Take action this spring! Explore social change across the Americas, make an impact through a civic volunteership, engage with your community, and earn college credit.

 
Join virtually from anywhere in the world. Apply now!

About the Program

Explore critical issues through college-level course curriculum and a volunteership placement with a community organization. Dig into leadership and cultural humility by examining your role in social change and community action. Learn how to step up at a time when collaboration and civic engagement are more important than ever.

 

What to Expect

  • Cohorts of 10–14 students
  • 12-week session
  • 25 hours per week, including program sessions, volunteership, and Spanish classes
  • Small group collaboration and discussion

 

What You’ll GET

  • Internships for Social Change course taught by Tufts University faculty
  • 3 units of college credit (12-week session only)
  • One-on-one career mentorship
  • Volunteership placement – plus training!
  • Cross-cultural connection
  • Spanish or English language classes tailored to your level

 

What You’ll Need

  • Internet access and a way to video chat
  • Age: 17–22
  • English fluency
  • Enthusiasm for civic action and community engagement
  • Interest in Latin America and the Spanish language
Join an info session to learn more!

Click Here

Partnering for Impact

 

Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University

The only university-wide college of its kind, Tisch College studies and promotes the civic and political engagement of young people at Tufts University, in our communities, and in our democracy.

Amigos de las Américas

Amigos de las Americas (AMIGOS) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1965 that provides youth leadership, cultural exchange, and immersive service experiences in the U.S. and Latin America.

Experience Summary

12 WEEKS

Session Dates

February 16–May 7, 2021

 

How to Apply

The application deadline is January 15, 2021. The deadline to apply for financial assistance is December 15, 2020. Click here to start your application!

 

Fees and Financial Assistance

$8,475 $7,975
Need-based financial assistance is available!

 

What’s Included

-Full Tufts University course – CVS 99: Internships for Social Change
-Earn 3 units of course credit from Tufts University
-10-week volunteership placement, including training
-Engage design thinking to develop and complete a civic engagement project
-Earn up to 80 service hours
-Connection to a mentor to discuss your career interests
-Spanish or English language instruction (three hours per week)
-Llama Lounge and language café meetups to connect with other students
-Virtual tours of AMIGOS partner agencies across Latin America

Volunteership Placements

Center for Latin American Studies, University of California, Berkeley - CLAS works to create a community of Latin Americanist students, scholars, and practitioners; to develop innovative policy solutions through our unique network; and to enhance public understanding of Latin American culture and politics in the United States.

Yo Quiero Yo Puedo is a Mexican civil society organization that facilitates human, social, and economic development.

Example Schedule

This is intended to provide an example only of what to expect from the Civic Action Gap Semester. Information below is tentative and subject to change.

Week 1: Introduction: Racial Justice & Social Change

Meet the other members of your cohort and get to know them through fun activities.

Consider how cultural humility, personal leadership, and community and civic engagement inform your volunteership and project.

Explore racial justice and social change and how these topics will be incorporated into the program.

 

Week 2: Racial Justice & Social Change

Hear from California’s Chief Service Officer, Josh Fryday, on the importance of civic action through volunteering.

Participate in training focused on racial justice and equity.

Find out what to expect from your volunteership.

Learn about the civic engagement project and how you will be engaging with your local community to execute an innovative local initiative.

 

Weeks 3–12 (12-week) or Weeks 3–6 (6-week)

Every two weeks we will be exploring, researching, and learning about a critical social issue that impacts both the U.S. and different countries in Central America and Ecuador. We’ll hear from Tufts faculty, guest speakers, and partner agencies as we analyze the roots of each problem and discuss different ways to create social change. In particular, we’ll approach each issue from a racial justice standpoint, highlighting racial disparities and the oppressive way in which race structures our society. Every week will also include the Tufts course or guided reflections, personal leadership activities, and civic engagement project work.

Spanish classes, meetups in the llama lounge, language café, 1:1 mentorship, and the volunteership round out the program.

Week 3 & 4: Public Health

Delve into the topic of racism in the health care system and how it has impacted COVID-19 responses in the US and in your own community.

