SUMMER VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS IN LATIN AMERICA
AMIGOS programs in Latin America give you the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica, Ecuador, or Panama to explore an issue you're passionate about! Dive deep into coffee production, climate change adaptation, and conservation in Costa Rica, ecosystem restoration and indigenous rights in Ecuador, or community-driven conservation in Panama.
Four reasons why now is a great time to join AMIGOS—learn more!
Projects for the 2024 Summer Program are now live!
Secure your spot by applying before the December 5, 2023 priority deadline!
| Project and Session | Ages | Length | Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica: La Brunca - Session A | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | June 13 - July 4 | Filling Fast |
| Costa Rica: La Brunca - Session B | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | June 27 - July 18 | Open |
| Costa Rica: La Brunca - Session C | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | July 11 - August 1 | Open |
| Costa Rica: La Brunca - Session D | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | July 25 - August 15 | Open |
| Costa Rica: Los Santos - Session A | 15-19 | 4 Weeks | June 11-July 9 | Open |
| 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 | Filling Fast |
| Costa Rica: Montanas y Mar Session B | 13-14 | 2 Weeks | July 3 - July 17 | Open |
| Costa Rica: Montanas y Mar Session C | 13-14 | 2 Weeks | July 24 - August 7 | Open |
| Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros - Session A | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | June 6 - June 27 | 4 Spots Left! |
| Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros - Session B | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | June 19 - July 10 | Filling Fast |
| Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros - Session C | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | July 3 - July 24 | Filling Fast |
| Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros - Session D | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | July 17 - August 7 | Filling Fast |
| Costa Rica: La Pezeta - Session A | 15-19 | 2 Weeks | June 18 - July 2 | Filling Fast |
| Costa Rica: La Pezeta - Session B | 15-19 | 2 Weeks | July 9 - July 23 | Filling Fast |
| Costa Rica: La Pezeta - Session C | 15-19 | 2 Weeks | July 31 - August 14 | Open |
| Ecuador: Chimborazo - Session A | 15-19 | 6 Weeks | June 25 - August 6 | Open |
| Ecuador: La Sierra - Session A | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | June 19 - July 10 | Open |
| Ecuador: La Sierra - Session B | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | July 17 - August 7 | Open |
| Panama: El Pacifico - Session A | 13-14 | 2 Weeks | June 20 - July 4 | Open |
| Panama: El Pacifico - Session B | 13-14 | 2 Weeks | July 11 - July 25 | Open |
| Panama: El Pacifico - Session C | 13-14 | 2 Weeks | July 31 - August 14 | Open |
| Panama: Tierras Altas - Session A | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | June 5 - June 26 | Open |
| Panama: Tierras Altas - Session B | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | June 12 - July 3 | Open |
| Panama: Tierras Altas - Session C | 15-19 | 3 Weeks | July 3 - July 24 | Open |
| 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 | Filling Fast |
| 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 | Open |
Learn more about our program for ages 13–14!
- 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.