Amigos de las Americas
Vitals
- GYA Accredited Since:
2017
- COVID-19 Plans: Hybrid (online & in-person)
- Enrolling:
Yes - App Deadline: May 15, 2021
- Next Available Departure? Jun, 2021
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Mission Statement:
Amigos de las Américas (AMIGOS) inspires leaders through authentic service and immersion experiences.
- Level of Independence/Supervision (mouse-over for definition):
12345
Attachments
Program Locations
Typical Itinerary
Gap Semester in Costa Rica
Summer: June 23–August 18, 2021
Fall: September 22-December 3, 2021
Explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty while learning about environmental conservation initiatives and community adaptation to climate change in the Perez Zeledon region. Surrounded by lush green plants and the chattering of tropical birds, take part in hands-on volunteering at a nature reserve. You’ll get training in leadership, Spanish, cultural humility, design thinking, and project management as you develop a service project to carry out once you return home. Marvel at the biodiversity and landscapes while you take group excursions around the region!
Summer Costa Rica Gap Financial Assistance Application Deadline: April 15, 2021
Summer Costa Rica Gap Final Application Deadline: May 15, 2021
Fall Costa Rica Gap Financial Assistance Application Deadline: May 15, 2021
Fall Costa Rica Gap Final Application Deadline: July 15, 2021
Fall Gap Semester in Colorado
September 8–November 5, 2021
What does it mean to be a conservationist in the west? Explore Colorado with other students in your pod. Meet environmental activists, land managers, and local officials who play a part in protecting the environment in the Centennial State. Dive deep into the ethics and practice of conservationism from permaculture to wolf reintroduction. Take part in outdoor activities like fly fishing, snowshoeing, hiking, and soak up the natural beauty around you while rafting.
Financial Assistance Application Deadline: May 15, 2021
Final Application Deadline: July 15, 2021
Peer Reviews
Program Details
- Program Starts: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
- Program Duration: Less than 2 months, Semester, Yearlong
- Program Cost: $7,975–$15,995
- Program Financial Aid: Yes
- Other Financial Aid Details:
Need-based financial assistance is available!
Apply by April 15, 2021 (Summer Gap 2021) or May 15, 2021 (Fall Gap 2021) to be considered for financial assistance.
Fundraising support offered.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Leadership
- Real-World Skills
- Community Engagement
- Cultural Humility
- Independence
- Spanish Fluency
- Personal Reflection
- Capacity-Building
- Project Management
- Design Thinking
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health and safety has always been our number one priority, but in today’s world, this takes on a deeper meaning. A Health and Safety Coordinator will stay onsite with the group throughout the in-person programs. Our 24/7 On-Call Safety System is in place the entire time students are in the field. Our On-Call team includes medical and mental health professionals.
Learn more about our COVID-19 regulations on our website.
Staff Training and Certification
AMIGOS has been running leadership immersion programs in Latin America since 1965. We have long-standing relationships with partner agencies, host families, and community members in the countries in which we work.
Gap Program staff receive pre-departure and in-country training. Staff members speak Spanish fluently and have experience living abroad. They are supported by AMIGOS Regional Directors and staff at our Headquarters in the U.S. The staff to volunteer ratio is at least 1:7.
All volunteers and staff are supported by the AMIGOS 24/7 On-Call Safety Team. An AMIGOS staff member is available at all times to respond to any issues that arise while volunteers are abroad or are traveling to and from their host country. Our On-Call team also includes medical and mental health professionals based in the U.S. We have relationships with vetted hospitals and clinics in-country.
COVID-19 Update: AMIGOS led the charge in suspending our 2020 programs due to the coronavirus pandemic. We arranged for all gap volunteers in-country to fly home safely in early March 2020.
Our Gap Semester in Costa Rica has expanded health and safety protocol, including a health and safety coordinator onsite as part of the staff team.
If you would like to know more about our COVID-19 response and contingency plans, please visit our website at amigosinternational.org.