Summer: Bolivia
Summer Opportunities in Bolivia with Amizade
Spend 9+ weeks interning at a local organization in Cochabamba and receiving intensive training in asset-based community development with our facilitating community partner, the Foundation for Sustainable Development. Our diverse network of local organizations provides many opportunities to dive in and address some of Bolivia’s most pressing issues.

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: Homestay
Language: Spanish and Quechua
Flight: To La Paz or Santa Cruz, Bolivia

QUICK FACTS
Food: Meat, potatoes, rice, bread, vegetables, fruits
Service Opportunities: Arts & Music, Construction & Maintenance, Cultural Heritage & Traditions, Disability Services, Education & Teaching, Environmental Sustainability & Conservation, Women’s Empowerment, Global Health, Indigenous Communities
YOUR EXPERIENCE
Throughout your program, you will live with a host family, intern with a local organization, commute via public transportation, speak Spanish daily, and truly immerse yourself in Bolivian culture, cuisine, and local life.
ACADEMICS
This program will provide participants with intensive training in asset-based community development. Participants will also explore Bolivia’s history and current socio-political and economic realities, complex multicultural society, and milieu of traditions and celebrations. Spanish and Quechua (for advanced Spanish speakers) instruction is also available.
DAILY LIFE
One of the most rewarding, challenging, and meaningful experiences during your time in Bolivia is likely to be the time you spend living with your host family. All host families are carefully vetted, enthusiastic about receiving volunteers in their homes, and will treat you like a member of the family. Bolivian host families are often large and multigenerational. Amenities at homestays vary by the household; however, all families are expected to provide a bed, safe drinking water and food, and generally sanitary living conditions for students. Electricity and running water may not be available at all sites. When possible, each participant will be placed in his or her own individual homestay unless otherwise discussed.
CULTURE & RECREATION
DATES & FEES
Amizade offers a wide variety of services and activities as part of our fee, including:
• Airport pickup
• One-week orientation
• Family homestay
• All meals
• Local mobile phone
• Development training workshops/ cultural activities
• A midterm retreat
• In-country support from the Bolivia site team 24/7
• Seed funding for your project
• Eligibility for additional project funding
• Traveler and health insurance
• Money for local transportation (to and from NGO)
Additional Program-Related Expenses:
• Airfare
• Applicable passport or visa fees
• Supplemental meals or snacks
• Personal spending money
2019 Program Start Dates
Winter | Spring |
Jan 28 | Mar 28 |
Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
May 27 | Jun 15 |