Who Can Participate?
LEAD.Latinoamérica is geared towards incoming high school juniors based on the college and internship preparation support LEAD.Latinoamérica provides.
Do I have to speak Spanish?
No. We recognize that Latinxs grow up in a diverse array of environments, and that not all Latinxs are raised in monolingual or bilingual households. LEAD.Latinoamérica recognizes and embraces this cultural diversity and welcomes all students to apply, regardless of their ability to speak Spanish.
The LEAD.Latinoamérica Experience
Which country will I travel to?
Each year, LEAD.Latinoamérica will take its students to a different Latin American country based upon that year’s objective. Based on the country selected, a detailed “Country Resource” guide will be presented with helpful information regarding the culture, what to expect during the trip, appropriate dress, food, vaccinations (if required), etcetera.
Homestay Accommodations
Every student will be placed in a homestay (living with a local family) with up to three other LEAD.Latinoamérica students. Each family will ensure that you are provided with all of your necessities and most importantly, your meals. Staying with local families creates a more authentic experience as you are able to see the daily routine of a Latin American family while practicing the language with them.
Communication
We want to make sure that you are keeping in touch with your family back home. We will offer support on how to change your phone settings to enable them to work internationally, or provide international phones for those
who may need them.
University and Networking Benefits
Participating in the LEAD.Latinoamérica program will broaden your academic and professional network. Not only will you be meeting students from throughout the United States, but you will also form networks on an international spectrum. Furthermore, our LEAD.Latinoamérica staff are dedicated to serving their students and their college pursuits beyond the service trip by offering support in the college application process and helping find and secure internships for interested students upon their return. With increased competition for students getting into college, universities look for well-rounded students whose applications reflect more than just good grades. Universities appreciate students who have participated in community service projects or pursued projects they are passionate about. LEAD.Latinoamérica strives to provide students with both a unique experience in traveling to Latin America and assists students in finding positive success in their application process as a result of that.