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Costa Rica: The Power of Participation
Civic Engagement, Environmental Education, and Sustainable Livelihoods
Students looking to step out of their comfort zone with more independence and the opportunity to create connections with community members with the support of supervisors and fellow volunteers. Volunteers will divide their time between group housing and a homestay, which includes meeting up with their group volunteering activities, co-leading recreational spaces for children with local youth, and planning community projects. During the community stay period, the group will be divided into three different communities in the same region. This project is a good fit for volunteers who like physical activity.
Receive college credit for joining this project! Learn more here.
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 group will be divided into three smaller groups for the homestay part of the program. Each group will stay with families in one of the three communities. Volunteers will live either in pairs or individually with host families.
This project is primarily situated in the central highlands, a significant coffee-growing region known as Zona de Los Santos. Rain is common during the project period, and temperatures typically range from the low 60s to the low 80s. The terrain is hilly.
pura vida = life is good, cool
tuanis = cool
Earn 36 service hours.
AMIGOS has operated in Costa Rica for more than 35 years and in that time has built strong relationships with our partner agencies and host families. We are so excited to be continuing these relationships in the summer of 2025!
Experience life with a host family in Costa Rica! In this region, AMIGOS operates a year-round youth leadership initiative. Live like a local by engaging in daily activities and making friends in your age group. This immersive experience will provide you with the opportunity to practice your Spanish language skills.
You will also participate in environmental conservation education alongside local youth, focusing on promoting waste management practices such as recycling and composting within the host communities.
| Length | Requirements | Dates | Ages | Application Deadline |
Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session A | 3 Weeks |
Minimum 2 years of Spanish 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 25–July 16, 2025 |
15–19 |
Local Chapter: Jan 21, 2025 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 National Chapter Final - June Departures: April 8, 2025 |
$6,275 – National Chapter $5,275 – Local Chapters Fees include all in-country expenses. Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included. |
| Session B | 3 Weeks |
Minimum 2 years of Spanish 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 22–Aug 12, 2025 |
15–19 |
Local Chapter: Jan 21, 2025 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 National Chapter Final - June Departures: April 8, 2025 |
$6,275 – National Chapter $5,275 – Local Chapters Fees include all in-country expenses. Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included. |
Minimum 2 years of Spanish
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 25–July 16, 2025
$6,275 – National Chapter
$5,275 – Local Chapters
Fees include all in-country expenses.
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included.
Minimum 2 years of Spanish
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 22–Aug 12, 2025
$6,275 – National Chapter
$5,275 – Local Chapters
Fees include all in-country expenses.
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included.
Sustainable livelihoods refer to ways of earning a living that:
Sustainable livelihoods balance economic, environmental, and social factors to ensure that communities can maintain or improve their quality of life in the long term without compromising the resources or opportunities for future generations.
The Power of Participation project is the perfect stepping stone into the Social Impact Accelerator. During your time in Costa Rica, you’ll gain hands-on experience in civic engagement and environmental action, working alongside local youth to create meaningful change.
Building on those skills, the Social Impact Accelerator helps you take the next step by designing and implementing your own service project at home. With mentorship, funding, and leadership workshops, you’ll turn what you learned into action.
Day 1: San Jose – Arrive in Costa Rica and stay the night with the group in a hostel.
Day 2-4: Los Santos Region – Stay in dorm-style group lodging. Participate in briefing activities, including conservation workshops and community service at a tree nursery or reforestation site.
Day 5-18: Los Santos Communities – Stay with host families, either individually or in pairs, in one of three rural communities. Spend your days volunteering with a partner organization on conservation projects, such as trail work in nearby peaks or community-based environmental initiatives. In the afternoons, co-lead recreational activities for children alongside local youth. Enjoy a couple of half-day excursions during this time.
Day 19-20: Los Santos Region – Return to dorm-style group lodging for debriefing activities and reflection with the cohort.
Day 21: San Jose – Depart for home, adios AMIGOS!
