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!

Last-minute spots open on Session B! Apply ASAP!

Length Training
Dates		 In-Country
Dates		 Ages Application
Deadline		 Price
Session A 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 The deadline for Session A has passed. Apply for Session B!

$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 Last-minute spots open - 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
  • 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
    The deadline for Session A has passed. Apply for Session B!
  • 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
    Last-minute spots open - 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 our programs

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 1–6 (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 7–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

Field Notes

Reporting from Monteverde

Monteverde & Costa Atlántica, Costa Rica


Read More
Monteverde & Costa Atlantica: Meet Your Project Staff

Monteverde & Costa Atlántica, Costa Rica


Read More

amigos_americas

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amigos_americas

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Jun 21

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Meet Lauren, the Project Director on the Nueva Segovia y Leon, Nicaragua project this summer! "My name is Lauren and I am the Project Director for the summer 2021 program in Nicaragua. I am originally from Boston, but I earned my B.A. in Spanish at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. I really enjoy working with young adults, as well as exposing myself to new cultures. As such, I am looking forward to a meaningful and exciting summer in Nicaragua with all of our volunteers. ¡Hola! Me llamo Lauren, y soy la Directora del Proyecto en Nicaragua este verano. Soy de Boston, y hice mi bachillerato en Español en el College of Charleston. Además de viajar, me gusta mucho apoyar a adultos jóvenes a desarrollar sus capacidades y compartir mi pasión por viajar. Espero poder pasar un verano significativo con todos los voluntarios."

Meet Lauren, the Project Director on the Nueva Segovia y Leon, Nicaragua project this summer!

"My name is Lauren and I am the Project Director for the summer 2021 program in Nicaragua. I am originally from Boston, but I earned my B.A. in Spanish at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. I really enjoy working with young adults, as well as exposing myself to new cultures. As such, I am looking forward to a meaningful and exciting summer in Nicaragua with all of our volunteers.

¡Hola! Me llamo Lauren, y soy la Directora del Proyecto en Nicaragua este verano. Soy de Boston, y hice mi bachillerato en Español en el College of Charleston. Además de viajar, me gusta mucho apoyar a adultos jóvenes a desarrollar sus capacidades y compartir mi pasión por viajar. Espero poder pasar un verano significativo con todos los voluntarios." ...

amigos_americas

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Jun 18

Open
Today, our staff are observing Juneteenth as a paid holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States and was long overdue for federal recognition as a national holiday. AMIGOS believes honoring this holiday is one small step towards creating a more just and equitable society for everyone. We encourage everyone to spend this time in reflection, education, and action in service of racial justice. Below, we have included a link to resources to celebrate, understand the history, and recognize the importance of commemorating this holiday. Sam Collins, co-chair of the Juneteenth Legacy Project says: "Juneteenth celebrates the evolution of our country to a more perfect union. We were not perfect in 1528, 1619, 1776, 1865 — or even today in 2021. But hopefully by studying this history and expanding the narrative to tell a more complete story of what happened, we will get a truer sense of our American history." Additional resources are outlined at the link in our bio. Image: Juneteenth Flag designed by activist Ben Haith in 1997

Today, our staff are observing Juneteenth as a paid holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States and was long overdue for federal recognition as a national holiday. AMIGOS believes honoring this holiday is one small step towards creating a more just and equitable society for everyone. We encourage everyone to spend this time in reflection, education, and action in service of racial justice. Below, we have included a link to resources to celebrate, understand the history, and recognize the importance of commemorating this holiday.

Sam Collins, co-chair of the Juneteenth Legacy Project says: "Juneteenth celebrates the evolution of our country to a more perfect union. We were not perfect in 1528, 1619, 1776, 1865 — or even today in 2021. But hopefully by studying this history and expanding the narrative to tell a more complete story of what happened, we will get a truer sense of our American history."

Additional resources are outlined at the link in our bio.

Image: Juneteenth Flag designed by activist Ben Haith in 1997 ...

amigos_americas

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Jun 17

Open
Looking for a gap program? Applications are open for our Gap Program in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colorado! Emma, an AMIGOS Gap Program volunteer, says, "The things you will learn and experience, the relationships you will build, and the joy and love you will feel are irreplaceable and will remain with you through the rest of your life." Explore our programs at the link in our bio!

Looking for a gap program? Applications are open for our Gap Program in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colorado!

