Volunteer in Bolivian Andes with Amizade

I can't say enough about the great experience I had with Amizade in Bolivia. The staff did a great job at making sure we were safe and enjoying our work and recreational time as well. It was a great way to start off 2014. There are so many beautiful things about Bolivia. I can't wait to go back and see more of what we didn't have time for! If you have the opportunity, go!

Not only does Amizade have an amazing program in Bolivia with multiple sites, but you work side by side with people from another culture. Learning things about a culture first hand are always better than a textbook. Even if you don't speak spanish there is no problem communicating with other volunteers, but it's always helpful to know some spanish or know someone who does.

I had a blast working down in Bolivia, but the real treasure of Bolivia is the scenery. The Andes mountains are breathtaking (literally and figuratively). Go to Lake Titicaca or the Salt Flats, they are amazing sights to see.

This was the ultimate way to spend the final winter break of my undergraduate career. I saw so much in 10 days, fell so in love with Bolivia, and met so many people---I cannot fully express the immense impact this program has had on my life already. We did volunteer construction work on a community center, working side by side with the people who would benefit from our service. We ate together, we talked, we learned, we saw walls go up, beams come together--all with the silhouette of the Andes on the horizon. It was a surreal experience. So much positive energy, so much reflection. The creative writing class we all took (6 students) really helped harness that energy, and forced us to ponder big issues and tiny details all at once. It's great to see a study abroad option that is so focused on creating an equal exchange, and bringing different cultures and communities together for a mutually beneficial and enlightening experience.