<p>
One thing that sets AMIGOS apart from other international service opportunities is the comprehensive training program that Volunteers participate in before departure to Latin America. In the Washington, DC Chapter, Volunteers train in twice-monthly Sunday afternoon meetings and several weekend workshops or retreats from November through May to develop important skills for success during the summer AMIGOS experience. This training program was developed to prepare Volunteers as thoroughly as possible for all aspects of the AMIGOS summer by:</p>
<ul>
<li>
providing training in Spanish/Portuguese</li>
<li>
working on the development of leadership and educational skills</li>
<li>
increasing cross cultural awareness and understanding</li>
<li>
providing hands-on training for technical aspects of the program</li>
<li>
helping volunteers to understand many of the challenges they will face</li>
<li>
providing formats to discuss issues of development in Latin America</li>
<li>
preparing Volunteers for the most common illnesses in Latin America</li>
<li>
providing Volunteers first hand experience interacting with people of Latin American heritage</li>
</ul>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Experience has shown that well-trained Volunteers have safer and more rewarding experiences in Latin America.</p>
<p>
Before entering the Washington, DC Chapter&#39;s Training Program, Volunteers and parents must attend an interview and agree to certain communication, attitude, attendance, and fundraising requirements.</p>