MonteVIDEO Tech Summer Camp

FAQS

Everything you need to know about Summer Camp

Summer Camp is a unique experience that combines open-source collaboration, networking, and cultural immersion in Uruguay. Here are the most common questions we get from participants.

Would you like to collaborate on projects?

Get in touch!

Travel & Logistics

Do I need a visa to travel to Uruguay?

For most countries, including the U.S., Canada, EU, and many others, no visa is required for short stays. However, we always recommend checking your country’s specific requirements to avoid surprises. We’re happy to help guide you through the process if you’re unsure.

Where can I stay during Summer Week?

We’ll send you a curated list of recommended hotels and accommodations near the Qualabs offices in Montevideo. There are plenty of options from boutique hotels to coliving spaces. If you need help with bookings or want advice on neighborhoods, we’re here to assist you!

How do I get to Uruguay?

The easiest way is to fly into Carrasco International Airport (MVD) in Montevideo. There are direct flights from the U.S. (e.g. Miami), as well as regular connections through Panama City, São Paulo, and other major hubs with airlines like Copa Airlines and LATAM.

If you’d like to explore Buenos Aires before Summer Camp, it’s easy to reach Uruguay from there, either by a short flight or a scenic ferry across the Rio de la Plata.

Once your trip is confirmed, we’ll share travel tips and local transportation options to make your arrival smooth.

Testimonials

See what our campers say

“I came here expecting to meet people and, honestly, to do more work than I actually did. It turned out to be more of a vacation… more relaxing than I imagined. What surprised me the most was learning about Uruguay, it’s been really great to discover the country, the culture, what happens here.

If you come, take PTO. Don’t try to balance work. I made that mistake, and I wish I had just taken the time off. But absolutely: I’d recommend it. Great hosts, friendly people, awesome city, awesome country.”

Ian Zenoni, Video Streaming Architect at Wowza Media Systems Ian Zenoni Video Streaming Architect at Wowza Media Systems

“The first time I came here was during lockdown in the Netherlands. JP had invited me for an asado, and I thought: it’s winter here, but summer in Uruguay, why not?… This second time, it’s grown into something so much bigger. A full experience — with talks, dinners, barbecues, activities for everyone. It’s incredible to see how this evolved from that first visit into something so thoughtfully organized. If you’re in video tech, you have to come to Summer Camp. The trip is long, but what’s here… you can’t find it anywhere else.”

Ruud Van der Linder, CEO at Lont Ruud Van der Linder CEO at Lont

“I try not to have expectations when I come, everything is so well planned that I just go with the flow. And I’ve yet to have a bad experience. This year I brought my family, and I was a bit worried at first, but that was dumb. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. My son already asked if we can come back. You even arranged amazing soccer experiences for him, which gave me space to talk tech with friends in the industry.

If someone asks me, I just say: go to Montevideo. I said it last year, and I’ll say it again and again. I love it here and I’m coming back.”

Casey Occhiallini, Principal Software Engineer at Paramount Casey Occhiallini Principal Software Engineer at Paramount

“I talked to Casey beforehand, and he just said: ‘I don’t know how to explain it. You just need to go.’ And he was right. We brought the whole family, it was a stretch for us. But the Qualabs team was incredible: helping us get set up, supporting us as a family! This is a chance to experience a part of the world you might not go to otherwise. To meet people you wouldn’t meet otherwise. It shows you how much bigger the tech community really is and how valuable it is to share ideas and perspectives beyond your bubble.”

Steve Heffernan, Co-Founder at Mux and creator of Video.js Steve Heffernan Co-Founder at Mux & Creator of Video.js

Summer Projects

What kind of projects can I propose?

We’re looking for open-source or community-driven projects that bring value to the video-tech ecosystem. This could be anything from developing a new library, exploring emerging standards, or building a proof of concept. The idea is to create something useful for the community within a 3-month remote collaboration, culminating in a final demo during the Summer Week. Projects that foster learning, inclusion, and technical impact are especially encouraged.

Do I need to propose a project to join?

No, you don’t! Many participants join simply to contribute to existing projects. You’re welcome to jump in, collaborate, and bring your skills to the table without having to lead or pitch an idea. We believe in collective contribution over competition.

How much time do I need to commit?

The time commitment is part-time and flexible! We understand that most participants have full-time jobs, so contributions can happen in your free time. We usually hold weekly 1-hour check-ins to keep everyone aligned, but there’s no fixed number of hours required. The goal is to move the project forward together at a sustainable pace.

Summer Week

Do I need to join the Summer Project to attend Summer Week?

No, they are separate experiences. You can join the Summer Week without participating in the Summer Project. The week is about community, learning, and sharing ideas—whether or not you’ve been involved in a project.

Do I need to propose a project to join?

Yes, of course!! We provide workspace and high-speed internet so you can take calls, attend meetings, and keep up with your regular work. Many participants mix work with the event activities as it suits their schedule. You can choose how much or how little you want to be involved.

Can I bring my family?

Absolutely! We’ve had participants bring their partners, and even kids. Uruguay is a family-friendly destination, and we’re happy to help you plan activities so your family can enjoy the experience too—whether it’s joining social events, exploring the city, or relaxing on the beach.

  • Group photo of Summer Camp participants and their families under a pergola strung with lights at the closing party
  • Participants and kids gathered around a foosball table during a Summer Week social night
  • Campers cheering and dancing at the outdoor tango night in Montevideo
  • Attendees chatting with drinks in hand at an evening garden gathering
  • Speaker presenting a “Congestion Control” talk to the audience at MonteVIDEO Tech Day
  • Speaker presenting a slide titled “AI and captions — ASR = Automatic Speech Recognition” at MonteVIDEO Tech Day
  • Host introducing the MonteVIDEO Tech Day panel discussion “Behind the Screens: Who creates the players we love?”
  • Full room of attendees watching the MonteVIDEO Tech Day panel, with the Montevideo skyline through the windows
  • Three panellists on stage during a MonteVIDEO Tech Day discussion, one speaking into a microphone

contact us

Get in Touch

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Group photo of Summer Camp participants and their families under a pergola strung with lights at the closing party

An event born from love, passion, and the desire to give back to the video community! 💜