From farming and coffee growing to conservation and wildlife corridors, explore how local communities in southern Costa Rica practice sustainable development. Volunteer with women-led community organizations that are transforming the buffer zones of protected areas! Stay at a nature reserve and a lodge in the rolling hills of the Brunca region! Immerse yourself by living with a host family and learning how farmers support conservation.
Length Training
Dates
In-Country
Dates
Ages Application
Deadline
Price
Session A - Closed 3 weeks

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

June 7–27, 2023

15–19 The deadline for Session A has passed.

$4,375 – Local Chapter (Find out more about joining AMIGOS through a local chapter here)

$5,875 – National Chapter

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

Session B 3 Weeks

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

July 5–25, 2023

15–19 Session B is now full.

$4,375 – Local Chapter (Find out more about joining AMIGOS through a local chapter here)

$5,875 – National Chapter

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

  • Session A - Closed
  • Length
    3 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 7–27, 2023

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    The deadline for Session A has passed.
  • Price

    $4,375 – Local Chapter (Find out more about joining AMIGOS through a local chapter here)

    $5,875 – National Chapter

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

  • Session B
  • Length
    3 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 5–25, 2023

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    Session B is now full.
  • Price

    $4,375 – Local Chapter (Find out more about joining AMIGOS through a local chapter here)

    $5,875 – National Chapter

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

About the Project

Project Type

Group living and homestay. Maximum enrollment is 20, with two spots reserved for students from Costa Rica.

Slang

pura vida = life is good, cool
tuanis = cool

College Credit

Get two college credits for this project! Find out more here.

Food

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

Service Hours

Earn 36 service hours while supporting local sustainable development initiatives.

AMIGOS History in the Region

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

What makes this project unique?

This experience will be led in Spanish and English, so you’ll get a chance to use your language skills in Costa Rica! Plus, two spots on this project are reserved for students from Costa Rica so you’ll have the chance to make friends across borders.

You will learn from local farmers and associations about how they complement agriculture and conservation in the buffer zones of biological corridors where they live. Volunteer at biological corridors, private conservation reserves, and national parks. Practice Spanish and learn about the local culture while living with a host family!

 

Las Quebradas Biological Center, San José Province, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica

Spotlight on Sustainable Development

PURA VIDA

Two spots on this project are reserved for youth from Costa Rica and you’ll get to spend about half your time living with a local host family! Practice your Spanish and even learn some local slang. Relax in nature and learn the true meaning of pura vida.

 

La Brunca Region

You will spend your time in Costa Rica in the south of the country at the foothills of two important national parks. These buffer zones play a vital role in the biological corridors and are some of the most fertile lands for farming. We will learn how conservation and farming can co-exist together to promote sustainable development in the communities that will host us.

 

Partner Agencies

Volunteer with women-led organizations working in agrobiodiversity as well as coastal conservation. Earn 36 service hours while volunteering.

 

Example Activities

  • Volunteer at a biological reserve and at coffee farms
  • Visit women’s groups that live and work in the buffer zones of biological corridors
  • Hike in the foothills of the Amistad National Park
  • Learn how to make homemade ice cream and enjoy it with your host family and new friends
Join an online info session!

RSVP Here
A group of people picking up trash

A Day in the Life

Perez Zeledon: Site 1

  • Wake up and have breakfast of rice, beans, eggs, and coffee
  • Volunteer with an environmental conservation center planting trees or supporting in the nursery
  • Visit a protected biological corridor and a family-owned sugar mill
  • Lunch outside
  • Rotating schedule of activities—Spanish classes, briefing, etc. in small groups, volunteering with the partner agency
  • Free time to explore the grounds
  • Dinner in small groups
  • After Dinner: free time, fun group activities

 

Biolley: Site 2

  • Wake up and eat breakfast with your host family
  • Volunteer with a women’s organization that produces coffee and supports local conservation. Take part in activities like gardening, trail maintenance, harvesting coffee, and planting trees.
  • Learn to cook traditional Costa Rican food and have lunch with your host family
  • Visit a women’s organization in a small local community. Tour a chocolate farm and handcraft fair.
  • Tour Amistad International Park, a protected area split between Costa Rica and Panama
  • Dinner in small groups
  • After Dinner: free time, fun group activities

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.

Join the Waitlist

Click Here

Why Choose AMIGOS?

Practice Spanish

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!

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.

Find out more about our programs

Join an online info session!

RSVP HERE
A group of students facing another group of students outdoors

I was super nervous at first, but these three weeks have been some of the best of my life. I’ve created the best relationships and had some of the biggest core memories. I wouldn’t exchange this experience for anything.

–Ellie, Costa Rica Volunteer, 2022

Program Requirements
Apply Now

Field Notes

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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