Explore community efforts to adapt to climate change in Costa Rica! From the mangroves of the Caribbean coast to the cloud forests, we will examine local conservation initiatives that have persisted despite challenges due to a changing climate. We will also dig into the root causes of climate change and how international actions can have a profound effect on local communities. There is no Spanish requirement, but you'll get to use introductory Spanish and take Spanish classes!

Length Training
Dates		 In-Country
Dates		 Ages Application
Deadline		 Price
Session A 3 weeks

Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.

June 8–28

 15–19 Apply now!

Early Decision Financial Assistance Deadline: December 6, 2021

Local Chapter Deadline: January 31, 2022

Final Deadline: April 19, 2022

$5,875: National Chapter

$4,375: Local Chapter

What are chapters? Find out more here.

Financial assistance is available! Apply by December 6. Learn more here.
Session B 3 Weeks

Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.

July 6–26

 15–19 Apply now!

Early Decision Financial Assistance Deadline: December 6, 2021

Local Chapter Deadline: January 31, 2022

Final Deadline: May 17, 2022

$5,875: National Chapter

$4,375: Local Chapter

What are chapters? Find out more here.

Financial assistance is available! Apply by December 6. Learn more here.
  • Session A
  • Length
    3 weeks
  • Training Dates

    Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.

  • In-Country Dates

    June 8–28

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    Apply now!

    Early Decision Financial Assistance Deadline: December 6, 2021

    Local Chapter Deadline: January 31, 2022

    Final Deadline: April 19, 2022
  • Price

    $5,875: National Chapter

    $4,375: Local Chapter

    What are chapters? Find out more here.

    Financial assistance is available! Apply by December 6. Learn more here.

  • Session B
  • Length
    3 Weeks
  • Training Dates

    Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.

  • In-Country Dates

    July 6–26

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    Apply now!

    Early Decision Financial Assistance Deadline: December 6, 2021

    Local Chapter Deadline: January 31, 2022

    Final Deadline: May 17, 2022
  • Price

    $5,875: National Chapter

    $4,375: Local Chapter

    What are chapters? Find out more here.

    Financial assistance is available! Apply by December 6. Learn more here.

About the Project

Project Type

Pod-based. Maximum enrollment is 20.

Slang

pura vida = life is good, cool
tuanis = cool

Food

Pinto (rice and black beans), plantains, tortillas
Great for vegetarians!

AMIGOS History in the Region

AMIGOS has worked in Costa Rica for more than 35 years.

What makes this project unique?

You’ll get to travel to two distinct regions in Costa Rica: the Caribbean coast and the volcanic valleys of Cartago Province. Meet local institutions and community members who are taking action to adapt their environmental protection efforts to the challenges of climate change!

 

Unnamed Road, Provincia de Cartago, Costa Rica
Find out more about our programs

Join an online info session!

RSVP HERE

Spotlight on Conservation and Climate Change

Cartago Province & THE Caribbean

You will spend part of your time in the agricultural hub of the Cartago Province, a farming region filled with rivers and mountains, and a rural coastal community nestled between tributaries and jungle.

Cartago Province: Explore how education and private conservation efforts have contributed to agricultural research in the process of adapting to climate change. Meet local producers and how climate change has impacted their farms.

Caribbean Coast: Focus on community-based initiatives to adapt to climate change as well as the impact of climate change on coastal communities. Support wildlife protection by setting up sea turtle nurseries, identifying nests, and other needs.

 

Partner Agencies

Volunteer with a sea turtle protection and environmental education organization. Earn 40 service hours while supporting local initiatives.

 

Example Activities

  • Take a Costa Rican cooking and dance class
  • Volunteer at a botanical garden and with nightly sea turtle patrols
  • Explore Tortuguero National Park
  • Visit a handcraft fair and hike a volcano

A Day in the Life

Days 1–6 (Quarantine Period)

  • Wake up and have breakfast in small groups
  • Morning: Rotating schedule of activities, including Spanish classes, orientation, explore topics like conservation in Costa Rica and community adaptation to climate change
  • Lunch outside
  • Afternoon: Rotating schedule of activities—Spanish classes, briefing, etc. in small groups
  • Free time to explore the grounds
  • Dinner in small groups
  • After Dinner: free time, fun group activities

 

Day 7–End of Project

  • Wake up and eat breakfast as a group
  • Morning: volunteer on a community service project, take part in fun intercultural and leadership activities
  • Lunch outside
  • Afternoon: travel to local farms, nature preserves, and take tours with local organizations. Meet local community members and take part in fun activities led by the group!
  • Dinner
  • After Dinner: fun group bonding, free time to relax

Program Pillars

Ethical Service

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

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.

Leadership

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.

Ready to apply?

Click here

Why Choose AMIGOS?

Have an Adventure

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!

Travel with Trust

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.

Training for AMIGOS and Beyond

Prepare for AMIGOS through guided training in topics like: cultural humility, health and safety, emotional intelligence, travel safety, Spanish, leadership, and team building.

Upon arrival in the field, you’ll start country-specific training with your pod. During your time abroad, you’ll meet regularly with an AMIGOS staff member who serves as your mentor.

It was truly the best experience I have had. I made so many great memories and even greater friends. We learned important things about the world around us can carry our lessons over to our lives at home.

–Avian, 2021 Volunteer

Program Requirements
  • Meet the health criteria for AMIGOS participation and follow the mental health procedures if necessary.
  • Receive required immunizations and medications
  • Be age 15–19 on the project start date
Resources
Apply Now

Field Notes

Monteverde Updates from Jayna and Aydin

Monteverde & Costa Atlántica, Costa Rica


Read More
Monteverde Updates from Dean and Tres

Monteverde & Costa Atlántica, Costa Rica


Read More
Monteverde: Intro to the Project

Monteverde & Costa Atlántica, Costa Rica


Read More

amigos_americas_costarica

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amigos_americas_costarica

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Sep 2

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Want to join AMIGOS this fall? Apply by September 6 for the Social Impact Accelerator! Head to @amigos_americas to learn more.

Want to join AMIGOS this fall? Apply by September 6 for the Social Impact Accelerator! Head to @amigos_americas to learn more. ...

amigos_americas_costarica

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Sep 1

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New AMIGOS programs for summer 2022 just announced today! Head to @amigos_americas to find out more 🙌

New AMIGOS programs for summer 2022 just announced today! Head to @amigos_americas to find out more 🙌 ...

amigos_americas_costarica

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Aug 18

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Hey Monteverde volunteers! We miss you already 💚 Don’t forget to follow our main account @amigos_americas to stay up to date with AMIGOS, and tag them if you share photos from your summer experience!

Hey Monteverde volunteers! We miss you already 💚

Don’t forget to follow our main account @amigos_americas to stay up to date with AMIGOS, and tag them if you share photos from your summer experience! ...

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