Volunteer in Paraguay!

  Paraguay

Paraguari

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

Description: Volunteers will work with the Ministry of Health to build about 20 latrines in each community and facilitate educational activities on latrine maintenance with families. Volunteers will also work with other community groups to plan and implement smaller Community-Based Initiatives (CBI) that may include planting trees, community cleanup efforts and school murals. Additionally, Volunteers will run day camps for children during the two week Paraguayan winter break, which includes extracurricular activities on health and environment. When school is in session, Volunteers will work with community youth to facilitate educational activities several times a week for children between the ages of 5-12.

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$: 4,400

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Amigos volunteers enjoy experiencing other cultures, are motivated, take initiative 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 Paraguay in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-4 per community

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-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

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

Year Founded: 1965