances, the Application Fee may be waived. If you have communicated with AMIGOS staff and your application fee has been waived, select “my fee has been waived.” If you have questions about waiving your application fee, email [email protected] 

Is there a deposit?

All applications must pay a $425 Program Deposit. This payment is due within the timeframe communicated to you by AMIGOS staff (typically one or two weeks) to reserve placement in the program.

The Program Deposit is considered part of the listed Program Fee and is deducted from any future billing statements.  

Do you offer payment plans?

AMIGOS offers flexible payment plans. If you are unable to pay the program fee all at once, that’s okay! We make sure our volunteers can pay for their experience on their own schedule, as long as the full payment is received by the final payment date and before travel

What is your refund policy?

Refunds are available in specific circumstances. Please refer to the Finance Policy you received upon acceptance or email [email protected] with any questions.

Why is the chapter fee different?

The chapter fee is different because the local chapter program supports each volunteer in required group fundraising activities that lower the program fees for local families 

National Chapter volunteers may fundraise as individuals to offset their program fee. AMIGOS staff provide support, tips, and a peer-to-peer donation platform for volunteers to use.

Contact [email protected] for more information on individual fundraising.

Can I pay for AMIGOS with a 529 College Savings Plan?

AMIGOS accepts funding from 529 College Savings Plans to pay for some or most of your Program Fee for eligible programs.* Airfare costs, program deposits, and other fees are not eligible for payment from a 529 College Savings Plan.  

In order to pay via a 529 Plan, you must enroll to receive college credit for your AMIGOS experience with our partners at Western Colorado University.  Please note that you do not need to be a current Western Colorado University student (or in college at all) to use a 529 College Savings Plan to pay for your AMIGOS Program Fee.

*Two-week projects are not eligible for College Credit.  

How can I earn and pay for college credit?

You must sign up for college credit prior to the deadline and you must complete your program in full. For more information about the college credit process and how to pay, check out this page.

Fundraising Opportunities

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.

Whether you are fundraising as a group with your local chapter or creating your own individual online fundraising page, we have the resources for you! Local Chapter students will receive fundraising information and support during their interview, onboarding, and training. National Chapter students should email [email protected] for more information, including our fundraising guide and staff mentorship.

How can I fundraise toward my fees?

  • AMIGOS offers a fundraising webinar and an online fundraising platform for students interested in participating in individual fundraising through the National Chapter.
  • In the local chapters, participants fundraise as a group with the support of the chapter. This allows chapter participants to pay a lower fee for participating in AMIGOS summer programs. The AMIGOS chapters believe in student-led fundraising because:
    • Fundraising builds leadership skills that empower youth, and
    • Fundraising lifts the financial burden off of families.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Donations made to local chapter volunteers are tax-deductible since they are participating in group fundraising and all contributions go directly to the chapter. Contributions made to National Chapter volunteers are not tax-deductible per IRS regulations since they are tied to a specific individual and not the organization as a whole.  

Financial 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 local chapters and the National Chapter.

All volunteers and their families will be provided ongoing and individualized support by the AMIGOS HQ team and/or their local chapter Board throughout their experience. We recognize that many volunteers require additional support to ensure success in their AMIGOS experience including but not limited to: reaching their target fundraising goals, packing and travel preparation, accessing digital and in-person trainings, and submitting paperwork. Our team is here to help every volunteer succeed.

Whether through a local chapter or 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. View our financial assistance distribution history here.

Depending on your program, these options are available:

 

Gap Program

To apply, submit an application here and note that you are applying for financial assistance. You will need to provide some kind of proof of income (1040, for example). Financial assistance awards are based on the sliding scale below:

Income (in USD)Estimated Fee Range (in USD)
$0–$49,999$3,000–$6,999
$50,000–$99,999$7,000–$10,499
$100,000+$10,500–$12,475

Please reach out to our Admissions Team at [email protected] if you have any questions about financial assistance.

 

Summer Programs

National Chapter Financial Assistance

The final financial assistance deadlines for the 2024 Summer Program are:

  • December 5 – Priority Deadline (priority for Financial Assistance and project choice)
  • March 12 – National Chapter Financial Assistance deadline

Financial assistance is distributed util funds are exhausted.

Local Chapter Financial Assistance

In addition to offering a lower family fee, local chapters throughout the United States offer financial assistance packages. Please reach out to your local chapter to discuss your options. If you need help connecting to your local chapter, please reach out to [email protected].

Summer Programs Fee Scale

Program PriceIncome (in USD)Estimated Fee Range (in USD)
$4,375$0–$49,999$650 - $2,199
$50,000–$99,999$2,200 - $3,574
$100,000+$3,575 - $4,375
$4,475$0–$49,999$700 - $2,249
$50,000–$99,999$2,250 - $3,624
$100,000+$3,625 - $4,475
$5,875$0–$49,999$800 - $2,899
$50,000–$99,999$2,900 - $4,899
$100,000+$4,900 - $5,875
$5,975$0 - $49,999$850 - $2,949
$50,000 - $99,999$2,950 - $4,999
$100,000 +$5,000 - $5,975
$6,175$0 - $49,999$900 - $2,999
$50,000 - $99,999$3,000 - $5,124
$100,000 +$5,125 - $6,175
$6,275$0 - $49,999$950 - $3,149
$50,000 - $99,999$3,150 - $5,299
$100,000 +$5,300 - $6,275

 

Please reach out to our Admissions Team at [email protected] if you have any questions about financial assistance.

How do I apply for financial assistance?

In the online application, there is an option for you to state whether or not you’d like to apply for financial assistance.

Local chapters determine their own financial assistance processes, so please reach out to them directly to find out what type of financial assistance package is available to you from your local chapter and how to apply. Find your local chapter here.

For questions about National Chapter financial assistance, please contact our Admissions team directly at [email protected]. 

When do I learn if I received financial assistance?

National Chapter: After the financial assistance deadline of March 12, 2024, decisions will be shared within two weeks.

Local Chapter: After the final deadline of January 16, 2024, decisions will be shared within two weeks. Please visit your local chapter webpage to learn more. 

Who do I contact if I have questions about financial assistance?

National Chapter students and families, please contact our Admissions team at [email protected]. Local chapter students and families should visit their local chapter webpage to contact the chapter directly or email [email protected] to learn more.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Alumni Awards

Each year, AMIGOS gives out awards to exceptional alumni leaders to participate for a second summer. Awards range from $250- $3,000. Apply for the Alumni Award here! Alumni awards are based on merit and need.

Grants & Travel Award Options

AMIGOS volunteers have received outside funding and grants from numerous organizations. We recommend All People Be HappyGo Overseas Scholarships, and looking into what options are available at your school or educational institution.

Others we recommend:

Ready to begin the journey?