Host Family FAQ

Who can be a host family?

AMIGOS Host Families are households identified in AMIGOS communities who have an interest in hosting a volunteer for a period of one to six weeks, depending on the project. Many families host AMIGOS volunteers year after year and love the opportunity to get to know and care for a new volunteer each summer. Other host families may be new to AMIGOS, but all share the same excitement and love of cultural exchange. Any family that will host a volunteer must meet certain criteria. These include:

• A real interest in hosting a volunteer
• Gender-specific sleeping space with an individual bed or space for a cot
• Host family has the means and agrees to feed the volunteer or AMIGOS has set up an alternative feeding arrangement
• No signs of domestic concerns such as violence, alcohol abuse, or neglect
• Living and cooking spaces that meet adequate hygiene standards
• No signs of animal infestations, including bats
• At least two members living in the household full-time (similar-age host siblings are preferred)
• For female volunteers, at least one woman must live in the household full-time
• Host home is located within a reasonable walking distance of another volunteer’s host home
• Reliable access to a phone in the household or with a neighbor in case of emergency

How are host families selected? 

Before volunteers arrive, Project Staff work closely with AMIGOS Partner Agencies and community leaders to select host families. A member of the Senior Staff team visits each host community to vet potential host families, normally accompanied by a trusted local or Partner Agency contact. Then, the Project Supervisor working in the community will visit the community again, sign Host Family Contracts with each household, affirm that the Host Family meets AMIGOS criteria, and spend the night in one of the host homes. 

What training do host families receive?

Before volunteers arrive, at least one member from each host family must attend an AMIGOS-led Host Family Training. Here, Project Staff set expectations, review AMIGOS health and safety policies, teach host families what to do in case something goes wrong (such as an illness), and share best practices for cultural exchange. 

What happens if something goes wrong during a volunteer’s stay with a host family?

Each volunteer is provided with an emergency contact plan that they can use should any incident arise during their time in the host community. AMIGOS Project Staff are on-call 24/7 to respond to incidents or concerns. Should a concern arise, Project Staff will respond quickly to address it. Depending on the nature of the situation, possible responses include speaking with the host family to resolve the issue, re-assigning the volunteer to a new host family, or re-assigning the volunteer to a new host community. Historically, the rate of serious incidents related to the volunteer’s host family is extremely low. 

Why should I choose an AMIGOS project that includes a host family stay?

The host family is a cornerstone of the AMIGOS experience. Since 1965, thousands of volunteers have lived with host families in communities across Latin America, and it has been the highlight of the summer for generations of volunteers. Living with a host family is the best way to immerse yourself in a new culture, language, and community. Additionally, living with a host family affords volunteers increased independence and opportunities to engage in unique activities, from milking the host cow each morning to lending a hand on the family farm. Our host families are passionate about the mission of AMIGOS, and it is not uncommon for host siblings to one day become AMIGOS volunteers themselves. 

Are host families vaccinated against COVID-19?

When selecting host families, Project Staff strongly prefer households that are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. However, due to limited access to vaccinations in some rural areas, we cannot guarantee that all members of the host family will be vaccinated. 

How can host families help to mitigate risk?

No one knows the local community, culture, and climate quite like a host family. Our host families are our eyes and ears on the ground and are a great way to help identify and mitigate risks. AMIGOS host families act much like families anywhere in the world - imposing curfews, implementing household rules, and looking after the volunteer’s well-being. Host mothers, especially, can be quite protective and are always looking out for their volunteers as if they were their own children. It’s not uncommon to hear about a host parent making a special meal or soup when their volunteer is sick or not feeling well. Host families know the standards of conduct and are trained to promptly notify staff if they are not being followed.