🌟 Month Two in the GAP Bridge Year in Costa Rica! 🌍🎉
This month, students were fully immersed in Costa Rican life ☀️, completing an excursion to Los Santos region, learning the farm-to-cup journey of Costa Rican coffee and gaining insight into the dedication of local farmers ☕. Internships are in full swing, with students contributing to meaningful projects through partner agencies 💼💪. In their free time, they’re playing soccer ⚽, taking tennis lessons 🎾, hitting the gym, and bonding with local youth over all-you-can-eat pizza nights 🍕, building connections that deepen their community ties 🤝.
With 7 months ahead, many more adventures await! ❤️🤍💙
***
🌟 ¡Mes Dos en el GAP Year en Costa Rica! 🌍🎉
Este mes, las personas estudiantes se sumergieron completamente en la vida costarricense☀️, completando una excursión a la región de Los Santos, donde aprendieron el proceso completo del café, desde la finca hasta la taza, y apreciaron la dedicación de los agricultura local ☕. Las pasantías están en plena marcha, y están contribuyendo a proyectos significativos a través de nuestras agencias contrapartes 💼💪. En su tiempo libre, juegan fútbol ⚽️, toman clases de Tennis🎾 , van al gimnasio y se relacionan con jóvenes locales en noches de pizza 🍕, creando lazos que profundizan su conexión con la comunidad 🤝.
¡Con 7 meses por delante, esperan muchas aventuras más! ❤️🤍💙
✨ We are celebrating our first month in the GAP Bridge Year in Costa Rica! 🌍🎉
The students have been exploring the incredible landscapes of Perez Zeledon 🌿, sharing meaningful moments with local youth leaders and host families 🏡🤝. They have also had time to learn and practice their Spanish and we are also very excited because they have started their internships with our amazing partner agencies, gaining practical experience and contributing their knowledge 💼💪.
There are 8 months left and there are many more adventures to come! 🚀🌞 We are so proud of you 🩵
———————————-
✨ ¡Celebramos nuestro primer mes en el Año Puente GAP en Costa Rica! 🌍🎉 Estudiantes han estado explorando los increíbles paisajes de Pérez Zeledón 🌿, compartiendo momentos significativos con jóvenes líderes locales y familias anfitrionas 🏡🤝. También, han tenido tiempo de aprender y practicar su español y tambien estamos muy emocionados porque han comenzado sus pasantías con nuestras increíbles agencias asociadas, adquiriendo experiencia práctica y aportando sus conocimientos 💼💪.
¡Quedan 8 meses y hay muchas más aventuras por venir! 🚀🌞 Tenemos mucho orgullo de ustedes 🩵
Involucramiento de Jóvenes Latinoamericanos / Latin American Youth Involvement
Programa Jóvenes Líderes Locales 🇨🇷
Queremos felicitar y agradecer a cada una de las personas Jóvenes Líderes Locales que fueron parte de cada uno de los programas de AMIGOS en este período 2024.
En el Proyecto de Inmersión Comunitaria.
1. Asistieron a 4 encuentros presenciales donde aprendieron de liderazgo, género, sostenibilidad y otros💥
2. Realizaron proyectos de servicio en sus comunidades🎨🚸
3. Expusieron sobre el desarrollo de los proyectos de su comunidad y como fue su experiencia como Jóvenes Líderes Locales. 🎦
4. Tuvieron despedidas de jóvenes de USA en sus comunidades 👋🫂
5. Disfrutaron de una excursión antes de finalizar el programa en conjunto con participantes de AMIGOS 🌋🚌
En los Proyectos de Viaje Grupal
6. Impartieron clases de baile tradicional.💃🕺
7. Compartieron recetas tradicionales con participantes de AMIGOS. 🍲🥑
8. Enseñaron como abrir cocos y parte de sus tradiciones locales. 🥥🌴
9. Organizaron e impartieron clase se tamales ticos tradicionales. 🧑🍳🫔
Las personas Jóvenes locales pueden ser parte de excursiones, clases y talleres en conjunto con los participantes de AMIGOS.
