The AMIGOS Summer Program offers volunteers a chance to live in a new country with a host family, work side by side with local community members on a service project, lead day camps for local youth, and learn Spanish through authentic immersion.
You'll be given the responsibility and independence to carry out service projects in Latin American communities and you'll work alongside locals and trusted nonprofit organizations to complete these projects. Every project is different because it is tailored to the specific needs of your host community, enabling you to make a lasting impact with projects that live on after you leave.
Projects at a Glance
Summer Immersion 4–8 Weeks, Ages 15–22
Costa Rica: Palmares (FULL)
6 Weeks
July 9–August 7
Costa Rica: Pérez Zeledón
4 Weeks
Session A: June 11–July 9
Session B: July 16–August 13
Dominican Republic: San Juan
4 Weeks
Session A: June 5–July 2
Session B: July 9–August 6
Ecuador: Chimborazo
6 Weeks
June 25–August 6
Ecuador: Cuenca (FULL)
8 Weeks
June 18–August 10
Ecuador: Santa Elena
6 Weeks
June 11–July 23
Panama: Azuero (FULL)
6 Weeks
June 25–August 6
Panama: Coclé (FULL)
4 Weeks
June 11–July 9
Panama: Coclé
6 Weeks
June 11–July 23
- Go beyond travel and live with a host family in a new country
- Make real friendships that last a lifetime
- Volunteer side-by-side with local residents
- Improve your Spanish by using it in everyday conversation
- Experience a new culture
- Earn up to 270 service hours
- Gain confidence and leadership skills that prepare you for college and beyond!
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 everyday!
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. You will collaborate on a service project with volunteers your own age as well as community members.
You’ll get to do way more than just travel — you’ll live with a host family, sharing in their day-to-day life. Become part of your host community, making friends with and working alongside community members. Share holidays, celebrations, and everyday life in a way you can only experience through authentic cultural immersion. AMIGOS volunteers and their host families build long-lasting relationships and often stay in touch after their project ends. All of our host families are vetted and trained before volunteers arrive.
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.
Prepare for AMIGOS through guided training in topics like:
- Multicultural understanding;
- Health and safety;
- Community development;
- Travel safety;
- Spanish;
- Leadership; and
- Team building.
Upon arrival in the field, you’ll start country-specific training with your group of fellow volunteers. During your time abroad, 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 around the country.
Don’t miss out on must-see spots in your host country! You’ll travel as a group to experience unique destinations your host country 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 lived in that country and learned about the culture firsthand. Plus, you’ll bond with their fellow volunteers and have fun!
AMIGOS is such a unique and rewarding experience and a perfect way to look beyond yourself, humble yourself, and learn that the world is more than what we think it is.