The Houston Chapter covers 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. Volunteers receive considerable help with regard to fundraising strategies, and the experience gained in this effort will build important skills!

LETTER WRITING FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

Each volunteer is required to send out 100 letters to family, friends, and other personal contacts to request individual tax-deductible donations (the revenue from this effort is pooled). Letters are written by the volunteer with considerable help provided by the chapter during the process. Volunteers may opt out of fundraising by paying the full family fee of $4250 and fundraising goal of $2500 out of pocket.

Additional funding opportunities

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

The Financial Assistance Application deadline has passed. Please contact the Chapter for more information.

HOW CAN I HELP?

Randalls Food Market is in partnership with the Houston Chapter of Amigos de las Americas through its Good Neighbor Program. You can designate the organization by linking our account number (#1447) to your Remarkable Card. To do this, simply ask a cashier how to do it (you may be referred to the Courtesy Booth). It’s fast and easy, and just a one-time effort that will pay continuous dividends to our chapter.

Shopping on Amazon? Use this Amazon Smile link and a portion of each purchase will go back to AMIGOS Houston Chapter!

Fees

If you were signed up for our 2020 Summer Immersion programs, all fees, fundraising, and financial assistance from 2020 will carry over this year, and your price from 2020 is locked in!

Fees Include

• Round-trip international airfare
• 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.

Due Dates and Payment Options

For any family reapplying from Summer 2020, Family financial agreements will need to be to be resigned. Reach out to your Local Chapter for specifics about your financial agreement this year.

If you were not signed up for amigos in 2020, click here to see our 2021 programs!

The Houston Chapter of AMIGOS is dedicated to supporting the inclusion of students from diverse backgrounds. Each year, about 25% of volunteers receive financial assistance ranging from $500 to $3,800.

We provide need-based financial assistance with distribution determined by family income, number of dependents, and special financial circumstances. Qualified applicants are selected and received assistance as deductions on family fee payments.

To apply for financial assistance, complete the AMIGOS application by clicking here. Award announcements are distributed and announced on a rolling basis.

Please contact houston@amigosinternational.org with any questions.

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 Houston Chapter training is youth-led, experiential learning that prepares volunteers for their experiences, builds a community of youth and families with shared values, and develops life-skills to help students succeed beyond AMIGOS.

SERVICE LEARNING

The Houston Chapter incorporates service learning to add depth and first-hand experience to the curriculum. Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities.

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

Pre–departure training for 2021 programs will be done through a combination of mandatory online modules and optional webinars. Training will also take place in country upon arrival. Once you apply, we will reach out with more information on the pre-departure training timeline and expectations.

Your Local Chapter may offer additional local opportunities to connect virtually with AMIGOS in your area. If you have questions about this, please reach out to chapters@amigosinternational.org.