How to Apply
Volunteer abroad and AMIGOS with this amazing opportunity to take your first dive into Latin America! This two-week project has key AMIGOS program components such as volunteering, training, excursions, reflections, and workshops, and is guided by AMIGOS staff. Every day is an authentic, engaging adventure with hands-on service projects, educational talks, and games with local children.
With AMIGOS, you will learn about yourself and the world by living in it.
READY TO START YOUR APPLICATION?
1. Click here to start your application.
2. Complete your application.
3. An AMIGOS representative will contact you with next steps
About
Discover AMIGOS is a two-week program created as an Introduction to Global Citizenship. With 6 project dates in Costa Rica and Panama, it is a terrific way to explore a new country and challenge yourself by being an active participant in protecting biodiversity and learning about new communities in Latin America. This program is very accessible as Spanish is not required (though some ability can be helpful) and friends are encouraged to go together.
You will work on supporting local wildlife conservation efforts during the first week and supporting local schools and community service projects while living with a host family during the second week. These experiences help to create strong friendships and connections with other volunteers, our staff and host communities, give you the opportunity to develop Spanish skills, and build your confidence.
“I saw such a change in my son after he came home from Panama. He seemed taller and more confident and ready to go into the world less of a child and more of an adult. AMIGOS made him more responsible and independent and those changes have stayed with him.” —John, Parent, Discover AMIGOS 2018
“It was amazing. I really liked how independent it was. We would have supervision during our project but at the end of the day we could go have fun with our peers and socialize and play games and card games with the locals and our host family. It was really fun to get to know all kinds of people.” —Annabelle, Volunteer, Discover AMIGOS 2018
“My daughter had never done anything like this before but I was surprised by how much she had changed. It was palpable. It was such a leap for her to pull on her own internal resources and now she keeps saying spontaneously, ‘I feel so confident’.” —Jennifer, Parent, Discover AMIGOS 2018
Fees and Funding
AMIGOS program fees include dedicated travel support, comprehensive training, all food and housing, in-country travel and excursions, and access to our 24-hour On-Call Safety Team. As a nonprofit organization, your fees also support community development projects and leadership training for local youth in communities across Latin America.
Program Fees
Discover AMIGOS Panama — $3,395
Discover AMIGOS Costa Rica — $3,695
Flight costs are not included and will be billed separately. For more information about flights and travel, click here.
Payment plans and financial assistance are available. Learn more here.
What’s Included?
Before you leave
Your fee includes the costs of all pre-departure training, onboarding, and travel support.
Once you land
All on-site training and orientation, food, lodging and transportation costs, full-time program staff, 24-hour On-Call Safety Team, global travel medical insurance, and program excursions are included.
Post-program
You’ll receive credit for service hours, as well as access to the AMIGOS alumni network, leadership opportunities, and beyond!
Financial Assistance & Fundraising
Financial Assistance
We provide need-based financial assistance on a rolling basis for our programs. To apply, complete your application and indicate that you would like to be considered for financial assistance. Be sure to include your family financial information in the section that asks for it as well as complete the financial assistance application. Program applicants must pay the $50 application fee and $425 deposit to complete your application. This is refundable if requested within 30 days of payment. If you have questions, please contact our Admissions Team at [email protected].
Fundraising
Many volunteers choose to fundraise to offset their program fee. Once you’re accepted into an AMIGOS program, we’ll set you up with an online fundraising platform, give you tips and advice, and apply any donations you receive to your program fee. Volunteers typically raise an average of $2,000.
Staff & Events
No events are currently scheduled. Check back later!
Staff
In the Bay Area, we have 2 full time AMIGOS staff members dedicated to family and school outreach for Discover AMIGOS.
Krista Boscoe – Bay Area Director
(supports East Bay, Marin, and San Francisco families)
[email protected]
Click here to schedule a call with Krista
Cynthia Diaz – South Bay Outreach Manager
(supports Silicon Valley, San Jose, and Peninsula families)
[email protected]
Click here to schedule a call with Cynthia
Can't make it to an info session?
Watch the video below and reach out if you have any questions!
MEDIA
Read blog posts from:
Check out photos on our project Instagrams:
Announcing Costa Rica: Montañas y Mar 2023!🌊🐢
This experience will give you an opportunity to practice your Spanish while volunteering with two amazing environmental conservation organizations.🌱
Theme: Conservation & Biodiversity
Length: 2 weeks
Ages: 15-19
Dive into the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica by contributing to conservation through wildlife inventories, trail maintenance, and turtle nursery setup. You will also explore community and private conservation reserve initiatives!
Spend time on the coast near the beautiful Marino Ballena National Park and in the rolling hills near Chirripo National Park.
Session A dates: June 6-19
Session B dates: July 18-31
Financial assistance deadline: March 21, 2023
Learn more at the link in our bio!
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.
.
#travelgram #visitcostarica #volunteerabroad #studygram #highschool #spanishimmersion #studyabroad #costaricatravel
How it all began…🌎💚 A special AMIGOS #tbt!
✈️ Applications for students and project staff are open at the link in our bio! We have spots available for NEW projects in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama! Visit our website our send us a DM for more information!
