Program Reviews

I have been with AMIGOS for 4 years now, and as it continues to grow, I have watched so many kids--including myself--flourish and become confident, independent, curious young adults. No other program for students gives the same level of responsibility paired with freedom. AMIGOS provides kids with experiences they will never have under any other circumstance, and I think it is extremely valuable in this sense. Some of the most transformative moments of my life took place when I was an AMIGOS volunteer.

I spent seven weeks in Ecuador with Amigos de las Americas. It was the most powerful expreience I have ever had. I lived with a host family but I ate lunch with many other families, that way I got to meet everyone in my community. After eating I would go and teach camps with themes provided by Plan International. Afterward my partner and I would meet with community leaders to discuss our Community Based Initiative (building public restrooms). After a meeting we would walk around the community and play with the kids or help with chores and cooking. Once a week, out supervisor would visit and accompany us on our daily activities.

I spent my time in Paraguay in a small rural community of about 300+ people. I conducted camps for elementary school age kids, and worked on a reforestation project. Together with community members we also constructed two bus stops. I fell completely in love with the culture and the country! Everyday was filled with lots of terere and mate drinking (the most delicious tea there is) and visiting with the people. It was a laid back culture, but there was always something to do. I miss it everyday and I would do it again in a heartbeat! Rohayhu Paraguay!!!!!

It's a unique and rare opportunity to be able to live, participate and serve as a volunteer in an Andean community. This program offers you exactly that, at a young age. I've met hundreds of adults that tell me "they wish they had the opportunity at my age" - not that you should do this program because "grown-ups" wish they could, but because it's that rare of an opportunity.

Amigos does an excellent job placing volunteers in host communities, creating a positive home-stay experience and offering youth of the Americas true leadership opportunities to grow into themselves and be of service to a community.

Volunteers experience Andean culture first hand, build their language and communication skills, and connect with the kids in their communities. The Andes are a special place, they evoke a personal transformation.

Amigos attention to health and safety is unparalleled. If you're a parent reading this, they've got an incredible network of doctors and hospitals, plus many trainings to explain to you how their health and safety network functions.

Amigos volunteers are of service. First to their host communities, second to themselves. They learn, grow and play in a way that changes their life, for the rest of their lives.