How does the popularity of superfoods impact resources, water management, and food sovereignty in Andean communities? Travel to the highlands of Ecuador to explore food security and justice in rural indigenous farming communities. Meet local leaders, food producers, and youth making an impact on food systems in the region.

Financial assistance deadline: March 1. Apply now!

Length Training
Dates		 In-Country
Dates		 Ages Application
Deadline		 Price
Session A 3 weeks

Training on-site

June 15–July 5

 15–22 April 15 - Apply now!

$5,675

Financial assistance is available. Apply by March 1st!

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

Training on-site

July 13–Aug 2

 15–22 May 15 - Apply now!

$5,675

Financial assistance is available. Apply by March 1st!

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

    Training on-site

  • In-Country Dates

    June 15–July 5

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

    $5,675

    Financial assistance is available. Apply by March 1st!

    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

    Training on-site

  • In-Country Dates

    July 13–Aug 2

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

    $5,675

    Financial assistance is available. Apply by March 1st!

    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

Climate

Cool and dry. The terrain is mountainous. You’ll definitely need a jacket at night!

Slang

achachai = how cold!

Food

Potatoes, cuy (guinea pig), choclo con queso (corn with fresh cheese)

Terrain

High altitude in the Andes mountains

Crops

Potatoes, Andean tubers, quinoa, Andean corn, barley, and onions.

Citizens

Ecuatorianos

Quito, Ecuador

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?

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 this program

Join an online info session!

RSVP HERE

AMIGOS helped me find my voice and my purpose in life. AMIGOS isn’t just a summer volunteering program, it is a path that leads you to appreciate other peoples and cultures, a journey that develops you as a leader, an adventure that makes you realize that you are more capable than you think.

—Eli, Volunteer in Ecuador

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!

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Jan 19

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Get a taste of an AMIGOS program in just 90 minute Get a taste of an AMIGOS program in just 90 minutes this Thursday, January 21!⠀ ⠀ Register today to join an AMIGOS Design Sprint, a time-constrained collaborative activity focused on Design Thinking to come up with solutions and narrow them down to an achievable project.⠀ ⠀ We'll spend 90 minutes in a fast paced, collaborative, all hands-on deck experience where bad ideas don't exist. Experience a piece of an AMIGOS program by signing up at the link in our bio.

Get a taste of an AMIGOS program in just 90 minutes this Thursday, January 21!⠀
⠀
Register today to join an AMIGOS Design Sprint, a time-constrained collaborative activity focused on Design Thinking to come up with solutions and narrow them down to an achievable project.⠀
⠀
We'll spend 90 minutes in a fast paced, collaborative, all hands-on deck experience where bad ideas don't exist. Experience a piece of an AMIGOS program by signing up at the link in our bio. ...

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Jan 16

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New info sessions just dropped! Come meet our team New info sessions just dropped! Come meet our team and find out how we're running our programs in Latin America and the U.S. this summer.⠀ ⠀ RSVP at the link in our bio!

New info sessions just dropped! Come meet our team and find out how we're running our programs in Latin America and the U.S. this summer.⠀
⠀
RSVP at the link in our bio! ...

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Jan 15

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Apply today! The deadline to apply for the Gap Sem Apply today! The deadline to apply for the Gap Semester in Costa Rica and the Civic Action Gap Semester is tonight at midnight PST.⠀ ⠀ Submit your application at the link in bio.

Apply today! The deadline to apply for the Gap Semester in Costa Rica and the Civic Action Gap Semester is tonight at midnight PST.⠀
⠀
Submit your application at the link in bio. ...

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Jan 14

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Tomorrow, January 15th, is the deadline to apply f Tomorrow, January 15th, is the deadline to apply for the spring Gap Semester in Costa Rica and the Civic Action Gap Semester! Start your application now at the link in our bio.

Tomorrow, January 15th, is the deadline to apply for the spring Gap Semester in Costa Rica and the Civic Action Gap Semester! Start your application now at the link in our bio. ...

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Jan 13

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Did you know that Nicaragua is home to 19 volcanoe Did you know that Nicaragua is home to 19 volcanoes? On our brand new summer project- Nicaragua: Nueva Segovia & Leon- you'll learn first-hand about how geothermal energy from the country's active volcanoes helps power the country.⠀ ⠀ See the world from the distinct perspective of someone who has spent time in that country and learned about the culture firsthand by joining us this summer.⠀ ⠀ Learn more at the link in our bio!

Did you know that Nicaragua is home to 19 volcanoes? On our brand new summer project- Nicaragua: Nueva Segovia & Leon- you'll learn first-hand about how geothermal energy from the country's active volcanoes helps power the country.⠀
⠀
See the world from the distinct perspective of someone who has spent time in that country and learned about the culture firsthand by joining us this summer.⠀
⠀
Learn more at the link in our bio! ...

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Jan 13

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Why AMIGOS? Find the answer and learn so much more Why AMIGOS? Find the answer and learn so much more about the adventure that awaits in an AMIGOS Info Session!⠀ ⠀ With a variety of opportunities to chat with AMIGOS staff and alumni throughout January and February, we'll help you find the perfect AMIGOS program for you.⠀ ⠀ RSVP here at the link in our bio!

Why AMIGOS? Find the answer and learn so much more about the adventure that awaits in an AMIGOS Info Session!⠀
⠀
With a variety of opportunities to chat with AMIGOS staff and alumni throughout January and February, we'll help you find the perfect AMIGOS program for you.⠀
⠀
RSVP here at the link in our bio! ...

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Jan 12

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Join an AMIGOS Gap Program this spring! Travel aro Join an AMIGOS Gap Program this spring! Travel around Colorado or Costa Rica—or to your living room. Explore all programs at amigosinternational.org/post-high-school!

Join an AMIGOS Gap Program this spring! Travel around Colorado or Costa Rica—or to your living room. Explore all programs at amigosinternational.org/post-high-school! ...

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Jan 9

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Experience an AMIGOS program in 90 minutes with an Experience an AMIGOS program in 90 minutes with an AMIGOS Design Sprint!⠀ ⠀ A Design Sprint is a time-constrained collaborative activity utilizing Design Thinking to come up with solutions to a problem and narrow it down to an achievable project.⠀ ⠀ We'll spend 90 minutes in a fast paced, collaborative, all hands-on deck experience where bad ideas don't exist. Wild ideas, humor, and innovation are warmly welcomed. With three different events, join us at a time that works for you!⠀ ⠀ Register for free here: https://buff.ly/35oiSkK

Experience an AMIGOS program in 90 minutes with an AMIGOS Design Sprint!⠀
⠀
A Design Sprint is a time-constrained collaborative activity utilizing Design Thinking to come up with solutions to a problem and narrow it down to an achievable project.⠀
⠀
We'll spend 90 minutes in a fast paced, collaborative, all hands-on deck experience where bad ideas don't exist. Wild ideas, humor, and innovation are warmly welcomed. With three different events, join us at a time that works for you!⠀
⠀
Register for free here: https://buff.ly/35oiSkK ...

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