Sin su presencia los proyectos no serían tan valiosos y esperamos que esta sea también una oportunidad valiosa y de mucho provecho.
#amigos #juventudes
Over the past 4 weeks, our Los Santos Session B volunteers have immersed themselves in the vibrant life of Costa Rica, working hard alongside the communities and forming deep bonds with their host families. 🇨🇷🦥☕️ From living with host families to immersing themselves in local culture, they gave their all and made a lasting impact. ⭐️ They’ve faced challenges, learned new skills, and created memories that will last a lifetime. We’re incredibly proud of their dedication and the growth they’ve shown. ❤️
1) Volunteers are shown planting new greenery at their briefing site, contributing to the area’s agriculture. 🌱
2) Los Santos has stunning views across all its communities, and here, the volunteers are enjoying the beauty of their community while on a hike. 🥾🌄
3) Zumba! The volunteers had the chance to join Zumba classes during their stay in the community! 🕺
4) We were thrilled to welcome our AMIGOS donors and president to Los Santos! They enjoyed a wonderful visit, including a fun tour of one of our host family’s beautiful gardens with our volunteers. 🪴🌳
5) The volunteers participated in an inspiring Encuentro with local youth leaders! 🗣️
6) Volunteers had the incredible opportunity to take the lead in schools by organizing and guiding extracurricular activities. 📚⚽️
7) For one of their service project, these volunteers painted signs to put around the community. 🪧
8) During the debriefing, volunteers continued with their service projects by planting new plants at the site and working diligently. 🌼🌿
9) The volunteers are shown having a great time around a bonfire! 🔥🪵
10) Our volunteers had the opportunity to go on an excursion to Irazú Volcano National Park with local youth leaders and had a fantastic time exploring the park. 🌋
After 9 adventurous weeks of living and learning in Costa Rica 🇨🇷 , Session C of the Los Santos Project has come to a close. ☕️ Our volunteers became a part of the community and their host families, creating bonds that will last far beyond these 9 weeks. These incredible volunteers embraced every challenge, grew in ways they never imagined, and made many lasting memories. We are proud of each and every one of you for your hard work and openness. ✨
1) Our volunteers spent time helping at their local strawberry farm! 🍓
2) In this community, the volunteers worked on their service project by building and painting furniture for the local school. 🪑
3) This volunteer had the opportunity to take in stunning views right from their host family’s home! 😍
4) Los Santos is important for coffee production in Costa Rica, and our volunteers were able to drink coffee that was produced by their host family’s coffee farms. ☕️
5) Each community offers breathtaking views, and these volunteers are captured on a hike, soaking in the stunning scenery. 🥾
6) Cooking with their host family was always a fun and delicious experience! 🥘
7) For one of their service project, these volunteers built a leading library for the community! 📚
8) In this photo, the volunteers are saying their heartfelt goodbyes to their host family. ❤️
9) Goodbyes can be hard. Each community threw a despedia to celebrate the volunteers’ time in the community. 🎉
10) Here is a video of the volunteers partaking in a Costa Rican Tradition during one the Encuentros with local youth leaders! 💃
Just like that, La Brunca D has completed their program! Over the past three weeks, not only were new jokes and vocabulary exchanged, but lifelong connections were formed among volunteers, community members, and partner agencies. We couldn’t be prouder of these youth leaders’ zeal, curiosity, and dedication to service. You’ll be missed! Curious about what we’ve been up to? Take a look below:
1. After touring the site with Bulls, the group poses for a photo at Dulce de la Montaña⛰️
2. Volunteers assist in mixing liquified sugar into dulce 🍭
3. After their service, volunteers take a photo by Biolley’s beautiful sign 📸