We’re so excited for Summer 2023 and all the adventures waiting to be lived.✨ Join this beautiful movement this summer!
.
.
.
#travellatinamerica #homestays #travelgram #studygram #highschoolspanish #apspanish #travelreels #volunteerabroad #ibcas #travelbucketlist
Chelsea Till did AMIGOS in Ecuador back in 2011. As happens with most students, she arrived at the airport with a mix of excitement and nervousness…Little did she know that she was about to meet one of her best friends - Elizabeth - who would become her travel companion through adventures around the world…for more than a decade to come.
That first AMIGOS summer in Ecuador was only the beginning. They both kept coming back and participating in further AMIGOS projects together, evolving from summers as volunteers to amazing project supervisors.
At the end of every AMIGOS summer though, they would have to part ways again. They would have to say goodbye to each other, their friends, the volunteers, and their lively and warm Latin American communities.
Even though Elizabeth went to university in Scotland and Chelsea in the U.S., they still managed to stay close. Over 10 years of friendship later, they share such fascinating and extraordinary stories: they have climbed Kilimanjaro in Tanzania together, visited the Galápagos Islands, Elizabeth flew to Dallas for less than 24 hours just to be present at Chelsea’s law school graduation - and they even ran an ultra-marathon in the desert to celebrate their decade of AMIGOS friendship.
Chelsea and Elizabeth have even gone back to visit their very first Ecuadorian host family. Their “little” host sister is now a lawyer. And her dream? To visit the U.S. Supreme Court someday…
Chelsea and Elizabeth are working to make this travel wish a reality, and reunite with their 2011 host sister once again….hopefully, someday, walking towards the Supreme Court together and chatting through the streets of D.C., which is where Elizabeth lives today.
“I think I speak for both of us when I say we’re both extremely grateful to AMIGOS…I’ll also forever be grateful for my adventure buddy and best friend.”
Gracias, Chelsea! For sharing these beautiful stories with us!!!🥹💚 #OnceanAmigo #AlwaysanAmigo
New AMIGOS project alert!💙 Learn more about Panamá: Valle y Veraguas 2023 🌊🇵🇦
Theme: Community-Driven Conservation
Length: 3 weeks
Ages: 15-19
🏡Homestays: 10+ days with a host family & group lodging for briefing
*Get college credit for this project!
See the different sides of Panama, from a cloud forest to the Pacific Coast. Live with a host family and hang out with local peers to practice your Spanish and learn more about Panamanian culture!
Inspire yourself by talking to community leaders to better understand the climate challenges they are facing and the actions they are taking. Volunteer with local organizations, like a sea turtle protection organization. Enjoy the pristine coastline and do hands-on volunteer activities that help make the area safer for the sea turtles that nest and hatch there!🐢
Date: June 15–July 5
Financial assistance deadline: March 21, 2023
More details on our website, link in our bio!
#visitpanama #panamatravel #highschool #practicespanish #ibcas #apspanish #serviceprojects #highschoolvolunteering
Join the AMIGOS HQ family!🌎 We have exciting AMIGOS + AmeriCorps VISTA openings for 2023:
📚 Learn about curriculum and summer program design as the AMIGOS Program Associate
📋 Grow the size and impact of annual fundraisers as the AMIGOS Fund Development Associate
🎙️ Collect stories of impact and learn about marketing as the AMIGOS Storytelling Associate
📝 Dive into volunteer training workshop design as the AMIGOS Program Training Associate
📆 Learn about community building and business operations as the AMIGOS Operations Associate
Learn more about our AMIGOS + AmeriCorps roles on our website. Explore the “Join Our Team” page and apply!
@americorps #americorps #americorpsvista
Calling all young professionals! Want to live and work in Latin America this summer? Join us TONIGHT for an info session to learn more about our 2023 summer roles!
Serve as a mentor, a coach, and supervise youth in our programs!
👉 Join us: Wednesday, January 18: 6:00–7:00pm (US Central Time)
Sign up at the link in our bio!🕺🏻Los esperamos✨
You’re just one application away from having the best summer ever!!🤗🥳✈️
Will we see you in Latin America this summer?❤️🌎 Apply today!
#volunteerabroad #highschoolspanish #studyabroad #apspanish #visitecuador #ecuadortravel #serviceprojects #ibcas #travelbucketlist #latinamerica
Happy AMIGOS deadline day!🎉 What AMIGOS experience are YOU embarking on this summer?
Submit your application today to apply for financial assistance or join AMIGOS through your local chapter!
We are so excited about 2023 - and we can’t wait to see you in Latin America this summer!🌎💚
Announcing Costa Rica: Montañas y Mar 2023!🌊🐢
This experience will give you an opportunity to practice your Spanish while volunteering with two amazing environmental conservation organizations.🌱
Theme: Conservation & Biodiversity
Length: 2 weeks
Ages: 15-19
Dive into the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica by contributing to conservation through wildlife inventories, trail maintenance, and turtle nursery setup. You will also explore community and private conservation reserve initiatives!
Spend time on the coast near the beautiful Marino Ballena National Park and in the rolling hills near Chirripo National Park.
