SUMMER VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS IN LATIN AMERICA


AMIGOS programs in Latin America give you the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica, Panama or Paraguay to explore an issue you're passionate about! Dive deep into coffee production, climate change adaptation, and marine conservation in Costa Rica, community-driven service initiatives with local youth leaders in Paraguay or biodiversity and sea turtle conservation in Panama.

What does an AMIGOS experience look and feel like? See our volunteers in action here, check out our fun reels, or take this quick quiz to find your perfect project.

Application Deadlines: All Projects with June start dates - 4/16/2024, All Projects with July start dates - 5/14/2024


Project and Session Ages Length Dates Availability
Paraguay: Tierra Guaraní - Session A 15-19 6 Weeks June 25 - August 6 Open
Costa Rica: La Brunca - Session A 15-19 3 Weeks June 13 - July 4 Full—Join waitlist!
Costa Rica: La Brunca - Session B 15-19 3 Weeks June 27 - July 18 Full—Join waitlist!
Costa Rica: La Brunca - Session C 15-19 3 Weeks July 11 - August 1 6 Spots Left!
Costa Rica: La Brunca - Session D 15-19 3 Weeks July 25 - August 15 6 Spots left!
Costa Rica: Los Santos - Session A 15-19 4 Weeks June 11-July 9 Filling Fast
Costa Rica: Los Santos - Session B 15-19 4 Weeks July 16-August 13 Open
Costa Rica: Los Santos - Session C 15-19 9 Weeks June 11-August 13 Open
Costa Rica: Montanas y Mar Session A 13-14 2 Weeks June 12–June 26 Full—Join waitlist!
Costa Rica: Montanas y Mar Session B 13-14 2 Weeks July 3 - July 17 Filling Fast
Costa Rica: Montanas y Mar Session C 13-14 2 Weeks July 24 - August 7 Filling Fast
Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros - Session A 15-19 3 Weeks June 6 - June 27 Full—Join waitlist!
Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros - Session B 15-19 3 Weeks June 19 - July 10 1 Spot Left!
Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros - Session C 15-19 3 Weeks July 3 - July 24 Full—Join waitlist!
Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros - Session D 15-19 3 Weeks July 17 - August 7 Full—Join waitlist!
Costa Rica: La Pezeta - Session A 15-19 2 Weeks June 18 - July 2 1 Spot Left!
Costa Rica: La Pezeta - Session B 15-19 2 Weeks July 9 - July 23 5 Spots Left!
Costa Rica: La Pezeta - Session C 15-19 2 Weeks July 31 - August 14 5 Spots left!
Panama: El Pacifico - Session A (15-19 year olds) 15-19 2 Weeks June 20 - July 4 Open
Panama: El Pacifico - Session B (13-14 year olds) 13-14 2 Weeks July 11 - July 25 8 spots left!
Panama: El Pacifico - Session C 1(5-19 year olds) 15-19 2 Weeks July 31 - August 14 Open
Panama: Tierras Altas - Session A 15-19 3 Weeks June 5 - June 26 Filling Fast!
Panama: Tierras Altas - Session B 15-19 3 Weeks June 12 - July 3 8 Spots Left!
Panama: Tierras Altas - Session C 15-19 3 Weeks July 3 - July 24 4 Spots Left!
Panama: Tierras Altas - Session D 15-19 3 Weeks July 10 - July 31 Open
Panama: El Valle de Anton - Session A 15-19 2 Weeks June 11 - June 25 4 Spots left!
Panama: El Valle de Anton - Session B 15-19 2 Weeks July 2 - July 16 Open
Panama: El Valle de Anton - Session C 15-19 2 Weeks July 23 - August 6 7 Spots Left!


Join an Info Session

What you'll do:
  • Go beyond travel and become part of a new community
  • Make real friendships that last a lifetime
  • Volunteer and learn about ethical service
  • Improve your Spanish by using it in everyday conversation
  • Experience a new culture
  • Earn 24+ service hours
  • Gain confidence and leadership skills that prepare you for college and beyond!
  • Earn two college credits on 3+ week projects

APPLY NOW


About AMIGOS Programs

AMIGOS programs provide a unique opportunity to experience a new culture as a local, not a tourist. Volunteers report increased fluency in Spanish after going through 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!

AMIGOS works with trusted local partner organizations to identify communities that are passionate and committed to working with our volunteers on community service projects. It has been our experience that a service project is sustainable only when the community owns it and participates in the effort. In our in-person programs, you will collaborate on a service project with volunteers your own age as well as community members. You’ll earn at least 24 service hours.

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. AMIGOS also has an established network of vetted medical clinics and hospitals throughout the region.

Volunteers must meet the general health criteria for participation in AMIGOS programs and receive all the required immunizations. Learn more about our health and safety system.

Prepare for AMIGOS through guided training in topics like:

  • Multicultural understanding;
  • Health and safety;
  • Community development;
  • Travel safety;
  • Spanish;
  • Leadership; and
  • Team building.

At the beginning of your program, you’ll train with your group of fellow volunteers. During your time in the program, you’ll meet regularly with an AMIGOS staff member who serves as your mentor. Finally, at the end of your service, come together again as a group to participate in debriefing — putting what you learned in context, preparing to go home, and going on fun excursions (in-person only).

Earn two college credits through our partnership with Western Colorado University!

Don’t miss out on must-see spots near your AMIGOS community! You’ll travel as a group to experience unique destinations your area has to offer, like volcanoes, ancient ruins, national parks, and historical sites. You’ll get to see these places from the distinct perspective of someone who has learned about the culture firsthand. Plus, you’ll bond with their fellow volunteers and have fun!

You’ll receive a leadership certificate upon completion of any AMIGOS program. Build your leadership skills by identifying your strengths, exploring your interests, and experience with project management.


2024 PROJECTS
I feel like I have been able to grow as a leader, community organizer, friend, and person [...] throughout this program I have learned, grown, and formed connections. This has been one of the best experiences I have had in a really long time.

Jonathan, AMIGOS Volunteer