Be an AMIGOS Volunteer

The Peninsula Chapter thanks you for your interest in becoming an AMIGOS volunteer. Our chapter is no longer accepting applications for volunteers traveling to Latin America this coming summer. 

However, if you are interested in serving as an AMIGOS volunteer, there may still be an opportunity for you to do so this summer  by joining the AMIGOS International Office's Correspondent Volunteer (CV) Program. You can learn more about the CV program, including fees and application deadlines, by clicking  here.

The Peninsula Chapter will once again begin accepting applications this coming fall. Please read the information on this site regarding general AMIGOS requirements as well as Chapter activities. If you have any questions regarding the AMIGOS program in general, the CV program, or the benefits of participating through the Peninsula Chapter, please feel free to contact us at: info@amigospeninsula.org.

 Universal Requirements

• Age - The minimum age for participation in AMIGOS this year is 16 years of age prior to September 1 of the year that the volunteer will be traveling to Latin America.
• Coursework - The applicant must complete the sophomore year of high school, and at least 2 years of high school Spanish study or the equivalent by departure for Latin America.
• Complete application - The applicant must complete the Volunteer Application in full, including both online and required paper forms.  The applicant must also supply all supporting documentation including, but not limited to, passport, visa, notarized signatures, etc.
• Medical history - It is imperative that the AMIGOS International Office be fully informed of all volunteers’ physical and emotional health, and notified immediately if there are any changes.  Withholding of medical and psychiatric information may result in immediate dismissal.
• Agreement from parents - For applicants under 18 years of age, parent(s) must support their child’s participation in AMIGOS. They must sign all necessary release forms in the application. However, adult support is important for all volunteers.  It is extremely difficult for a volunteer whose parents do not support his/her participation to be successful in AMIGOS.
• Commitment to AMIGOS standards of conduct and community behavior - AMIGOS is unique among exchange programs in our detailed safety procedures, including the Standards of Conduct.  The volunteer and his/her family must understand and acknowledge (sign) their acceptance of these conditions.
• Training commitment - The Peninsula Chapter takes pride in providing a fun and comprehensive training program to prepare each volunteer for life in Latin America. The applicant must agree to attend all required meetings, workshops, retreats, service learning events, and other activities during the course of the year. Volunteers are expected to be on time for all activities. 
• Financial commitment - Applicants and their families must agree to pay the family contribution (unless waived by scholarship) and participate in all required fundraising activities.
  

The Peninsula Chapter typically is able to accept up to about 40 volunteers in any academic year. Our chapter often receives more qualified applications than we can accept. When this happens, we try to evaluate the following qualities in each applicant in order to help with our selection process:

• Maturity
• Independence
• Dedication/determination
• Spanish language proficiency
• Willingness to learn
• Flexibility
• Enthusiasm