Learn about the COVID-19 response in 3 different countries in Central America (Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua).

 

Week 5 & 6: Youth Political Participation

Explore the role of youth in U.S. politics.

Learn about the youth-led Nicaraguan political movement and how it has impacted politics.

 

Week 7 & 8: Food Security

Explore the ways in which communities in Latin America have utilized alternative commerce mechanisms in the wake of COVID-19 food and money shortages.

Learn about the politics of essential work and food justice in the U.S. and identify ways it has manifested in your community.

 

Week 9 & 10: Environment

Investigate the impact that mining and illegal fishing has on the indigenous populations of Ecuador and the protected nature reserves and wildlife.

Learn about environmental justice in the U.S.

 

Week 11 & 12: Education

Compare and contrast how COVID-19 has impacted education in the U.S. and Central America.

Explore increasing inequality in education due to access to virtual spaces and adequate technology.

Find out more in the video below:

 

What makes this experience unique?

Course Curriculum

Faculty from Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life lead modules on topics like civic engagement, cultural humility, and leadership. College credit is available.

 

Career Mentors

We match students with a career mentor. Throughout the semester, students connect with their mentor to delve into their personal leadership style, explore career paths, and more!

 

Volunteership

The volunteership is an opportunity to safely plug in to an organization working in areas such as public health, food security, and civic engagement in the era of COVID-19.

 

Language Training

Join the weekly Language Café, an engaging time for real conversation in Spanish, English, and Spanglish. Formal language instruction is also included! Students will be assigned to small groups based on their level.

 

Racial Equity and Justice Education

Lean into important work on racial equity and justice across the Americas through coursework led by Tufts University faculty. Complement this curriculum with workshops from leaders taking action in their communities.

 

Cultural Exchange

Dive into your own culture and learn to understand cultural bias, the role of language in culture, and global citizenship. Explore the work of NGOs across the Americas through virtual agency tours.

Questions?

Join an online info session!

RSVP Here

Program Pillars

Leadership

Explore your sense of purpose and start to establish your personal goals and values through introspection and inquiry.

Cultural Humility

Gain understanding of how structural racism has impacted societies and the roles that communities can take to lead systemic change.

Community and Civic Engagement

Increase self-efficacy to combat social issues and structural racism in new and innovative ways. Learn how to engage in civic action initiatives you’re passionate about – locally, nationally, and globally.

Length Training
Dates		 In-Country
Dates		 Ages Application
Deadline		 Price
Spring 2021 12 weeks

Online orientation and training

February 16–May 7, 2021

 17–22 January 15, 2020

$8,475 $7,975 *special introductory price

Need-based financial assistance is available!
  • Spring 2021
  • Length
    12 weeks
  • Training Dates

    Online orientation and training

  • In-Country Dates

    February 16–May 7, 2021

  • Ages
    17–22
  • Application Deadline
    January 15, 2020
  • Price

    $8,475 $7,975 *special introductory price

    Need-based financial assistance is available!

Featured Speakers

Ambassador Arnold Chacon is a career member of the United States Foreign Service currently serving as the Senior Vice President at the National Defense University. He has held senior leadership positions at the State Department, including Chief of Mission in Guatemala and Chief Human Capital Officer.

Prior to his service in Guatemala, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Spain. His other diplomatic assignments include postings to U.S. Missions in Honduras, Mexico, Chile, Italy, Peru, Ecuador, and the United Nations.

Cecilia Garcia Ruiz is a Mexican feminist and human rights advocate with over a decade of combined experience working in the civil society sector, the public sector, and as an independent consultant to advance gender equality. As Regional EM2030 Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean, she works with girls and women’s rights organizations in the region to strengthen their data-driven advocacy skills to advance gender equality and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Cecilia holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Gender, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

Josh Fryday is California’s Chief Service Officer, leading the organization California Volunteers. Before this role, Josh was the mayor and city council member of Novato, CA. In his professional capacity, Josh served as President of Golden State Opportunity, working to provide financial security to low-income working people throughout California. Prior to that, he served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for NextGen Climate, a leading national organization focused on climate change and clean energy.

