Short Term & Customized: Bolivia

Short Term and Customized Opportunities in Bolivia with Amizade

Our diverse network of local organizations provides many opportunities to dive in and address some of Bolivia’s most pressing issues like women’s rights, education, disability rights, food insecurity, and indigenous rights.

OVERVIEW

Cochabamba has a particularly vibrant history of popular mobilization and grassroots activism to fight corruption, most famously during the Water War protests over the privatization of water. Located at the base of the Cerro Tunari mountain, it is the 4th largest city in Bolivia and home to many Quechua indigenous people. In addition to being nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” for its pleasant year-round climate, it is also known as Bolivia’s gastronomic capital.

QUICK FACTS

Location: Cochabamba, Bolivia
Lodging: Guesthouses and homestays
Language: Spanish and Quechua

QUICK FACTS

Flight: To La Paz or Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Food: Meat, potatoes, rice, bread, vegetables, fruits
Additional Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccination
Key Themes: Arts & Music, Construction & Maintenance, Cultural Heritage & Traditions, Disability Services, Education & Teaching, Environmental Sustainability & Conservation, Women’s Empowerment, Global Health, Indigenous Communities

HOW TO PLAN A PROGRAM

We pride ourselves in creating mutually empowering and safe global service-learning programs. This means that when you develop an experience with Amizade, you’re building a responsible, intentional, and community driven service-learning program. Programs typically have three phases: (1) pre-immersion, (2) immersion, and (3) re-entry. Amizade works with you in all three phases to develop your program, including to build curriculum, itineraries, budgets, evaluation, follow-up, and sustainability.

CONTACT US

The first step in building your program is to have a chat with us. We’re a people-powered organization, which means a little less tech and a little more human conversation. Send us an email, give us a ring or fill out this form to initiate the start of your journey.

PROPOSAL

Once we’re all feeling good about a potential collaboration and have a clear, co-created vision, Amizade and its partners submit a proposal to you. The proposal will include an overview of what you might be engaging in, a draft itinerary, health and safety information, and a transparent line-item budget.

CONTRACT

After the proposal is agreed on, we send over a digital contract. This includes important legal and financial considerations. After a signed contract and a non-refundable $1,000 deposit are submitted, we can officially lock in your dates and begin the process of preparing for your program.

PRE-IMMERSION

This phase includes pre-departure orientations (we mandate at least one with our staff), learning about the process of travel, culture, service, and the community you are visiting. This is also when family and community sensitization takes place, as well as any relevant coursework. Often this is when we see group bonding start, comfort zones being extended, and new challenges (as well as some nerves and excitement).

IMMERSION

This is the travel phase. Community engagement, reflective practice, academic inquiry, and exploration all should be taking place at this time. All of our programs are a mixture of service, workshops, and cultural and recreational activities. Participants will step out of their comfort zones, try new things, engage complex issues, be introduced to new networks and ideas, and bond. Often this can be a very disrupting, inspiring, and transformational experience.

RE-ENTRY

After a transformative experience, we sometimes can fall right back into the grind of life when we return home. It can be tough, isolating, and confusing. Re-entry is perhaps the most important phase for determining what kind of neighbor – the very person – you become. It’s also the easiest to ignore. In this phase, there should be serious reflection, advocacy, support systems, and/or a plan for community engagement, or social action. Depending on the design and funding of your program, Amizade can help create a plan and opportunities for participants.

Since 1994 we have been thought leaders and pioneers in developing best practices in responsible global service-learning, study abroad, and solidarity-building volunteering experiences. We work with:

Universities (faculty-led, alternative break, and semester abroad)
High Schools
Community and Religious Groups
Corporations
Government Agencies

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

BOLIVIA TEAM

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Find here a sample itinerary of activities in Bolivia.

PLAN A PROGRAM

Amizade is looking forward to having you in one of our programs.

PLAN A PROGRAM

LEARN ABOUT THIS SITE

Get to know the history of our partnership in Bolivia.

VISIT THE SITE