SUMMER VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS IN LATIN AMERICA
Ready for adventure? Help conserve Costa Rica’s rainforests, join Panama’s sea turtle protection efforts, or experience Paraguay’s rich culture and lead community-driven projects. It’s time to make an impact while exploring some of the world’s most incredible places! These trips are all about diving deep into local culture while practicing Spanish, contributing to vital service work, and making new friends.
What does an AMIGOS experience look and feel like? See our volunteers in action here or check out our fun reels!
| Project | Session | Ages | Length | Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica: Highlands Biodiversity | A | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | June 12 - July 3 | Closed |
| Costa Rica: Highlands Biodiversity | B | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | July 9 - July 30 | Closed |
| Costa Rica: Biodiversity Conservation | A | 13-14 | 12 Days | June 26 - July 7 | Closed |
| Costa Rica: Biodiversity Conservation | B | 13-14 | 12 Days | July 11 - July 22 | Closed |
| Costa Rica: Biodiversity Conservation | C | 13-14 | 12 Days | July 28 - August 8 | Call for options |
| Costa Rica: Eco-Tourism and Environmental Protection | A | 15-19 | 2 Weeks | June 11 - June 25 | Closed |
| Costa Rica: Eco-Tourism and Environmental Protection | B | 15-19 | 2 Weeks | July 1 - July 15 | Closed |
| Costa Rica: Eco-Tourism and Environmental Protection | C | 15-19 | 2 Weeks | July 21 - August 4 | Call for options |
| Costa Rica: Marine and Mountain Exploration | A | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | June 19 - July 10 | Closed |
| Costa Rica: Marine and Mountain Exploration | B | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | July 15 - August 5 | Closed |
| Dominican Republic: Cultural Connection Through Sports | A | 15-19 | 4 Weeks | June 11 - July 9 | Closed |
| Dominican Republic: Cultural Connection Through Sports | B | 15-19 | 4 Weeks | July 15 - August 12 | Closed |
| Dominican Republic: Community Transformation in the Caribbean Mountains | A | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | June 26 - July 17 | Closed |
| Panama: Schools and Community Connection | A | 15-19 | 2 Weeks | June 17–July 1 | Closed |
| Panama: Schools and Community Connection | B | 15-19 | 2 Weeks | July 8 – July 22 | Closed |
| Panama: Schools and Community Connection | C | 15-19 | 2 Weeks | July 28 – August 11 | Call for options |
| Panama: Supporting Sea Turtle Habitats | A | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | June 26 - July 17 | Closed |
| Panama: Supporting Sea Turtle Habitats | B | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | July 23 - August 13 | Closed |
| Panama: Sustainability in the Rural Highlands | A | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | June 11 - July 2 | Closed |
| Panama: Sustainability in the Rural Highlands | B | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | July 9 - July 30 | Closed |
| Paraguay: Service in the Heart of South America | A | 15-19 | 6 Weeks | June 17 - July 28 | Closed |
| Paraguay: Cross-Cultural Connection and Nature | A | 15-19 | 3.5 Weeks | June 13 - July 7 | Closed |
- 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
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.