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

APPLICATION PROCESS

click apply now

Apply

Begin your journey. Start your application now and you'll be on your way before you know it.

click apply now

Explore

Get ready to explore. Open your mind to new opportunities and experiences in your host community.

click apply now

Transform your world

Learn, change your perspective, and return home as an engaged and informed global citizen.

PLAN YOUR SUMMER

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

Experience life in the City of Eternal Spring. Enjoy the best of both worlds with new confidence and independence while also receiving the best guidance and support from Cochabamba native Mauricio Ramirez. During your stay in Bolivia, you will have opportunities to understand social issues and geopolitics on a local scale as well as join in on the historic and cultural celebrations of the city. You can spend weekends going to markets, museums, hiking, dancing, dining, and more as you embrace life as a Cochabambino.

Possible excursions include:

BOLIVIA TEAM

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

WinterSpring
Jan 28Mar 28

 

Summer 1Summer 2
May 27Jun 15

APPLY NOW

Amizade is looking forward to having you join us for the summer in Bolivia.

APPLY NOW

LEARN ABOUT THIS SITE

Find out more about the history of our partnership in Bolivia.

VISIT THE SITE