Students who are looking for an introduction to travel and service abroad. Students will divide their time between group housing and a short homestay. During the homestay, the group will meet for daily activities.
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.
Combination of dormitory-style lodging and homestays. The homestays will all be in the same community. Volunteers will be placed in groups of two or three, or individually.
This program is primarily located in the central mountains of the Perez Zeledon province. Rain and high humidity are common, and temperatures range from the low 70s to the low 90s.
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 has built strong relationships with our partner agencies and host families. We are so excited to continue these relationships in the summer of 2025!
Length | Requirements | Dates | Ages | Application Deadline |
Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Session A | 2 Weeks |
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 11 – June 25, 2025 |
15–19 |
Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024 Local Chapter: Jan 21, 2025 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 National Chapter - June Departures: April 8, 2025 |
$4,775 – National Chapter $4,475 – Local Chapters Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included. |
Session B | 2 Weeks |
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 1 –July 15, 2025 |
15–19 |
Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024 Local Chapter: Jan 21, 2025 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 National Chapter - July Departures: May 14, 2025 |
$4,775 – National Chapter $4,475 – Local Chapters Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included. |
Session C | 2 Weeks |
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 21 – Aug 8, 2025 |
15–19 |
Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024 Local Chapter: Jan 21, 2025 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 National Chapter - July Departures: May 14, 2025 |
$4,775 – National Chapter $4,475 – Local Chapters 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 11 – June 25, 2025
$4,775 – National Chapter
$4,475 – Local Chapters
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 1 –July 15, 2025
$4,775 – National Chapter
$4,475 – Local Chapters
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 21 – Aug 8, 2025
$4,775 – National Chapter
$4,475 – Local Chapters
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included.
Spend part of your time living with a host family! Practice your Spanish with your host family and even learn some local slang. Relax in the region’s tropical cloud forest and learn the true meaning of pura vida.
Earn 24 service hours while volunteering with a women’s association and nature reserve. Both of these organizations collaborate with the shared goals of protecting local biodiversity and generating income through conservation.
I’ve learned so many skills that I know I’ll use for the rest of my life. The rich experiences I’ve had and shared in a whole different country have been like no other.
–Flynn, Costa Rica Volunteer, 2022
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 live with a host family and 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, get to know your host family, 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!
Get to know Costa Rica from a local perspective! Explore an area few tourists get to see. Do hands-on volunteering in a national park and experience the pristine nature around you. Make friends from Costa Rica, learn about their culture, and share experiences together.
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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