HOW TO APPLY

AMIGOS gives you an exciting chance to have an adventure and explore the world outside of a classroom. You will live in a new country with a host family and work on sustainable community service projects. These experiences prepare you for your future, improve your Spanish, and build your confidence. You develop leadership skills that will set you apart in college and throughout your career. With AMIGOS, you will learn about the world by living in it. Click here to explore our Summer Programs.

READY TO APPLY?

The deadline to apply to the local San Diego Chapter of AMIGOS has passed. We are still accepting applications through our National Chapter! You can learn more about the National Chapter here.

CONTACT

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the San Diego Chapter, via email at recruitment@amigos-sandiego.org.

ABOUT

The AMIGOS San Diego Chapter is part of a 13 Chapter Network that recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and families in their local community. Volunteers from San Diego and outlying areas train together as a group before leaving for their summer experience in Latin America. Our board supports volunteers and families with group fundraising, service learning, community building, and overall preparation. Learn more about our Summer Programs here!

History

Since the San Diego Chapter’s incorporation in 2002, over 500 youth from San Diego and its suburbs have volunteered through the chapter path, fundraising and training locally before the summer.

CURRENT VOLUNTEERS

San Diego Chapter volunteers attend Canyon Crest Academy, Chaparral, El Camino, El Capitan, Francis Parker, Great Oak, La Costa Canyon, Mater Dei, Murrieta Mesa, Murrieta Valley, Pacific Ridge, Pacific Trails, Point Loma, Sage Creek, San Diego High School of International Studies, San Dieguito Academy, Santa Monica, Torrey Pines, Troy High, Vistamar, Westview, and many more!

FEES & FUNDING

The family fee to participate in an AMIGOS Summer Program in the San Diego Chapter varies by project.* Please see the Fees section to the right to review pricing.

The San Diego Chapter covers AMIGOS program costs through a combination of family payments and fundraising activities. This approach allows us to keep costs to families low while teaching valuable fundraising and community outreach skills. All volunteers are required to fully take part in each fundraising activity as fundraising skills are an important component of AMIGOS training program and raise awareness of AMIGOS programs in the community.

LETTER WRITING/DONOR CONTACTS/Online Giving Campaign

Each volunteer is required to send out a combination of letters and emails to friends, family and supporters to request individual tax-deductible donations(the revenue from this effort is pooled). Letters are written by the participant with considerable help provided by the chapter during the process. Each volunteer is expected to fundraise $2,000. We will provide a template and provide support to volunteers throughout the process. In the past we have hosted letter writing parties.

To see some of our fundraising efforts from last year, check out our Summer 2022 CauseVox Campaign here.

Extra Fundraiser

We have also hosted restaurant nights, garage sales, and other creative events to raise money. We are always open to ideas!

Additional funding opportunities

All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award.

FEES

Non-Refundable Application Fee: $50

Summer program family fees vary by project length:

2-week projects: $3,175
3-week projects: $4,375
4-week projects: $4,675
6-week projects: $4,875

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

FEES INCLUDE

Training materials and workshops
Secondary short-term international medical insurance
Program excursions
Food, lodging, and transportation in Latin America
Supplies for community project and extracurricular activities
24-hour On Call Emergency Management System
Travel hotline and support

Click here for more information about our Fees & Funding.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

AMIGOS actively recruits and supports inclusion of participants from diverse backgrounds. AMIGOS provides needs-based financial assistance with distribution determined by family income, number of dependents and special financial circumstances. We provide amounts of $500–$2,000 to qualified applicants as deductions on the family fee.

Please contact the Chapter Treasurer at treasurer@amigos-sandiego.org for more information.

TRAINING

The transformative AMIGOS experience starts before leaving home.

With over 55 years of experience preparing young people for travel and service abroad, AMIGOS training offers unparalleled global youth leadership development. Pre-departure training equips volunteers with the critical thinking, communication skills, and technical knowledge they need to make a meaningful impact across cultures while staying healthy and safe. The San Diego Chapter AMIGOS training is a youth-led, experiential learning that prepares volunteers for their AMIGOS experience, builds a community of youth and families with shared values, and develops life-skills to help volunteers succeed beyond AMIGOS. Training sessions are facilitated by the Training Team and include guest speakers from the community and the San Diego Chapter Board of Directors.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM INCLUDE:

Unparalleled leadership development
Cross-cultural awareness and understanding
Hands-on training for technical aspects of the program
Extensive health and safety training
Opportunities to practice Spanish
Creating a community of young people with shared values

Training Calendar

We are excited for the 2023 training cycle!

Welcome / Kick Off Meeting

Sunday, January 29, 2:30-4:00PM Pacific

Encinitas Community Center,
1140 Oakcrest Park Dr, Room 140,
Encinitas

Teambuilding Event

Saturday, February 11, 8:30AM-12:30PM

UCSD Challenge Course,
La Jolla

Training Activities

Saturday, February 25, 9:00AM-12:00PM

Location Tentative

Encinitas Community Center,
1140 Oakcrest Park Dr,
Encinitas

Overnight Retreat

Saturday, March 18 – Sunday, March 19

Location TBD

Training Activities

Saturday, April 15, 9:00AM-12:00PM

Location Tentative

Encinitas Community Center,
1140 Oakcrest Park Dr,
Encinitas

Community Service Event

Saturday, April 29, 9:00AM-12:00PM

Volunteers will decide!

Training Activities & Despedida

Saturday, May 13, 9:00AM-1:00PM