Explore community efforts to adapt to climate change in Costa Rica! From the mangroves of the Caribbean coast to the cloud forests of Monteverde, 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 on this program!

Just three spots left on Session A! Apply now!

Length Training
Dates		 In-Country
Dates		 Ages Application
Deadline		 Price
Session A - 3 Spots Left! 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 29–July 19

 15–22 April 15 - Apply now!

$5,575

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 27–Aug 16

 15–22 May 15 - Apply now!

$5,575

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 - 3 Spots Left!
  • 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 29–July 19

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

    $5,575

    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 27–Aug 16

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

    $5,575

    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.

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 Monteverde cloud forest. Meet community members who are taking action to adapt their environmental protection efforts to the challenges of climate change!

 

Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica
Find out more about this program

Join an online info session!

RSVP HERE

Spotlight on Conservation and Climate Change

The Cloud Forest & Caribbean

You will spend part of your time in Monteverde, a mountainous, ecotourism-based economy, and the rural beachside community of Parismina.

Monteverde: Explore how private conservation efforts led to the rise of ecotourism in the area. Meet local community members and learn how ecotourism has impacted their lives.

Parismina: 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
  • Visit a butterfly farm and a handcraft fair
  • Explore Tortuguero National Park
  • Reach new heights on hanging bridges in a private nature reserve

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 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 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.

Apply Now

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.

AMIGOS has just been an opportunity for me to grow as a person and become the best version of me possible. That’s pretty much why I came here—just to grow and have a great experience and learn more about myself and other cultures. It’s just been fantastic.

—Lex, 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
Resources
Apply Now

Get Social with Us!

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Apr 13

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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. ...

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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. ...

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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. ...

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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. ...

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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! ...

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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. ...

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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 ...

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Apr 2

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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. ...

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