Fees (and online payment link)
Here we provide information about the costs of participating in the AMIGOS program and scholarships to help reduce those costs.
AMIGOS actively recruits and supports volunteers from all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. All volunteers who have been accepted into the program and who meet certain criteria may apply for financial assistance to reduce participation costs.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available to applicants with proven financial need. Financial Assistance Information is included in the Chapter Volunteer Application packet and is due at the time of the Volunteer and Parent Interview session, should a family wish to make application.
Fees
Fees for the program are determined each year based on a number of factors and are calculated to reflect the actual program costs. The participation fee covers:
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Round-trip airfare
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In-country orientation
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Training sessions and materials
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In-country food, lodging, and transportation
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Field project supplies
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Year-round professional support staff
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Health insurance for in-country stay
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Chapter-related events such as overnights and dinners as well as supplies and materials
Fee Amount and Payment Schedule
The Participation Fee for 2012-2013 is $3,100, in addition to a separate $100 application fee. This total is divided into several payments spread over the course of the year according to the following schedule.
You may choose to make individual Family Participation Fee payments online or by check.
|
Application Fee (non-refundable, due at or before interview) |
$100.00 |
| Participation Fee: | |
| Dec. 15: First Payment due | $620.00 |
| Jan. 15: Second Payment due | $620.00 |
| Feb. 15: Third Payment due | $620.00 |
| Mar. 15: Fourth Payment due | $620.00 |
| Apr. 15: Fifth Payment due | $620.00 |
| Total Participation Fees | $3,100.00 |
If paying by check, mail to
Houston Chapter Amigos de las Americas
P.O. Box 571222
Houston, TX 77257
P.O. Box 571222
Houston, TX 77257
Additional Costs
Additional costs to families include immunizations, passport and visa fees, and personal field supplies. Personal field supplies include things like cot, mosquito netting, and non-prescription items such as aspirin, etc. These are paid directly, not to Amigos.
Payment Rules
According to the Amigos Board Policy, the following rules apply:
Family Participation Payments must be made on a timely basis according to the schedule provided on the Chapter calendar.
If a Volunteer withdraws or transfers to the Correspondent Volunteer Program, the refund of the Volunteer's Family Participation Payments will equal the amount paid prior to the date of withdrawal or transfer, minus the sum of:
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The application fee
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Amounts expended by the Houston Chapter prior to withdrawal date on behalf of, or as a result of, the acts of the Volunteer which cannot be recovered by the Houston Chapter,
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Expenditures that will be paid subsequent to withdrawal date by the Houston Chapter on behalf of, or as a result of, the acts of the Volunteer and which, at the discretion of the Board, must be paid.
Any Volunteer dismissed during Training forfeits any payments made to the Houston Chapter. Refund of fundraising contributions must be requested by the donor within 30 days of dismissal.
Discount for Second-Year Volunteer ("Vets")
(A Veteran is a returning volunteer.) Veteran Discounts are available to reward veteran volunteers for the experience they bring to the program. A $350 discount is automatically awarded to returning volunteers by the International Office.
Amigos de las Américas
5618 Star Lane | Houston, Texas 77057
(713) 782-5290 | (800) 231-7796
F: (713) 782-9267 | info@amigoslink.org
Amigos de las Américas (AMIGOS) hosts programs for young adults to volunteer abroad. AMIGOS' volunteer opportunities focus on youth leadership training and community development in Latin America.
AMIGOS is a proud partner with United Airlines. Booking your travel through the logo above directly supports AMIGOS!