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 - Full/Closed 2 weeks

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

June 15–28, 2023

15–19 This session is full.

$3,975 (National Chapter)

Fees include all in-country expenses. Flight costs are not included.

Session B - Full 2 Weeks

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

July 6–19, 2023

15–19 This session is full.

$3,975 (National Chapter)

Fees include all in-country expenses. Flight costs are not included.

Session C 2 Weeks

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

July 27–August 9, 2023

15–19 Deadline extended! Contact us at [email protected] for more details.

$3,975 (National Chapter)

Fees include all in-country expenses. Flight costs are not included.

  • Session A - Full/Closed
  • Length
    2 weeks
  • Training Dates

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

  • In-Country Dates

    June 15–28, 2023

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    This session is full.
  • Price

    $3,975 (National Chapter)

    Fees include all in-country expenses. Flight costs are not included.

  • Session B - Full
  • Length
    2 Weeks
  • Training Dates

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

  • In-Country Dates

    July 6–19, 2023

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    This session is full.
  • Price

    $3,975 (National Chapter)

    Fees include all in-country expenses. Flight costs are not included.

  • Session C
  • Length
    2 Weeks
  • Training Dates

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

  • In-Country Dates

    July 27–August 9, 2023

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    Deadline extended! Contact us at [email protected] for more details.
  • Price

    $3,975 (National Chapter)

    Fees include all in-country expenses. Flight costs are not included.

About the Project

Project Type

Live with a group while getting to know two different regions of Costa Rica! Maximum enrollment is 20.

Slang

pura vida = life is good, cool
tuanis = cool

Service Hours

Earn 24 service hours!

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
Several people dancing on the beach in 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 24 service hours while supporting local initiatives.

 

Example Activities

  • Take a Costa Rican cooking and dance class
  • Volunteer at a botanical garden and with wildlife conservation patrols
  • Explore Costa Rica’s famous national parks and protected areas
  • Hike to one of the highest volcanoes in the country

A Day in the Life

Days 1–6

  • Wake up and have a typical breakfast of rice, beans, eggs, and coffee
  • Morning: Volunteering at a tropical agriculture research station, learning about the impact of climate change on coffee and cacao crops
  • Take a farm tour run by a local women’s ecotourism organization
  • Lunch of rice, beans, meat/eggs, and tortillas
  • Afternoon: take part in a river clean-up or reforestation project
  • Free time to explore the grounds
  • Visit the Turrialba Volcano and explore the burnt forest
  • Dinner of soup and tortillas
  • After Dinner: free time, fun group activities

 

Day 7–End of Project

  • Wake up and eat breakfast as a group
  • Morning: volunteer with a sea turtle hatchery
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon: meet local community members and take part in fun activities led by the group!
  • Free time to explore the community
  • Play soccer with local kids
  • Dinner
  • After Dinner: fun group bonding, free time to relax, and sea turtle protection community service

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.

Apply Now

Apply Now
3 people walking down a dirt road

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.

AMIGOS is such a great opportunity to practice independence and meet teenagers from all over the country. There is a great balance between education and hands-on work and exploring the country. It felt like such an authentic trip because we had meaningful connections and communications with community members.

–Jesse, Costa Rica Volunteer, 2022

Program Requirements
Apply Now

Field Notes

Cartago y Caribe: Homemade Empanadas, Making Bracelets, and Tortuguero

Cartago y Caribe, Costa Rica


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Cartago y Caribe: Student Exchange, Typical Day, and Sea Turtles

Cartago y Caribe, Costa Rica


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Cartago y Caribe: Volunteering at CATIE, Cacao Farm, and more!

Cartago y Caribe, Costa Rica


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Llamado a todas las personas exparticipantes recientes de AMIGOS a aplicar al Acelerador de Impacto Social.

Es un programa virtual bilingüe. Las aplicaciones cierran el 30 de septiembre. šŸ¤—
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