Volunteer in Dominican Republic!

  Dominican Republic

Azua,  Barahona

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Summer

Description: In collaboration with Plan Dominican Republic, volunteers are building life skills and leadership of young people through educational workshops and group-led community improvement projects. Volunteers will co-facilitate workshops for children and young people that focus on team-building, creative expression (arts & crafts, drama, etc.), environmental health (environmental awareness, gardens, tree planting) and/or healthy habits (physical activity, health education, nutrition). Utilizing a program activity guide, volunteers will plan and coordinate experiential learning activities with children in a school, community center or other community venue. In addition to the workshops, a key component of the Liderazgo y Comunidad program will be the implementation of community improvement projects with youth and adult community members that may range from the construction of parks and sports fields to the formation of service clubs and arts groups.

Highlights:
* Language Immersion
* Host Family
* Work with Youth
* Cultural Understanding
* Diverse Organization

Qualifications: To serve as an AMIGOS Volunteer in Latin America, you must:

- Be at least 16 years old by September 1st of the year of volunteer service
- Have completed two years of high school level Spanish, or the equivalent
- Adhere to the AMIGOS' Standards of Conduct and Community Behavior
- Fulfill fundraising and training requirements
- Receive required immunizations

Cost in US$: 3,995

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Amigos volunteers enjoy experiencing other cultures, are motivated, take intitiative in starting projects, have studied Spanish, enjoy being around children and enjoy sharing about themselves to a host family. Amigos volunteers believe in collaborative community service.

Age Range: 16-25

This Program is open to American, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel to Dominican Republic in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 2-4

Scholarships are Available. - Applicants can apply for financial assistance through Amigos de las Americas. AMIGOS can also assist applicants to find other scholarships or grants. AMIGOS is committed to placing in the field program every potential volunteer who meets program requirements and displays proven interest and determination to participate. AMIGOS feels strongly that no potential volunteer should be prohibited from participating because of the participation cost. AMIGOS has many support networks in place, such as the fundraising activities and chapter and international office and financial aid programs, to assist you in your efforts. The International Office has also put together a fund raising booklet that contains suggestions that have been proven successful by veteran volunteers. This booklet is made available to those potential volunteers who submit a preliminary application. AMIGOS also views fund raising as an integral part of the training process. Fund raising is necessary not only to defray the cost of operating the field program, but also so volunteers may become comfortable with making presentations that explain AMIGOS and your reasons for participating. When you arrive in the host community in Latin America, it may be that only a few people know about AMIGOS. It will be necessary for you to promote AMIGOS and yourself before you begin to promote public health and community education. Those skills that are crucial to your success in the field can be learned and better developed through the fund raising process.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network

Amigos de las Americas's Mission Statement: Amigos de la Americas (AMIGOS) builds partnerships to empower young leaders, advance community development and strengthen multicultural understanding in the Americas.

Year Founded: 1965