Emma, an AMIGOS Gap Program volunteer, says, "The things you will learn and experience, the relationships you will build, and the joy and love you will feel are irreplaceable and will remain with you through the rest of your life."

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

amigos_americas

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Jun 15

Open
Updates from the field! Volunteers arrived in Nicaragua and Costa Rica last week, on the @amigosnuevasegovia and @amigoslossantos_cr projects. In Los Santos, volunteers have enjoyed morning hikes and card games during the day. Stay tuned for more updates!

Updates from the field! Volunteers arrived in Nicaragua and Costa Rica last week, on the @amigosnuevasegovia and @amigoslossantos_cr projects.

In Los Santos, volunteers have enjoyed morning hikes and card games during the day.

Stay tuned for more updates! ...

amigos_americas

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Jun 15

Open
Saludos desde Costa Rica! Our staff teams on our Montanas y Mar and Costa Atlantica projects are so excited to greet volunteers, who will arrive tomorrow for @amigosmontanasymar and June 29 for @amigosmonteverde! Check out this short video introduction to the projects — can you guess the animal that our volunteers will support wildlife protection efforts for? (Hint: they nest on the beaches!)

Saludos desde Costa Rica!

Our staff teams on our Montanas y Mar and Costa Atlantica projects are so excited to greet volunteers, who will arrive tomorrow for @amigosmontanasymar and June 29 for @amigosmonteverde!

Check out this short video introduction to the projects — can you guess the animal that our volunteers will support wildlife protection efforts for? (Hint: they nest on the beaches!) ...

amigos_americas

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Jun 12

Open
Curious about how to find the right gap program for you? First, make sure the programs you're researching are accredited by the Gap Year Association (ours are accredited too!) After that, consider these five factors when choosing a gap program: 1. Consider the Program Outcomes 2. Consider Your Interests 3. Consider the Time Frame 4. Consider the Destination 5. Consider the Program Theme Read more about each of these reasons, and explore AMIGOS Gap Programs, at the link in our bio!

Curious about how to find the right gap program for you?

First, make sure the programs you're researching are accredited by the Gap Year Association (ours are accredited too!) After that, consider these five factors when choosing a gap program:

1. Consider the Program Outcomes
2. Consider Your Interests
3. Consider the Time Frame
4. Consider the Destination
5. Consider the Program Theme

Read more about each of these reasons, and explore AMIGOS Gap Programs, at the link in our bio! ...

amigos_americas

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Jun 11

Open
Today is your LAST chance to complete our alumni engagement survey! Every day, our alumni fulfill our vision of a world where all people are lifelong leaders sharing responsibility for our global community. Your feedback will help us develop an alumni engagement program that complements our work and brings alumni like you together in the ways that you desire. Link in bio! ¡Hoy es su última oportunidad de completar nuestra encuesta de participación de ex alumnos! Cada día, nuestros alumnos cumplen nuestra visión de un mundo en el que todas las personas sean líderes de por vida que comparten la responsabilidad de nuestra comunidad global. Sus respuestas nos ayudarán a desarrollar un programa de participación de ex alumnos, que complementa nuestro trabajo y reúne a ex alumnos como usted de la manera que desee. ¡El enlace a la encuesta está en nuestra bio!

Today is your LAST chance to complete our alumni engagement survey!

Every day, our alumni fulfill our vision of a world where all people are lifelong leaders sharing responsibility for our global community. Your feedback will help us develop an alumni engagement program that complements our work and brings alumni like you together in the ways that you desire.

Link in bio!

¡Hoy es su última oportunidad de completar nuestra encuesta de participación de ex alumnos!
Cada día, nuestros alumnos cumplen nuestra visión de un mundo en el que todas las personas sean líderes de por vida que comparten la responsabilidad de nuestra comunidad global. Sus respuestas nos ayudarán a desarrollar un programa de participación de ex alumnos, que complementa nuestro trabajo y reúne a ex alumnos como usted de la manera que desee.

¡El enlace a la encuesta está en nuestra bio! ...

amigos_americas

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Jun 9

Open
In June, we recognize the origins and history of Pride Month. AMIGOS believes in the power and wisdom of queer voices, and we invite you to follow @them, @pride, @mpjinstitute, @glaad, and @queerty and check out the articles in our bio to learn more.

In June, we recognize the origins and history of Pride Month. AMIGOS believes in the power and wisdom of queer voices, and we invite you to follow @them, @pride, @mpjinstitute, @glaad, and @queerty and check out the articles in our bio to learn more. ...

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