Students who are looking for an introduction to travel and service abroad. Students will travel and live with the group and AMIGOS staff for the duration of the program.
Most meals will be typical Costa Rican food, which can include a plate with meat or eggs, rice and beans, vegetables, and salad. This project is vegetarian-friendly.
Dormitory style lodging in multiple locations, including hostels and eco-lodges.
This program is primarily located off the southwest coast in the Puntarenas and San Jose regions of Costa Rica. Volunteers should expect temperatures in the 80s and high humidity and rain.
pura vida = life is good, cool
tuanis = cool
Earn 24 service hours while supporting local conservation initiatives.
AMIGOS has operated in Costa Rica for more than 35 years and in that time has built strong relationships with our partner agencies and host families. We are so excited to be continuing these relationships in the summer of 2025!
This experience will give you an opportunity to practice your Spanish while volunteering with two amazing environmental conservation organizations! You will dive into Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity by contributing to conservation through wildlife inventories, trail maintenance, and turtle nursery setup. You will also explore community and private conservation reserve initiatives.
Length | Requirements | Dates | Ages | Application Deadline |
Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Session A | 12 Days |
No Spanish experience required Passport valid 6 months after project end date Pre-departure training, online or in-person Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring |
June 26 – July 7, 2025 |
13–14 |
Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 Final Deadline: April 8, 2025 |
$4,575 Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
Session B | 12 Days |
No Spanish experience required Passport valid 6 months after project end date Pre-departure training, online or in-person Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring |
July 11 – July 22, 2025 |
13-14 |
Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 Final Deadline: May 14, 2025 |
$4,575 Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
Session C | 12 Days |
No Spanish experience required Passport valid 6 months after project end date Pre-departure training, online or in-person Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring |
July 28 – August 8, 2025 |
13–14 |
Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 Final Deadline: May 14, 2025 |
$4,575 Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
No Spanish experience required
Passport valid 6 months after project end date
Pre-departure training, online or in-person
Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring
June 26 – July 7, 2025
$4,575
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included
No Spanish experience required
Passport valid 6 months after project end date
Pre-departure training, online or in-person
Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring
July 11 – July 22, 2025
$4,575
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included
No Spanish experience required
Passport valid 6 months after project end date
Pre-departure training, online or in-person
Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring
July 28 – August 8, 2025
$4,575
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included
Earn 24 service hours while collaborating with two different partner agencies. First, volunteer with an environmental association that focuses on biodiversity and conservation education. Then, volunteer with a private conservation reserve that protects sea turtles (among other local wildlife) in the buffer zones of Marino Ballena National Park.
Day 1: San Jose – Arrive in Costa Rica, stay the night in a hostel with the group
Day 2-5: Rivas, San Jose Province – Dorm-style lodging. Participate in briefing activities as volunteers split into groups and rotate through several ecological reserves supporting conservation efforts
Day 6-11: Biological Center, Puntarenas Province – Dorm-style lodging on the coast. Service activities include beach clean-up and supporting the sea turtle nursery. Engage in a youth exchange with a nearby community
Day 12: San Jose – Return to San Jose for the night before flying out the next day.
AMIGOS is a fun experience but at the same time, it’s meaningful. It gave me a more globalized perspective and allowed me to grow.
–Sofia, Montañas y Mar Volunteer
Learn how to create ethical service initiatives by working with–not for–a community, engaging local organizations and partners, and evaluating the impact of your work. AMIGOS works with trusted local partners that are passionate and committed to working with our volunteers on community service projects.
Cultural humility is a process of both self-reflection about your own culture as well as learning about other cultures. You will examine your own beliefs and cultural identity and gain an understanding of how structural racism has impacted societies and the roles that communities can take to lead systemic change.
Learn, grow, and discover your leadership potential! Explore your sense of purpose and start to establish your personal goals and values through introspection and inquiry.
AMIGOS programs provide a unique opportunity to experience a new culture. Volunteers report increased fluency in Spanish after completing 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!
Travel to must-see spots in your host country! You’ll travel as a group to experience unique destinations like volcanoes, ancient ruins, national parks, and historical sites. You’ll get to see these places from the distinct perspective of someone who has spent time in that country and learned about the culture firsthand. Plus, you’ll bond with their fellow volunteers and have fun!
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. A Health and Wellness Coordinator is on staff with the group throughout the duration of their stay. AMIGOS also has an established network of vetted medical clinics and hospitals throughout the region.
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