Help CenterGeneral FAQ
How is my volunteer’s safety monitored?
Middle School Volunteers are monitored 24/7 by Project Staff.
Immerse, Explore, and Discover Volunteers are monitored by their host families and by Project Staff during daily or weekly check-ins, depending on the program model.
What happens if my volunteer gets sick?
Minor ailments are treated with over-the-counter medication and basic first aid. If needed, volunteers are accompanied to the clinic by a member of Project Staff. Parents will receive notification and clinic visit details within 24 hours of the appointment
Will I hear from my volunteer during the program?
Volunteers on 2-3 week programs do not have phone access. Those on 4-6 week programs may make one mid-program call, arranged by Project Staff.
What should I do if I need to contact my volunteer in the case of an emergency?
Please reach out to the AMIGOS On-Call Team by calling 713-782-5290 x150.
Are volunteers allowed to bring cash?
Volunteers are advised to bring $200 for every three weeks they spend in country. Project Staff will help them exchange USD to the local currency. Credit, debit, or prepaid cards are also an acceptable forms of money, though may not be accepted at smaller stores when volunteers are in their host communities.
Can parents visit volunteers during the program?
Visits are not permitted during the program to maintain program integrity and a fully immersive experience for volunteers.
What happens if my volunteer loses important documents while abroad (e.g., passport)?
Project staff and AMIGOS On-Call will assist the volunteer in obtaining replacements and ensuring minimal disruption to the program.
On-Call System & Notifications
What is the AMIGOS On-Call System?
AMIGOS operates a 24/7 support system to respond to incidents involving health, safety, behavioral issues, or other emergencies. “On-Call” also acts as an intermediary between staff, medical providers, mental health consultants, and volunteer families.
Will I be notified if my volunteer gets sick?
On-Call will notify families in the event of clinic visits, hospitalizations, or significant health or mental health concerns.
How do I reach the On-Call team while my volunteer is on project?
Urgent: Call 713-782-5290 x150.
Non-Urgent: Email oncall@amigosinternational.org.
Learn more about the On-Call system in the Family Preparation Guide.
Health & Safety Protocols
How does AMIGOS monitor the volunteers' health?
Volunteers complete weekly self-assessments, reviewed by project staff and the AMIGOS Health and Safety Team. Any incidents or concerns are documented and addressed promptly.
What medical procedures are in place for volunteers?
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Volunteers are accompanied by staff to medical facilities for evaluations.
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AMIGOS On-Call will notify parents of clinic visits, medical treatments, and medical emergencies. Following a clinic visit, parents will receive an email with relevant details that they can share with their volunteer’s treating physician.
How does AMIGOS promote self-advocacy?
Volunteers are given in-country training about our health and safety systems. Volunteers are provided with a "CALM Plan" with detailed information about how to get in touch with staff, and encouraged to communicate their needs proactively and engage in self-care strategies supported by staff.
Find specific protocols in the Family Preparation Guide.
Standards of Conduct
Please review our Standards of Conduct for Summer Programs.
What are the expectations for volunteers?
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Volunteers must follow AMIGOS policies and abide by our Standards of Conduct. This includes maintaining respectful and professional behavior.
What are the AMIGOS Standards of Conduct?
The Standards of Conduct ensure safety, accountability, and cultural sensitivity.
The AMIGOS volunteer will abide by the follow Standards:
- No detrimental behavior that harms health, safety, or the program. This includes
violating local laws, touching animals, obtaining permanent body modifications
(tattoos/piercings), engaging in adventure sports outside AMIGOS events, not
following the professional dress code or disregarding infectious disease
protocols. - No use or possession of illegal drugs under the laws of the volunteer’s state,
country of residence, the United States, or the host country. - No leaving the assigned work area nor staying out past curfew without prior
permission directly from AMIGOS Project Staff. - No operation of motorized vehicles and no riding on motorcycles.
- No handling of firearms or possession of weapons.
- No acts of disrespect, harassment, aggression, or bullying.
- No consumption of alcohol.
- No intimate or amorous relationships with community members, project staff, or
other volunteers. - No use or possession of tobacco or cannabis products, including vaping devices,
e-cigarettes, cigarettes, edibles, or any item containing nicotine, cannabis, CBD,
or hemp-derived oil/distillate.
Any illegal activities constitute grounds for dismissal from the program. Including, but
not limited to the following: alcohol consumption, use of illegal drugs or prescription
drugs not intended for the individual, stealing/theft, and assault (physical, emotional,
sexual, verbal) of another individual.
How does AMIGOS handle Standards of Conduct violations?
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Verbal Warning: Issued for minor, first-time violations that do not pose a threat to health, safety, or the reputation of AMIGOS or partner agencies.
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Incident Report: Issued for more serious or intentional violations that could harm the individual, peers, community, partner agency, or AMIGOS.
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Dismissal: For severe violations (e.g., illegal drug use, alcohol consumption, harassment, amorous conduct, or repeated violations).
Why are these standards important?
The Standards ensure the health, safety, and well-being of volunteers while upholding AMIGOS values of respect and cultural sensitivity. They also promote leadership growth and personal accountability.
Learn about Standards of Conduct in the Family Preparation Guide.