The Application Process

We are beginning to recruit volunteers for the Summer of 2010.  Please sign up for an information session here.

At the Information Session, you will learn more about the program, meet returned volunteers and NYC Chapter leaders and trainers.  If you are will be under 18 years of age, you should have a parent attend the Information Session with you.

After attending the Information Session, you can sign up for an interview.  At the interview, we will learn more about you, give you more detailed information about the summer programs. You may then start your online application.

Before you consider applying, you should be aware of the requirements to be an Amigo:

Universal Requirements

• Age - The minimum age for participation in AMIGOS this year is 16 years of age before September 1, 2010.
• 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 all pages of this year's Volunteer Application in full.  They must also supply all supporting documentation including, but not limited to, passport, visa, notarized signatures, etc. Chapter leadership will inform the applicant of this year’s requirements.  
• 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 New York City 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 should be on time to 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.

If you have further questions, please contact us at amigosnyc@gmail.com.