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.

“It’s been wonderful getting to know our Civic Action Gap Semester participants this semester and learning alongside them about pressing social issues, and how to build a better world. Seeing our participants connect to one another, grapple with challenging topics, and work towards projects to create change within their home communities has been inspiring and uplifting during a difficult time for our global world.”
–Jessye Crowe-Rothstein, Tufts First-Year Global Programs Manager

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.

"Civic Action Gap Semester students are thoughtful, smart, and kind—a wonderful addition to our team! We have had them involved in discrete short term projects that allow them to leverage their U.S.-based knowledge for impact in Latin America and engage in English when needed while continuing to build their Spanish. The structure and initial onboarding provided by Tufts and Amigos de las Americas was excellent."
 
–Yo Quiero Yo Puedo, Mexico

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.

Explore All Programs

Click here

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
REQUEST INFO

Get Social With Us!

amigos_americas

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amigos_americas

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Dec 3

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The AMIGOS Community Impact Project:⠀ Global con The AMIGOS Community Impact Project:⠀ Global connection. Local action.⠀ ⠀ In this innovative virtual program, students will:⠀ Connect with other students in the U.S. and Latin America,⠀ Explore social impact and entrepreneurship,⠀ Earn 20+ service hours while designing individual projects about their local community,⠀ Practice Spanish through fun activities with your cohort,⠀ One-on-one mentorship with an experienced member of the AMIGOS network, and more!⠀ ⠀ Learn more about virtual and local hybrid programs at the link in our bio.

The AMIGOS Community Impact Project:⠀
Global connection. Local action.⠀
⠀
In this innovative virtual program, students will:⠀
Connect with other students in the U.S. and Latin America,⠀
Explore social impact and entrepreneurship,⠀
Earn 20+ service hours while designing individual projects about their local community,⠀
Practice Spanish through fun activities with your cohort,⠀
One-on-one mentorship with an experienced member of the AMIGOS network, and more!⠀
⠀
Learn more about virtual and local hybrid programs at the link in our bio. ...

amigos_americas

View

Dec 1

Open
Our vision, a world where all people are lifelong Our vision, a world where all people are lifelong leaders sharing responsibility for our global community, is based on the hope that positive change is possible.⠀ ⠀ At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we held onto the hope that we would find new ways to inspire and connect young leaders across the Americas. With your support, we developed virtual programs to advance our mission. This year, 288 students from nine countries completed an AMIGOS program.⠀ ⠀ Today on #GivingTuesday, have your gift matched and impact doubled! Alum Mike Gridley ('90, '96, '97) is matching all gifts up to $5,000 in memory of Bill Arnold.⠀ ⠀ Are you feeling hopeful this #GivingTuesday? Spread that hope by donating now at buff.ly/2qYnDkd

Our vision, a world where all people are lifelong leaders sharing responsibility for our global community, is based on the hope that positive change is possible.⠀
⠀
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we held onto the hope that we would find new ways to inspire and connect young leaders across the Americas. With your support, we developed virtual programs to advance our mission. This year, 288 students from nine countries completed an AMIGOS program.⠀
⠀
Today on #GivingTuesday, have your gift matched and impact doubled! Alum Mike Gridley ('90, '96, '97) is matching all gifts up to $5,000 in memory of Bill Arnold.⠀
⠀
Are you feeling hopeful this #GivingTuesday? Spread that hope by donating now at buff.ly/2qYnDkd ...

amigos_americas

View

Nov 29

Open
Explore the roads less traveled in Colorado with t Explore the roads less traveled in Colorado with the brand new AMIGOS Gap Semester in Colorado this spring!⠀ ⠀ Students will spend nine weeks taking a hands-on approach to the ethics and practice of conservationism from permaculture to wolf reintroduction. They'll also get to take part in outdoor activities like fly fishing, snowshoeing, hiking, and rafting!⠀ ⠀ Applications are now open!

Explore the roads less traveled in Colorado with the brand new AMIGOS Gap Semester in Colorado this spring!⠀
⠀
Students will spend nine weeks taking a hands-on approach to the ethics and practice of conservationism from permaculture to wolf reintroduction. They'll also get to take part in outdoor activities like fly fishing, snowshoeing, hiking, and rafting!⠀
⠀
Applications are now open! ...

amigos_americas

View

Nov 28

Open
Take action in your own community with the Communi Take action in your own community with the Community Impact Project!⠀ ⠀ Connect with globally-minded students around the Americas while you figure out how to address needs in your own community. Design and implement ethical, meaningful service projects shaped through cross-cultural collaboration.⠀ ⠀ Applications are now open for local and virtual programs at the link in our bio.

Take action in your own community with the Community Impact Project!⠀
⠀
Connect with globally-minded students around the Americas while you figure out how to address needs in your own community. Design and implement ethical, meaningful service projects shaped through cross-cultural collaboration.⠀
⠀
Applications are now open for local and virtual programs at the link in our bio. ...

amigos_americas

View

Nov 27

Open
AMIGOS is thrilled to launch our first 2021 progra AMIGOS is thrilled to launch our first 2021 program in Latin America - the Costa Rica Gap Semester!⠀ ⠀ Immerse yourself in the Costa Rican wilderness and culture to learn about sustainable conservation work and community adaptation to climate change. Take the opportunity to step away from your screen and do hands-on service supporting environmental conservation.⠀ ⠀ Limited enrollment - apply now to save your spot!

AMIGOS is thrilled to launch our first 2021 program in Latin America - the Costa Rica Gap Semester!⠀
⠀
Immerse yourself in the Costa Rican wilderness and culture to learn about sustainable conservation work and community adaptation to climate change. Take the opportunity to step away from your screen and do hands-on service supporting environmental conservation.⠀
⠀
Limited enrollment - apply now to save your spot! ...

amigos_americas

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Nov 27

Open
AMIGOS is hiring in the U.S. and in Latin America! AMIGOS is hiring in the U.S. and in Latin America!⠀ ⠀ The current roles posted include:⠀ Managing Director of Enrollment (U.S.)⠀ Human Resources and Administration Manager (U.S.)⠀ Program Coordinator: Gap Costa Rica (Costa Rica)⠀ Health and Wellness Coordinator: Gap Costa Rica (Costa Rica)⠀ Chapter Outreach Coordinators (Austin, San Diego)⠀ ⠀ Learn more and apply on our website at amigosinternational.org

AMIGOS is hiring in the U.S. and in Latin America!⠀
⠀
The current roles posted include:⠀
Managing Director of Enrollment (U.S.)⠀
Human Resources and Administration Manager (U.S.)⠀
Program Coordinator: Gap Costa Rica (Costa Rica)⠀
Health and Wellness Coordinator: Gap Costa Rica (Costa Rica)⠀
Chapter Outreach Coordinators (Austin, San Diego)⠀
⠀
Learn more and apply on our website at amigosinternational.org ...

amigos_americas

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Nov 26

Open
A note from AMIGOS CEO & President, Sara Nathan:⠀ ⠀ In the past few months, we have been challenged, disappointed, anxious, and uncertain. We have been faced with very difficult problems and many have suffered unimaginable losses. Through it all, to me, AMIGOS has been a ray of hope.⠀ ⠀ Read more on our blog at amigosinternational.org

A note from AMIGOS CEO & President, Sara Nathan:⠀
⠀
In the past few months, we have been challenged, disappointed, anxious, and uncertain. We have been faced with very difficult problems and many have suffered unimaginable losses. Through it all, to me, AMIGOS has been a ray of hope.⠀
⠀
Read more on our blog at amigosinternational.org ...

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