4. Students pose for a photo after learning about the El Parque de la Amistad
5. Students sort and peel Cocoa beans at Zuba Chocolate🍫
6. Youth learn how to make tamales at the local communal kitchen 🫔
7. Friends take a picture at the waterfall during the Dulce de la Montaña hike 🥾
8. Volunteers paint an AMIGOS sign at Fudeibol 🖌️
9. On the last day at Biolley, students take one last group picture outside of ASOMOBI
10. And of course, we have a recap video!! 🎥
At La Pezeta Session C, we have finally wrapped up our two-week adventure. 🇨🇷 From creating lifelong connections and memories to making lasting impacts with our partner organizations, La Pezeta has been an unforgettable experience. We are so proud of our hardworking, curious, and passionate volunteers and everything they have accomplished. Take a look at what our volunteers have been up to:
1. Exploring the San Isidro city center
2. Making tapa de dulce at Dulce de la Montaña
3. Admiring the local insects
4. Hard at work helping the incredible women of AMACOBAS
5. Enjoying their last day at the FUDEBIOL Biological reserve
6. Snacking on fresh Cacao
7. Preparing for planting season
8. Building trails on a bamboo plantation
9. Learning traditional Costa Rican dance
10. Hiking to a hidden waterfall
En La Pezeta Session C, finalmente hemos concluido nuestra aventura de dos semanas. Desde crear conexiones y recuerdos para toda la vida hasta generar impactos duraderos con nuestras organizaciones asociadas, La Pezeta ha sido una experiencia inolvidable. Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestros voluntarios trabajadores, curiosos y apasionados y de todo lo que han logrado. Eche un vistazo a lo que han estado haciendo nuestros voluntarios:
1. Explorando el centro de la ciudad San Isidro
2. Hacer tapa de dulce en Dulce de la Montaña
3. Admirar los insectos locales
4. Trabajando duro ayudando a las increíbles mujeres de AMACOBAS
5. Disfrutando de su último día en la Reserva Biológica FUDEBIOL
6. Comer cacao fresco como refrigerio
7. Preparándose para la temporada de siembra
8. Construyendo senderos
9. Aprender baile tradicional costarricense
10. Caminata a una cascada escondida
⛰️Thanks to Montanas y Mar Session C for making it a memorable session! These past two 2 weeks were packed full of trying new things, doing meaningful service work, meeting new people, and having fun! What a great way to wrap up the summer! 🌊
1. Participating in a beach clean-up ☀️
2. Painting a mural at an eco lodge 🎨
3. Taking a break to swim in the ocean during a whale tour 🐳
4. Planting trees at a farm 🌴
5. Learning tricks with local youth 🤸♂️
6. Preparing a turtle hatchery for turtle eggs 🥚
7. Visiting an animal sanctuary 🐒
8. Engaging in a youth exchange with locals from the circus 🎪
9. Hiking up Sendero Los Gigantes 🥾
10. Getting certificates of service from a partner agency ✉️
⛰️¡Gracias a Montañas y Mar Sesión C por hacer de esta una sesión inolvidable! Las últimas dos semanas estuvieron llenas de nuevas experiencias, trabajo de servicio significativo, conocer gente nueva y diversion. ¡Qué excelente manera de cerrar el verano! 🌊
1. Participación en una limpieza de playa ☀️
2. Pintura de un mural en una eco-alojamiento 🎨
3. Tomarse un descanso para nadar en el océano durante un tour de ballenas 🐳
4. Plantación de árboles en una finca 🌴
5. Aprender trucos con jóvenes locales 🤸♂️
6. Preparación de una vivero de tortugas para los huevos de tortuga 🥚
7. Visita a un santuario de animales 🐒
8. Intercambio juvenil con locales del circo 🎪
9.Senderismo en Sendero Los Gigantes 🥾
10. Recepción de certificados de servicio de una agencia contraparte ✉️
I had an amazing experience meeting lots of people and doing fun new activities. I always felt safe but was challenged and put into situations that helped broaden my worldview.
—Annie, 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 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!
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!
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.
See more projects like this one!