Session A dates: June 6-19
Session B dates: July 18-31
Financial assistance deadline: March 21, 2023
Learn more at the link in our bio!
.
.
.
#travelgram #visitcostarica #volunteerabroad #studygram #highschool #spanishimmersion #studyabroad #costaricatravel
How it all began…🌎💚 A special AMIGOS #tbt!
✈️ Applications for students and project staff are open at the link in our bio! We have spots available for NEW projects in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama! Visit our website our send us a DM for more information!
We’re so excited for Summer 2023 and all the adventures waiting to be lived.✨ Join this beautiful movement this summer!
.
.
.
#travellatinamerica #homestays #travelgram #studygram #highschoolspanish #apspanish #travelreels #volunteerabroad #ibcas #travelbucketlist
Chelsea Till did AMIGOS in Ecuador back in 2011. As happens with most students, she arrived at the airport with a mix of excitement and nervousness…Little did she know that she was about to meet one of her best friends - Elizabeth - who would become her travel companion through adventures around the world…for more than a decade to come.
That first AMIGOS summer in Ecuador was only the beginning. They both kept coming back and participating in further AMIGOS projects together, evolving from summers as volunteers to amazing project supervisors.
At the end of every AMIGOS summer though, they would have to part ways again. They would have to say goodbye to each other, their friends, the volunteers, and their lively and warm Latin American communities.
Even though Elizabeth went to university in Scotland and Chelsea in the U.S., they still managed to stay close. Over 10 years of friendship later, they share such fascinating and extraordinary stories: they have climbed Kilimanjaro in Tanzania together, visited the Galápagos Islands, Elizabeth flew to Dallas for less than 24 hours just to be present at Chelsea’s law school graduation - and they even ran an ultra-marathon in the desert to celebrate their decade of AMIGOS friendship.
Chelsea and Elizabeth have even gone back to visit their very first Ecuadorian host family. Their “little” host sister is now a lawyer. And her dream? To visit the U.S. Supreme Court someday…
Chelsea and Elizabeth are working to make this travel wish a reality, and reunite with their 2011 host sister once again….hopefully, someday, walking towards the Supreme Court together and chatting through the streets of D.C., which is where Elizabeth lives today.
“I think I speak for both of us when I say we’re both extremely grateful to AMIGOS…I’ll also forever be grateful for my adventure buddy and best friend.”
Gracias, Chelsea! For sharing these beautiful stories with us!!!🥹💚 #OnceanAmigo #AlwaysanAmigo
New AMIGOS project alert!💙 Learn more about Panamá: Valle y Veraguas 2023 🌊🇵🇦
Theme: Community-Driven Conservation
Length: 3 weeks
Ages: 15-19
🏡Homestays: 10+ days with a host family & group lodging for briefing
*Get college credit for this project!
See the different sides of Panama, from a cloud forest to the Pacific Coast. Live with a host family and hang out with local peers to practice your Spanish and learn more about Panamanian culture!
Inspire yourself by talking to community leaders to better understand the climate challenges they are facing and the actions they are taking. Volunteer with local organizations, like a sea turtle protection organization. Enjoy the pristine coastline and do hands-on volunteer activities that help make the area safer for the sea turtles that nest and hatch there!🐢
Date: June 15–July 5
Financial assistance deadline: March 21, 2023
More details on our website, link in our bio!
#visitpanama #panamatravel #highschool #practicespanish #ibcas #apspanish #serviceprojects #highschoolvolunteering
Join the AMIGOS HQ family!🌎 We have exciting AMIGOS + AmeriCorps VISTA openings for 2023:
📚 Learn about curriculum and summer program design as the AMIGOS Program Associate
📋 Grow the size and impact of annual fundraisers as the AMIGOS Fund Development Associate
🎙️ Collect stories of impact and learn about marketing as the AMIGOS Storytelling Associate
📝 Dive into volunteer training workshop design as the AMIGOS Program Training Associate
📆 Learn about community building and business operations as the AMIGOS Operations Associate
Learn more about our AMIGOS + AmeriCorps roles on our website. Explore the “Join Our Team” page and apply!
@americorps #americorps #americorpsvista
Calling all young professionals! Want to live and work in Latin America this summer? Join us TONIGHT for an info session to learn more about our 2023 summer roles!
Serve as a mentor, a coach, and supervise youth in our programs!
👉 Join us: Wednesday, January 18: 6:00–7:00pm (US Central Time)
Sign up at the link in our bio!🕺🏻Los esperamos✨
You’re just one application away from having the best summer ever!!🤗🥳✈️
Will we see you in Latin America this summer?❤️🌎 Apply today!
#volunteerabroad #highschoolspanish #studyabroad #apspanish #visitecuador #ecuadortravel #serviceprojects #ibcas #travelbucketlist #latinamerica
Happy AMIGOS deadline day!🎉 What AMIGOS experience are YOU embarking on this summer?
Submit your application today to apply for financial assistance or join AMIGOS through your local chapter!
We are so excited about 2023 - and we can’t wait to see you in Latin America this summer!🌎💚