Grace Alderson, MPH, is an Operations Chief in the COVID-19 pandemic response in Santa Clara County, California. Pre-COVID-19, Grace was a Senior Community Health Planner, specializing in developing grassroots initiatives dedicated to health equity and increasing access to healthcare. Over the past 10 years, Grace has worked on community health programming across the U.S. and throughout Mexico, Guatemala, Uruguay, Spain, Kenya, and China. Grace is an AMIGOS alumna (Volunteer in Mexico ’03, Paraguay ’04, Project Supervisor in Costa Rica ’06 and Associate Project Director in Nicaragua in ’07.)

Scott Horsley is NPR’s Chief Economics Correspondent. He reports on ups and downs in the national economy as well as fault lines between booming and busting communities.

Horsley spent a decade on the White House beat, covering both the Trump and Obama administrations. Before that, he was a San Diego-based business reporter for NPR, covering fast food, gasoline prices, and the California electricity crunch of 2000. He also reported from the Pentagon during the early phases of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Horsley earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and an MBA from San Diego State University. He is an AMIGOS alumnus (’83, ’84) and currently lives in Washington, D.C.

FAQ

Do I have to be enrolled in college to participate?

No, you do not have to be enrolled in college or planning to go to college to join. The Civic Action Gap Semester is open to any student ages 17-22, regardless of college plans. You should have an interest in civic engagement and a commitment to your community.

Do I have to be a Tufts University student to join?

No, you do not have to be a Tufts University student to join.

Do we get to choose our volunteership placement?

You will have some choice in your placement, but we will take into account the needs of the partner agency and your skills and interests before placing you.

Instead of being matched to a placement, students can also submit their own volunteership proposals with organizations within their communities or networks.

How do I get college-level course credit?

Any student who completes the 12-week experience will receive 3 units of college credit from Tufts University (the equivalent of one course).

When do I need to be available?

You should plan to be online between 12 and 3 PM ET Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and you should make sure to have some free time on Tuesdays and Thursdays to meet with your mentor, complete required program work, participate in Spanish classes and other optional program activities, and work for your volunteership. Your exact volunteership schedule will depend on the agency’s needs and your availability, but all placements require 6 hours of work each week.

What is the language requirement?

Students should be proficient in the English language as the curriculum will be delivered in English. Each student will join a Spanish or English language class for formal language instruction.

Can I apply for financial assistance?

Yes! We are excited to offer sliding scale fee with four tiers ranging from $250 to $7,975 based on a student’s financial situation. We encourage you to apply as early as possible, as our ability to offer lower fee packages is limited. Note on your application that you are applying for financial assistance. You will need to submit your most recent 1040 tax form or another form of income verification. Applicants will be notified of their financial assistance package when they are accepted to the Civic Action Gap Semester, before paying a deposit. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions about financial assistance. Click here for more information about fees and financial assistance.

 

If these FAQs don’t answer your questions, we’d be happy to chat. Click here to set up a call.

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Want more info?

Fill out the form below!

“The things you will learn and experience and the relationships you will build will remain with you through the rest of your life.”

—Emma, AMIGOS Gap Volunteer

Program Requirements
  • Internet access and a way to video chat
  • Age: 17–22
  • English fluency
  • Enthusiasm for civic action and community engagement
  • Interest in Latin America and the Spanish language
Resources
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Get Social With Us!

amigos_americas

1,588

amigos_americas

View

Oct 24

Open
"I could say that [the AMIGOS and @tuftsuniversity "I could say that [the AMIGOS and @tuftsuniversity @tischcollege Civic Action Gap Semester] has given me a purpose again, even in the middle of all these terrible things that are happening right now in the world. Here, we are taught not to think only about what is wrong with the world, but most importantly how we want it to be and what we can do to change it and to make it better, and that has been giving me hope again for a better future for my generation." - Current Civic Action Gap Semester student.⠀ ⠀ Applications now open for Spring 2021 on our website at amigosinternational.org⠀ ⠀ #studyabroad #gapyear #studyingabroad #studyabroadlife #studyabroad2020 #studyabroad2021 #studyabroadbecause #gapyearlife #studyabroadadventures #familygapyear #gapyeartravel #studyinabroad #gapyearadventures #careergrowth #highereducation #goabroad #abroadeducation #careerdevelopment #careerpath #tufts #somosamigos #virtuallearning #volunteervirtual #generationstudyabroad #abroadstudy #studyinabroad #volunteervirtual #onlinelearning2020 #onlinelearning2021

