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?
  1. Explore our website. Check out our programs and review our admissions requirements.
  2. Learn more about the National Chapter path! Volunteers from San Diego should select “National Chapter” on the application. While there is no longer a formal San Diego Chapter, there is a strong alumni and supporters network that supports AMIGOS as the San Diego Community. You have the option to join the San Diego AMIGOS Community activities taking place throughout the spring.
  3. Attend an HQ-led online information session.
  4. Submit your application (it should take around 30 minutes or less) and pay the $75 application fee to hold your spot. Questions or tech issues? Reach out to our Admissions team at [email protected].

 

CONTACT

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the the San Diego Community Coordinator, Kirsten Chaplin, via email at [email protected].

ABOUT

The AMIGOS San Diego Community recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and families in their local community. Volunteers from San Diego and outlying areas meet together as a group before leaving for their summer experience in Latin America. Our local AMIGOS network supports volunteers and families with service learning, community building, and overall preparation. Learn more about our Summer Programs here!

 

History

The San Diego Chapter was incorporated in 2002, and over 500 youth from San Diego and its suburbs have volunteered through the chapter path, fundraising and training locally before the summer. During Fall 2024, the San Diego network piloted the Community model. Local San Diego area volunteers continue to build community before their summer experience in Latin America.

 

CURRENT VOLUNTEERS

San Diego Community 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!

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

AMIGOS is committed to making our programs accessible to anyone who wants to join. We offer need-based financial assistance and fundraising opportunities for the San Diego Community through the National Chapter. We work closely with every family to understand need before determining financial assistance packages. Financial assistance applications are considered on a rolling basis and funds are available until exhausted. Read more here.

 

ADDITIONAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award. We highly encourage you to apply for financial assistance.

2026 applicants, alumni, and parents of alumni can earn discounts or cash payments for referring the next cohort of AMIGOS volunteers! Learn more about our Alumni Referral Program and sign up to receive your unique referral code.

CONTACT

Please reach out to our Admissions team if you have any questions about financial assistance.

 

 

ACTIVITIES

The transformative AMIGOS experience starts before leaving home.

With over 60 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 and communication skills they need to make a meaningful impact across cultures while staying healthy and safe. Meetings are facilitated by the San Diego AMIGOS Community Coordinator.

 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPRING PROGRAM INCLUDE:
  • Extensive health and safety training
  • Opportunities to practice Spanish
  • Creating a community of young people with shared values

CALENDAR

The San Diego Community is finalizing its spring activities calendar. More information will be shared soon!

FUNDRAISING

OPTIONAL FUNDRAISING

Fundraising is a key part of making an AMIGOS experience possible and an opportunity to begin building key skills you will need for success during your time abroad. We offer guided support to help you succeed.

Members of the San Diego Community can opt in to fundraise with the National Chapter to help cover the cost of their program fees. AMIGOS will support in creating an individual online fundraising page, provide a webinar, a fundraising guide and mentoring! National Chapter students should email [email protected] for more information.

 

TEAM

Staff

Kirsten Chaplin

San Diego Community Coordinator

[email protected]

Mentors

Kirsten Chaplin Rojas, ’16 Nicaragua, ’19 Ecuador

Bianca Allende Boyd, ’16 Dominican Republic

Lauren Levinson, ’15 Dominican Republic

Patrick Rahilly, ’16 Paraguay

Share Your Time and Talent!

The San Diego Community of AMIGOS is always looking for volunteers, and we encourage you to join our fun community! If you are interested in contributing to our community as a mentor or ad-hoc volunteer, please email [email protected].