Head to Panama this summer to explore how local communities conserve their cultural heritage! Do community service work in a small town located in the Pacific Coast. Next, head to Valle de Anton, support reforestation efforts and do hands-on volunteer activities in communities near the area and learn more about the Panamanian culture by participating in activities with local youth.
Length Requirements Dates Ages Application
Deadline
Price
Session A 2 Weeks

No Spanish Required

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 11–June 25, 2024

15–19 National Chapter: April 16

$4,375 – National Chapter

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included.

Session B 2 Weeks

No Spanish Required

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 2–July 16, 2024

15–19 National Chapter: May 14

$4,375 – National Chapter

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included.

Session C 2 Weeks

No Spanish Required

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 23–Aug 6, 2024

15–19 National Chapter: May 14

$4,375 – National Chapter

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included.

  • Session A
  • Length
    2 Weeks
  • Requirements

    No Spanish Required

    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 11–June 25, 2024

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

    $4,375 – National Chapter

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included.

  • Session B
  • Length
    2 Weeks
  • Requirements

    No Spanish Required

    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 2–July 16, 2024

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

    $4,375 – National Chapter

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included.

  • Session C
  • Length
    2 Weeks
  • Requirements

    No Spanish Required

    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 23–Aug 6, 2024

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

    $4,375 – 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 only.

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 live with their cohort in the same lodging site and participate in service project activities in different communities around Coclé.

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.

Lodging Info

Dormitory-style lodging.

Climate and Terrain

This program is primarily located in Coclé province and Panama City. Rain and high humidity are common in the summer months with temperatures ranging from the low 70’s in Valle de Anton to the mid 90’s in Santa Clara and surrounding communities.

Slang

aguacero = rain shower
ofi = okay

buenas = hi

Service Hours

Earn 24 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?
You will do community service work in communities around Cocle. During your day-to-day activities on the project, you will share with local leaders and hear about the challenges they are facing and how they are organizing themselves to develop sustainable projects that benefits the whole community.
Most of the families in the communities are craftspeople, so you can learn how Panama hats are made from scratch. You’ll get to practice you Spanish and lead fun activities for kids and local youth.
El Valle de Antón, Panama
Apply Now

Click here

What You'll Do

Community-Driven Conservation

The Coclé Province has great Pacific beaches, large expanses of highlands, national parks, and clouded mountain peaks. It is also an agricultural hub. The production of sugarcane, rice, cattle, and citrus fruit is an important economic source for the communities located here. You will get to participate in community-based development projects and environmental practices for healthy living.
Santa Clara: you will spend the first part of the project in this a small town located in the pacific coast. Participate in volunteer work with your peers and enjoy the white sand and turquoise water of the Pacific Ocean.
Valle de Anton and communities: This is one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world surrounded by mountains and clouds. Experience firsthand Panamanian culture by visiting different communities around the area and join on going service projects.

 

Example Activities

  • Work on improvements to the camp facilities including trail clean-up, wall painting and cleaning.
  • Reforestation work with local non-profit conservation organization.
  • Beach clean up and trash disposal.
  • Service project activities with community leaders and local youth.
  • Cultural activities.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Panama City – Arrival Day!
Day 2-5: Santa Clara – Dormitory style lodging. Briefing activities, spanish classes, maintenance activities around the camp. Beach clean-up.
Day 6 – 11: Valle de Anton – Volunteers will stay together in the same lodging site. Service activities in communities around the area and cultural activities with local youth. Learn more about Panamanian culture and practice your Spanish.
Day 13-14: Panama City – Group stays in a hostel. Panama Canal and Casco Viejo tour, debreifing activities.
Day 15: Fly home, adios AMIGOS
*Itineraries are subject to change.

Field Notes

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La Costa: Volunteering at Asociacion de Recicladores

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Western Colorado: Letter from Alex

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First days at Mata Oscura. Pacifico C is having a great time 🇵🇦🫶

Nuestros primeros días en Mata Oscura. Pacifico C está teniendo grandes momentos 🇵🇦🫶

#amigosdelasamericas
#elpacificopanama
...

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Throughout the whole experience, I made life-long friends, learned about a new culture, and I got to make a real impact in some amazing peoples’ lives.

—Claire, Volunteer in Panama

Program Requirements
  • Meet the health criteria for AMIGOS participation
  • Receive required immunizations
  • Be age 15–19 on the project start date
  • 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?

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