"I could say that [the AMIGOS and @tuftsuniversity @tischcollege Civic Action Gap Semester] has given me a purpose again, even in the middle of all these terrible things that are happening right now in the world. Here, we are taught not to think only about what is wrong with the world, but most importantly how we want it to be and what we can do to change it and to make it better, and that has been giving me hope again for a better future for my generation." - Current Civic Action Gap Semester student.⠀
⠀
Applications now open for Spring 2021 on our website at amigosinternational.org⠀
⠀
#studyabroad #gapyear #studyingabroad #studyabroadlife #studyabroad2020 #studyabroad2021 #studyabroadbecause #gapyearlife #studyabroadadventures #familygapyear #gapyeartravel #studyinabroad #gapyearadventures #careergrowth #highereducation #goabroad #abroadeducation #careerdevelopment #careerpath #tufts #somosamigos #virtuallearning #volunteervirtual #generationstudyabroad #abroadstudy #studyinabroad #volunteervirtual #onlinelearning2020 #onlinelearning2021 ...

amigos_americas

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Oct 24

Open
Applications are now open for the Community Impact Applications are now open for the Community Impact Project and the Civic Action Gap Semester for spring 2021!⠀ ⠀ Whether you want to gain experience through a civic volunteership, design a service project for your local community, or do hands-on conservation work in Costa Rica, we've got your spring covered.⠀ ⠀ Learn more at the link in our bio!⠀ ⠀ #volunteer #studyabroad #volunteering #volunteers #onlinelearning #volunteerism #studyingabroad #studyabroadlife #volunteeringisfun #globalvolunteer #ivolunteer #learningonline #onlinelearningplatform #studyabroad2020 #volunteeringabroad #volunteeropportunities #studyabroadadventures #volunteertravel #internationalvolunteer #generationstudyabroad #abroadstudy #studyinabroad #volunteervirtual #onlinelearning2020 #nonprofitsofinstagram #socialimpact #socialgood #notforprofit #communities #volunteerlife

Applications are now open for the Community Impact Project and the Civic Action Gap Semester for spring 2021!⠀
⠀
Whether you want to gain experience through a civic volunteership, design a service project for your local community, or do hands-on conservation work in Costa Rica, we've got your spring covered.⠀
⠀
Learn more at the link in our bio!⠀
⠀
#volunteer #studyabroad #volunteering #volunteers #onlinelearning #volunteerism #studyingabroad #studyabroadlife #volunteeringisfun #globalvolunteer #ivolunteer #learningonline #onlinelearningplatform #studyabroad2020 #volunteeringabroad #volunteeropportunities #studyabroadadventures #volunteertravel #internationalvolunteer #generationstudyabroad #abroadstudy #studyinabroad #volunteervirtual #onlinelearning2020 #nonprofitsofinstagram #socialimpact #socialgood #notforprofit #communities #volunteerlife ...

amigos_americas

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Oct 21

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Our Fall Community Impact Project started today! H Our Fall Community Impact Project started today! Happy launch day to the incredible students around the Americas who are embarking on this awesome initiative.⠀ ⠀ They'll be spending the next eight weeks connecting with other students, designing positive service projects, and supporting their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Fall Community Impact Project started today! Happy launch day to the incredible students around the Americas who are embarking on this awesome initiative.⠀
⠀
They'll be spending the next eight weeks connecting with other students, designing positive service projects, and supporting their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. ...

amigos_americas

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Oct 20

Open
"To be part of [the AMIGOS and @tuftsuniversity @t "To be part of [the AMIGOS and @tuftsuniversity @tischcollege Civic Action Gap Semester] experience has been the most insightful thing, I like the way we are put to reflect about our communities but also in ourselves inside of it, our roles, how we affect it, and also how our environment shapes us." - Current Civic Action Gap Semester student.⠀ ⠀ Learn more about this program on our website at amigosinternational.org

