Explore the Panamanian highlands near the Costa Rican border! This region produces most of the food for the whole country. Learn about sustainable environmental practices through community service activities on organic farms, compost plants, and community gardens. Live with a host family and enjoy the pastoral scenery in your host community.
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 5–26, 2024

15–19 National Chapter: April 16

$5,875 – National Chapter

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

June 12–July 3, 2024

15–19 National Chapter: April 16

$5,875 – National Chapter

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included.

Session C 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 3–24, 2024

15–19 National Chapter: May 14

$5,875 – National Chapter

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included.

Session D 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 10–31, 2024

15–19 National Chapter: May 14

$5,875 – National Chapter

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included.

  • Session A
  • Length
    3 Weeks
  • Requirements

    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

  • Dates

    June 5–26, 2024

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    National Chapter: April 16
  • Price

    $5,875 – National Chapter

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included.

  • Session B
  • Length
    3 Weeks
  • Requirements

    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

  • Dates

    June 12–July 3, 2024

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    National Chapter: April 16
  • Price

    $5,875 – National Chapter

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included.

  • Session C
  • Length
    3 Weeks
  • Requirements

    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

  • Dates

    July 3–24, 2024

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    National Chapter: May 14
  • Price

    $5,875 – National Chapter

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included.

  • Session D
  • Length
    3 weeks
  • Requirements

    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

  • Dates

    July 10–31, 2024

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    National Chapter: May 14
  • Price

    $5,875 – National Chapter

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included.

Find out more about our programs

Join an online info session!

RSVP HERE

About the Project

Project Type

Group travel with homestay.

Who is this project good for?

Students looking to step out of their comfort zone 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 for daily activities on weekdays, and spend time with their host families during the weekends.

College Credit

Receive college credit for joining this project! Learn more here.

Food and Dietary Restrictions

Most meals will be typical Panamanian food which can include a protein (meat or eggs), a side of rice and beans or a fried dough, a salad, and either fried plantains or yucca. This project is vegetarian friendly.

Homestay and Lodging Info

Combination of dormitory-style lodging and homestays. Volunteers will stay in the same community and do daily activities together.

Climate and Terrain

This program is primarily located in the highlands of the Chiriqui Province and in the Pacific Coast of Cocle Province. In the highlands, you can expect a temperature ranging from low 60’s to mid 70’s and in the Pacific coast a rage between mid 70’s to mid 90’s. During the months of June to August rains and humidity are expected in both locations.

Slang

aguacero = rain shower
ofi = okay

Service Hours

Earn 36 service hours.

AMIGOS History in the Region
AMIGOS originally worked in Panama from 1981 to 1987. We returned in 2004, when we opened a project in the provinces of Veraguas and Coclé. AMIGOS worked in Coclé for 16 consecutive years and we are excited to continue working in this region.
What makes this project unique?
Dive deep into Panamanian culture by living with a host family! You’ll get to practice your Spanish and spend time with your host family and local community members. You will learn to prepare local food such as sancocho or hojaldres.
Many of the host families have small farms or gardens where they harvest their own vegetables and fruit. Some of the families even distribute their food throughout the whole country! During your day-to-day activities on the project, you will learn how environmental challenges and climate change are impacting agriculture.
Chiriquí, Panama
Apply Now

Click here

What You'll Do

Chiriqui

This project takes place in the highlands of Panama near the border with Costa Rica. We will be in the Chiriquí Province, also known as the agricultural capital of the country because around 80% of the fruit and vegetables come from farms in the area.
Through field visits to environmental organizations that promote sustainable and chemical-free agriculture, you will learn about practices like cultivating fertile soils to guarantee the long-term supply of food and minimize the effects of global warming.
In addition, you’ll get to visit an organic coffee farm to learn about different processing practices in the area.

 

Partner Agencies

You’ll take part in community service activities with environmental and agritourist organizations and organic farms.

 

Example Activities

  • Volunteers will learn about organic and sustainable agriculture from local farms and social organizations and participate in activities such as planting vegetables and learning about sustainable management of pests and diseases in agriculture.
  • Attend workshops on water, soil protection, and good environmental practices.
  • Visit a coffee farm.
  • Participate in a cultural activity with the local school and community members.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Panama City – Stay the night with group in a hostel
Day 2-4: Arrive to Santa Clara, our first project site – Dorm style lodging at camp – Briefing activities, spanish classes, community service activities such as maintenance of the lodging site.
Day 5-18: Travel to Guadalupe in the highlands of Panama. Volunteers live with host families, work in a compost plant, orchid garden, and community farm. Attend workshops, spend time with their host families, go on group excursions around the area.
Day 19-20: Go back to Panama City, stay in a hostel, debriefing activities, visit the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo.
Day 21: Head to airport and fly home.
*Itineraries are subject to change. 

