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Why Choose AMIGOS?

True Immersion Experience

AMIGOS Volunteers live with host families in small communities in Latin America with only one or two other Volunteers. As a Volunteer, you will truly experience what life is like in your community, and will share in the daily activities, meals, and conversation. There is simply no better way to improve your Spanish than to be surrounded in an authentic environment by native speakers.

Strong Leadership Development

Through the AMIGOS training program, you will learn valuable skills in facilitation, project management, and collaboration. Once you arrive in your community, you will then get real-life experience that will build these leadership skills that you will then have for the rest of your life. In addition to leadership training and experience, AMIGOS Volunteer veterans are eligible to serve as Project Staff members on future summer projects in Latin America. AMIGOS is one of the only organizations that gives young people the opportunity to actually manage and oversee international development projects as Project Staff. View the 2008 Volunteer Experience Survey Results to see what veteran Volunteers said about their experience.

Host Families Instead of Hotels

AMIGOS will place you with a caring and supportive host family instead of putting you in a tourist hotel. You will get a much more culturally-rich experience and be able to form deep friendships within your community through your relationship with your host family.

Comprehensive Pre-Departure Training

AMIGOS distinguishes itself from its competition by offering an unparalleled training program to its Volunteers before they leave for Latin America. This training will cover all of the skills and knowledge necessary for you to have a successful, safe and enjoyable international adventure.

Support Network Available 24/7

AMIGOS runs a sophisticated On-Call Communications System during all times when we have Volunteers in Latin America. We have an excellent track record for safety of our Volunteers, and it will give you peace of mind to know we are there if you need help.

A Chance to Give Back

With all that you will gain through your experience with AMIGOS, you will also be given the opportunity to give back to your community in a meaningful way. By collaborating with community leaders to determine the biggest needs of your area, you can be sure your hard work will make a difference in the lives of your new friends in Latin America.

Do you have any questions, concerns, or comments?
AMIGOS Voices

“AMIGOS is an extraordinary opportunity to take calculated risks in service of learning and growing. With great risk comes great reward. So, risk challenging yourself more than you thought you could. Risk embarrassment by testing your Spanish, risk trying new foods, and dancing to new music. Risk being open to personal feedback and making positive changes. Risk being a leader among your peers.”

–Jennifer Langdon, Organization Development Consultant, Shell Exploration & Production Company