"To be part of [the AMIGOS and @tuftsuniversity @tischcollege Civic Action Gap Semester] experience has been the most insightful thing, I like the way we are put to reflect about our communities but also in ourselves inside of it, our roles, how we affect it, and also how our environment shapes us." - Current Civic Action Gap Semester student.⠀
⠀
Learn more about this program on our website at amigosinternational.org ...

amigos_americas

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Oct 17

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AMIGOS wants your opinions! We are seeking feedbac AMIGOS wants your opinions! We are seeking feedback from young people about new programs and ideas. We'll also be raffling off $50 Visa gift cards for survey participants!⠀ ⠀ If you're 14-22, take the survey here and share it with your friends at buff.ly/3nr7uvI

AMIGOS wants your opinions! We are seeking feedback from young people about new programs and ideas. We'll also be raffling off $50 Visa gift cards for survey participants!⠀
⠀
If you're 14-22, take the survey here and share it with your friends at buff.ly/3nr7uvI ...

amigos_americas

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Oct 16

Open
Want to explore Costa Rica in 2021? Students ages Want to explore Costa Rica in 2021? Students ages 17-22 can join our Spring Gap Program in Costa Rica next spring!⠀ ⠀ You'll get to experience:⠀ Hands-on training in environmental conservation work,⠀ Excursions to places like hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanoes,⠀ Spanish classes tailored to your level,⠀ Networking with social impact professionals and entrepreneurs,⠀ 140+ service hours, and more!⠀ ⠀ Spots are limited, so apply today at the link in our bio!

Want to explore Costa Rica in 2021? Students ages 17-22 can join our Spring Gap Program in Costa Rica next spring!⠀
⠀
You'll get to experience:⠀
Hands-on training in environmental conservation work,⠀
Excursions to places like hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanoes,⠀
Spanish classes tailored to your level,⠀
Networking with social impact professionals and entrepreneurs,⠀
140+ service hours, and more!⠀
⠀
Spots are limited, so apply today at the link in our bio! ...

amigos_americas

View

Oct 14

Open
At AMIGOS, we are always working to develop, pilot At AMIGOS, we are always working to develop, pilot, and iterate on program ideas, especially as the world shifts. And we want your opinions!⠀ ⠀ As your day-to-day life of school, work, volunteering, and extracurricular activities continues to change, we need to continue hearing from you and other students, especially those who haven't done AMIGOS programming before.⠀ ⠀ To make sure we are hitting the mark, we are seeking feedback from young people ages 14-22. We'll also be raffling off $50 Visa gift cards for the participants!⠀ ⠀ If you're 14-22, take the survey and share it with your friends at buff.ly/3nr7uvI

At AMIGOS, we are always working to develop, pilot, and iterate on program ideas, especially as the world shifts. And we want your opinions!⠀
⠀
As your day-to-day life of school, work, volunteering, and extracurricular activities continues to change, we need to continue hearing from you and other students, especially those who haven't done AMIGOS programming before.⠀
⠀
To make sure we are hitting the mark, we are seeking feedback from young people ages 14-22. We'll also be raffling off $50 Visa gift cards for the participants!⠀
⠀
If you're 14-22, take the survey and share it with your friends at buff.ly/3nr7uvI ...

amigos_americas

View

Oct 13

Open
AMIGOS wants your opinions! We are seeking feedbac AMIGOS wants your opinions! We are seeking feedback from young people about new programs and ideas. We'll also be raffling off $50 Visa gift cards for survey participants!⠀ ⠀ If you're 14-22, take the survey here and share it with your friends at amigosinternational.org/survey-program-ideas

AMIGOS wants your opinions! We are seeking feedback from young people about new programs and ideas. We'll also be raffling off $50 Visa gift cards for survey participants!⠀
⠀
If you're 14-22, take the survey here and share it with your friends at amigosinternational.org/survey-program-ideas ...

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