Go Long to belong!
Go Long with AMIGOS
What does it mean to Go Long? With AMIGOS programs, opting for a longer experience has a ton of benefits. Why choose a longer program? For starters:
- Make more of an impact in your host community
- Earn more service hours
- Get (more!) college credit
- Improve your Spanish
- Create a profound and lasting relationship with your host family and host community
- Get more value for your training
- More time to unplug
- More independence
- Get more time abroad for your program fee (often going longer isn’t much of an increase in cost!)
- Explore your interests and understand yourself
- Find like-minded people and build meaningful friendships
What’s it like to live with a host family on an AMIGOS project? Watch the video!
Ecuador: Chimborazo – Unplug from your daily routine and wake up to the stunning Andes Mountains! Live with a host family in the Chimborazo province of the Ecuadorian highlands, where you’ll explore youth entrepreneurship by supporting microenterprises run by young people. You’ll get to lead workshops for children as well as support ventures like trout farms, rural tourism initiatives, and community banks. Practice your Spanish and maybe even learn some Kichwa! Go on excursions to places like the Chimborazo Volcano, a train tour of the Nariz del Diablo, or the Mitad del Mundo (the Equator).
Costa Rica: Los Santos – Spend six weeks living with a host family in the Los Santos region of Costa Rica. If you’re into coffee, you’ve probably heard of Dota, Tarrazu, and Frailes, where you’ll spend your time diving into food justice and coffee production! In addition to developing your own community service project, you’ll volunteer with coffee farming families doing activities like harvesting, planting trees, maintaining trails, supporting at the mill, and more. You’ll also visit places like Laguna don Miguel and women-owned coffee farms (and do a coffee tasting!).
Ecuador: Santa Elena – Become part of the community in the Santa Elena region of Ecuador’s Southern coast. You’ll live with a host family and get involved in ongoing youth empowerment efforts led by local partners. Take part in activities like beautification projects, public health workshops, and community gardens all while leading fun activities for children in the area. With other AMIGOS volunteers, explore the beach near Salinas where you might get to see humpback whales during their annual migration!
Panama: Coclé – Live with a host family near Penonomé while collaborating with the Ministry of Health on projects in local communities. Explore how environmental protection and community health go hand-in-hand as you volunteer on projects like leading activities for children about health-related topics, clearing streams and ponds in Omar Torrijos National Park, and planting trees. Spend a day at Santa Clara beach and get to see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from a mountaintop!
“You have to go into experiences that will be uncomfortable. That loss of comfort might allow something far more compelling to come into your life.”
–AMIGOS Alumnus Peter Fenton
| Length | Service Hours | College Credit* | Impact |
| Two Weeks | 24 | - | Get Inspired |
| Three Weeks | 36 | 2 credits | Get Involved |
| Four Weeks | 48 | 3 credits | Belong |
| Six Weeks | 72 | 3 credits | Transform |
*College credit is available through Western Colorado University. Find out more about college credit here.
- Enrolled in Spanish 3 or above
- Has traveled before
- Enjoys independent experiences
- Likes to connect deeply with people and learn about different cultures
- Open to challenges and adventures
- Flexible and adaptable
Curious about whether a longer program is right for you? We’re here to help you find the best fit for your best summer, whether you’re joining AMIGOS for 2, 3, 4, or 6 weeks. Chat with an advisor or attend an info session to learn more!