Field Notes

Montanas y Mar: Last Days at CATIE

Archive


Read More
La Costa: Volunteering at Asociacion de Recicladores

Archive


Read More
Western Colorado: Letter from Alex

Archive


Read More

An extraordinary, ordinary AMIGOS adventure.🌎❤️

What are you waiting for?! Join us in Latin America this summer!😍 AMIGOS projects with June start dates have an April 16th application deadline.

Run to our website to reserve your spot–Financial Assistance packages are still available!

🎥✨: @leah_otilllar
.
.
.
#volunteerabroad #highschoolspanish #teentravel #apspanish #ibspanish #practicespanish #highschoolsummerabroad #studyabroad #volunteering #culturalimmersion
...

Applying for AMIGOS Financial Assistance this year? You have until midnight tonight to submit your application! ⏰

Make your dream of traveling and volunteering in Latin America a reality with AMIGOS Financial Assistance packages!🌎❤️

👉 Have any questions about the application or AMIGOS Summer 2024 projects? Send us an email at [email protected] or set up a 1:1 appointment with a counselor. We’re here to help!🤗

👉 Did you know we also host Fundraising info sessions for all prospective AMIGOS volunteers? Meet with our staff to get familiar with the fundraising tools and strategies AMIGOS offers families!

✈️ Sign up by visiting amigosinternational.org/affordability.
...

🇵🇦¡AMIGOS está contratando!🇵🇦 Únete a nuestro equipo como Coordinador de País en Panamá.

Lidera la programación de AMIGOS en Panamá, impulsa la exploración de alianzas y fomenta iniciativas con las comunidades y familias locales. Sirve como enlace principal entre los programas de Panamá y la sede de AMIGOS.

✈️ ¡Únete a nuestro equipo y marca la diferencia! Para más información, visita el enlace en nuestro perfil.

———

AMIGOS is hiring!🇵🇦 Join our team full-time as the Panama Country Coordinator!

Lead AMIGOS programming in Panama, drive partnership exploration, and foster impactful initiatives with local communities and families. Serve as the primary liaison between Panama programs and AMIGOS headquarters!

🧳 Join our vibrant team and make a difference. Learn more and apply by clicking the link in our bio!
.
.
.
#traveljobs #visitpanama #nonprofitjobs #panama #trabajopanama #vacantespanama
...

Join us tonight!🎥💚 In just a few minutes, we’ll be hosting an AMIGOS project staff info session and Q&A on Zoom!

Join us at 6 PM Central - 4 Pacific - 7 PM Eastern by clicking the Zoom link in our bio!

💡 This is your chance to learn more about summer roles with AMIGOS this year and get all your questions answered!

Curious about Summer 2024 job opportunities and projects? Visit amigosinternational.org/project-staff.

¡Nos vemos pronto!
...

We are hiring! ¡Estamos contratando! 🇨🇷

AMIGOS está buscando una persona para trabajar como Asistente de Programas para Costa Rica, rol basado en San José! Apoya el desarrollo y logística de los programas cortos del 2024 - desde Marzo hasta Agosto.

📚 Trabaja de la mano con la Directora País y la Coordinadora de Programas para Costa Rica.

📧 Si tienes interés en este rol, aplica siguiendo el enlace en nuestro perfil! O si conoces alguien a quien pueda interesarle, comparte este post.

📚Cierre de postulaciones: 15 de febrero.

_____________________________

AMIGOS is currently seeking a seasonal Program Assistant for Costa Rica, based in San José, CR! Support the development and logistics of short-term programs in 2024 - from March to August.

📚 Work hand-in-hand with the AMIGOS Country Director and Program Coordinator for Costa Rica.

📧 If you are interested in this role, apply through the link in our bio! Or if you know someone who might be interested, share this post with them!

📚 Application deadline: February 15.
.
.
.
#hiring #sanjosecostarica #costaricajobs #traveljobs #trabajoscostarica #volunteerabroad
...

My favorite part of the project was building connections with those around me. I got to meet so many interesting people from all over the country and from Panama. I made friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime.

—Kate, Volunteer in Panama, 2022

Program Requirements
  • Meet the health criteria for AMIGOS participation
  • Receive required immunizations
  • Be age 15–19 on the project start date
  • Have taken 2 years of Spanish or the equivalent
  • Passport valid 6 months after project start date
  • Complete pre-departure training, online or in-person
Apply Now

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.

Why Choose AMIGOS?

Have an Adventure

Travel off the beaten path and to must-see spots in Panama! You’ll travel as a group to experience unique destinations like extinct volcanoes, cloud forests, and waterfalls. 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 group. During your time abroad, you’ll meet regularly with an AMIGOS staff member who serves as your mentor.

Still deciding?

See more projects like this one!