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SUMMER VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS IN LATIN AMERICA
DATES & AVAILABILITY
Ready for adventure? Help conserve Costa Rica’s rainforests, join Panama’s sea turtle protection efforts, or experience Paraguay’s rich culture and lead community-driven projects. It’s time to make an impact while exploring some of the world’s most incredible places! These trips are all about diving deep into local culture while practicing Spanish, contributing to vital service work, and making new friends.
Final deadlines for Summer 2026 are almost here! If you're hoping to spend your summer on an AMIGOS project, now is the time to apply. We encourage you to contact us at [email protected] or +1.713.782.5290 to learn more about taking the next steps to reserve your spot.
Looking ahead to next year? Check back here in September when we'll open applications for our Summer 2027 programs.
| Middle School Programs (13-14) | Session | Length | Dates | Apply By | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica: Montañas y Mar | C | 12 Days | July 16 - 27 | June 18 | OPEN |
| Costa Rica: Montañas y Mar | A | 12 Days | June 12 - 23 | May 15 | CLOSED |
| Costa Rica: Montañas y Mar | B | 12 Days | June 29 - July 10 | June 1 | CLOSED |
| High School Programs (15-19) | Session | Length | Dates | Apply By | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama: Tierras Altas | B | 3 Weeks | July 7 - 28 | June 9 | OPEN |
| Costa Rica: La Pezeta | B | 2 Weeks | July 7 - 21 | June 9 | OPEN |
| Costa Rica: La Brunca | B | 3 Weeks | July 8 - July 29 | June 10 | 1 SPACE |
| Dominican Republic: Tierra Caribe | B | 3 Weeks | July 13 - August 3 | June 15 | OPEN |
| Paraguay: Ruta del Mate | B | 3.5 Weeks | July 13 - August 6 | June 15 | 1 SPACE |
| Dominican Republic: Barahona | B | 4 Weeks | July 14 - August 11 | June 16 | OPEN |
| Costa Rica: La Pezeta | A | 2 Weeks | June 17 - July 1 | May 20 | WAITLIST |
| Panama: El Pacifico | C | 3 Weeks | June 17 - July 8 | May 20 | WAITLIST |
| Panama: El Valle | A | 2 Weeks | June 18 - July 2 | May 21 | WAITLIST |
| Panama: El Valle | B | 2 Weeks | July 8 - 22 | June 10 | WAITLIST |
| Panama: El Pacifico | D | 3 Weeks | July 14 - August 4 | June 16 | WAITLIST |
| Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros | B | 3 Weeks | July 21 - August 11 | June 23 | WAITLIST |
| Panama: El Valle | C | 2 Weeks | July 28 - August 11 | June 30 | WAITLIST |
| Dominican Republic: Barahona | A | 4 Weeks | June 10 – July 8 | May 13 | CLOSED |
| Costa Rica: La Brunca | A | 3 Weeks | June 11 - July 2 | May 14 | CLOSED |
| Panama: Tierras Altas | A | 3 Weeks | June 11 - July 2 | May 14 | CLOSED |
| Paraguay: Ruta del Mate | A | 3.5 Weeks | June 12 - July 6 | May 15 | CLOSED |
| Paraguay: Tierra Guarani | A | 6 Weeks | June 15 - July 27 | May 18 | CLOSED |
| Dominican Republic: Tierra Caribe | A | 3 Weeks | June 16 - July 7 | May 19 | CLOSED |
| Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros | A | 3 Weeks | June 24 - July 15 | May 27 | CLOSED |
- Go beyond travel and become part of a new community
- Make real friendships that last a lifetime
- Volunteer and learn about ethical service
- Improve your Spanish by using it in everyday conversation
- Experience a new culture
- Earn 24+ service hours
- Gain confidence and leadership skills that prepare you for college and beyond!
- Earn two college credits on 3+ week projects
AMIGOS programs provide a unique opportunity to experience a new culture as a local, not a tourist. Volunteers report increased fluency in Spanish after going through our program. Activities go far beyond the classroom — you’ll lead activities in Spanish, learn local slang, and increase your confidence with real-world practice. You will not believe how fast your Spanish improves when you use it in conversation every day!
AMIGOS works with trusted local partner organizations to identify communities that are passionate and committed to working with our volunteers on community service projects. It has been our experience that a service project is sustainable only when the community owns it and participates in the effort. In our in-person programs, you will collaborate on a service project with volunteers your own age as well as community members. You’ll earn at least 24 service hours.
AMIGOS is the industry leader in health and safety management. Our staff is prepared to help you with any situation that may arise. Each volunteer receives a personalized emergency plan, as well as support from local staff teams and a professional 24-hour On-Call Safety Team of travel specialists, doctors, and mental health specialists. AMIGOS also has an established network of vetted medical clinics and hospitals throughout the region.
Volunteers must meet the general health criteria for participation in AMIGOS programs and receive all the required immunizations. Learn more about our health and safety system.
Prepare for AMIGOS through guided training in topics like:
- Multicultural understanding;
- Health and safety;
- Community development;
- Travel safety;
- Spanish;
- Leadership; and
- Team building.
At the beginning of your program, you’ll train with your group of fellow volunteers. During your time in the program, you’ll meet regularly with an AMIGOS staff member who serves as your mentor. Finally, at the end of your service, come together again as a group to participate in debriefing — putting what you learned in context, preparing to go home, and going on fun excursions (in-person only).
Earn two college credits through our partnership with Western Colorado University!
Don’t miss out on must-see spots near your AMIGOS community! You’ll travel as a group to experience unique destinations your area has to offer, like volcanoes, ancient ruins, national parks, and historical sites. You’ll get to see these places from the distinct perspective of someone who has learned about the culture firsthand. Plus, you’ll bond with their fellow volunteers and have fun!
You’ll receive a leadership certificate upon completion of any AMIGOS program. Build your leadership skills by identifying your strengths, exploring your interests, and experience with project management.