Amigos de las Américas
Amigos de las Américas is a well-established nonprofit that enables high school students to engage in meaningful service-learning in Latin America. They have a proven track record of cross-cultural impact and leadership development. Locations includes countries such as Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Paraguay are common locations for this program. Depending on the year and availability, programs could be in Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, and potentially others.
General Information
Travel to countries in Latin America. Participants join either a Local Chapter (community-based) or National Chapter (wider placement). Open to different activities such as environmental protection, education, youth empowerment,, and cultural exchange. Trips are between 2-6 weeks. The programs usually cost $4,000-$6,000 depending on the location and length of the program. Need-based financial aid is available. Students are expected to fundraise to reduce the costs of the program.
Eligibility
Programs require students to be 13-19 years old. No Spanish fluency is required for most programs. Some programs may recommend or prefer basic Spanish proficiency. Parental/Guardian permission is required for participants under 18.
Application Process
Explore different program types to see which one suits you. Attend an info session or chat with a program counselor. Submit your application (30-45 min). Apply for financial aid with the same application portal. All can be done and found with this link.