Are you ready to jump into adventure in Costa Rica? Travel to the famed Monteverde Cloud Forest to explore how climate change is affecting local communities. Spend time on the Caribbean coast volunteering with a wildlife and ecological conservation initiative. Immerse yourself in the lush wilderness of Costa Rica's cloud forests, rolling hills, and tranquil Caribbean while you unplug with us this summer.

Session A is full. Apply for Session B by May 15!

Length Training
Dates		 In-Country
Dates		 Ages Application
Deadline		 Price
Session A [FULL] 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 15–July 5 [FULL]

 15–22 Session A is full. Apply for Session B, choose a different project, or join the waitlist

$5,875

Financial assistance is still available! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

If you deferred your participation from a 2020 program, your fee may be lower. Please contact Krista Boscoe at [email protected] for pricing and application details.
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 12–August 2

 15–22 May 15 - Apply now!

$5,875

Financial assistance is still available! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

If you deferred your participation from a 2020 program, your fee may be lower. Please contact Krista Boscoe at [email protected] for pricing and application details.
  • Session A [FULL]
  • 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 15–July 5 [FULL]

  • Ages
    15–22
  • Application Deadline
    Session A is full. Apply for Session B, choose a different project, or join the waitlist
  • Price

    $5,875

    Financial assistance is still available! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

    If you deferred your participation from a 2020 program, your fee may be lower. Please contact Krista Boscoe at [email protected] for pricing and application details.

  • 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 12–August 2

  • Ages
    15–22
  • Application Deadline
    May 15 - Apply now!
  • Price

    $5,875

    Financial assistance is still available! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

    If you deferred your participation from a 2020 program, your fee may be lower. Please contact Krista Boscoe at [email protected] for pricing and application details.

About the Project

Project Type

Pod-based. Maximum enrollment is 20, with two spots reserved for students from Costa Rica.

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?

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. Plus, you’ll get to travel to two distinct regions in Costa Rica, getting to meet local people who are taking action to counter the effects of climate change.

 

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Carretera a Reserva de Monteverde, Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Disconnect to Reconnect

Tico Culture

Two spots on this project are reserved for youth from Costa Rica, so you’ll get an in-depth experience with local culture. Practice your Spanish and even learn some local slang! Relax in nature and learn the true meaning of pura vida.

 

Partner AgencY

We will support an NGO that supports sea turtle conservation and environmental work. Earn 40 service hours while volunteering.

 

Example Activities

  • Explore Costa Rica’s famous national parks and protected areas
  • Hike to a rushing waterfall
  • Enjoy the rich aroma of locally-grown coffee
  • Spot wildlife like toucans, butterflies, and monkeys!
Apply now!

Click Here

A Day in the Life

Days 1–10* (Quarantine Period)

  • Wake up and have breakfast in small groups
  • Morning: Rotating schedule of activities, including Spanish classes, orientation, explore topics like food justice and sustainability in action
  • 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

*approximate

 

Day 11–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?

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

My favorite part of the experience was becoming a part of my community. Halfway through my time in Costa Rica, I stopped feeling like a visitor and started feeling like a true member of the community. It felt as if I had always lived there, talking to people I knew in the street and learning all the ins and outs of life there. It was so rewarding to experience life in a different way so fully.

—Sofia, Volunteer in Costa Rica

Program Requirements
  • Meet the health criteria for AMIGOS participation and follow the mental health procedures if necessary.
  • Receive required immunizations and medications
  • Be age 15–22 on the project start date
  • Have taken 2 years of Spanish or the equivalent
Resources
Apply Now

Get Social with Us!

amigos_americas

1,690

amigos_americas

View

Apr 13

Open
We're hiring part-time summer roles and year-long AmeriCorps VISTA members! Find out more at the Work With Us link in our bio.

We're hiring part-time summer roles and year-long AmeriCorps VISTA members! Find out more at the Work With Us link in our bio. ...

amigos_americas

View

Apr 12

Open
On the Colorado: Western Slope Project this summer, visit places like Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Lizard Head Recreation Area, and the Uncompaghre Wilderness! RSVP for Wednesday's info session about Colorado programs at the link in our bio.

On the Colorado: Western Slope Project this summer, visit places like Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Lizard Head Recreation Area, and the Uncompaghre Wilderness!

RSVP for Wednesday's info session about Colorado programs at the link in our bio. ...

amigos_americas

View

Apr 11

Open
Want to work with AMIGOS? We're hiring full-time and part-time roles starting this summer. Find out more about the Travel Specialist, Travel & On-Call Associate, AmeriCorps VISTA Marketing Associate, and AmeriCorps VISTA Outreach Associate roles at the link in our bio.

Want to work with AMIGOS? We're hiring full-time and part-time roles starting this summer.

Find out more about the Travel Specialist, Travel & On-Call Associate, AmeriCorps VISTA Marketing Associate, and AmeriCorps VISTA Outreach Associate roles at the link in our bio. ...

amigos_americas

View

Apr 9

Open
🎉 Announcing the Centennial Award for the Western Colorado Project this summer! 🎉 Financial assistance packages of $500–$2,500 are available specifically for students on this project who are passionate about conservation and service. More info & apply at the link in bio.

🎉 Announcing the Centennial Award for the Western Colorado Project this summer! 🎉

Financial assistance packages of $500–$2,500 are available specifically for students on this project who are passionate about conservation and service. More info & apply at the link in bio. ...

amigos_americas

View

Apr 8

Open
Just one week left to apply for Session A of our summer programs in Latin America! Submit your application by April 15th at the link in bio - pass this info along!

Just one week left to apply for Session A of our summer programs in Latin America!

Submit your application by April 15th at the link in bio - pass this info along! ...

amigos_americas

View

Apr 6

Open
Do you know that this year we're launching our first-ever project in Colorado? Explore how the West stays wild while supporting local conservation initiatives. Apply by April 15 and get $500 off your program fee! Apply link in bio.

Do you know that this year we're launching our first-ever project in Colorado? Explore how the West stays wild while supporting local conservation initiatives. Apply by April 15 and get $500 off your program fee!

Apply link in bio. ...

amigos_americas

View

Apr 5

Open
Quieres interactuar con otros jóvenes de tu país y de los Estados Unidos? Regístrate en nuestra SEGUNDA sesión informativa a través de este enlace y conoce más acerca de nuestros programas de servicio: ami.gs/conocermas

Quieres interactuar con otros jóvenes de tu país y de los Estados Unidos? Regístrate en nuestra SEGUNDA sesión informativa a través de este enlace y conoce más acerca de nuestros programas de servicio: ami.gs/conocermas ...

amigos_americas

View

Apr 2

Open
This summer, travel to the Caribbean coast and the Monteverde Cloud Forest to explore community-driven conservation and climate justice! Explore all programs at the link in our bio.

This summer, travel to the Caribbean coast and the Monteverde Cloud Forest to explore community-driven conservation and climate justice!

Explore all programs at the link in our bio. ...

Still deciding?

See more projects like this one!

3 Weeks
Ages 15–22

Costa Rica: Monteverde & Costa Atlántica


A: June 29–July 19 [3 spots left!]; B: July 27–Aug 16 Community-Driven Conservation & Climate Justice (Intro to Spanish)
3 Weeks
Ages 15–22

Ecuador: La Sierra


A: June 15–July 5 [FULL]; B: July 13–Aug 2 [FULL] Indigenous Rights & Food Security (Spanish Required)
SEE ALL PROGRAMS
Latest posts by lyoung (see all)