For many entry-level jobs, the core requirement is experience. And, to get job experience, you need to have job exposure which is normally gotten through internships.
Partaking in an internship in Costa Rica gives you a once-in-a-lifetime exposure, and also helps students gain skills for the potential future.
In this article, World Scholarship Forum will be listing the top internships in Costa Rica.
Ranked the happiest country in the world, Costa Rica has five percent of the world’s highly educated and cultured people. So, those who choose to complete summer internships in Costa Rica are certain to experience an adventurous life.
Take a quick look at the table of contents below for a quick overview of what this post entails.
Why You Should Consider Internship in Costa Rica
There is no single industry in which you may find internships in Costa Rica. However, it is possible to potentially gain practical experience for your career goals in a variety of industries. Many programs have relationships with companies in the business, education, art, journalism, design, engineering, and tourism sectors.
In addition to gaining experience to include on your CV, take Spanish classes to help build your language skills. Some programs may require you have at least intermediate to advanced Spanish skills before applying for the internship.
Immersion in a country that speaks the language is one of the best ways to advance your skills, whether you are a beginner or advanced student. Several companies in the US and around the world see Spanish language skills as a highly desirable skill. Spanish is one of the top spoken languages in the world, and around 62 percent of people who speak a language other than English at home in the US speak Spanish.
As a country of adventures, Costa Rica also affords interns the comfort and adventure experience that helps them socialize, meet new people and communicate better and build new social skills that will be relevant in the long run. So, while you are gaining job experience, rest assured of the cross-cultural communication skills to be impacted.
Some programs are in the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, a city known for its nightlife and gold museum. Costa Rica is known for its natural charms, including beautiful forests, amazing beaches, and wildlife reserves. It may be possible to go hiking in Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. There is no limit to this Caribbean country’s many wonders.
Where Can I Find The Most Internship Opportunities In Costa Rica?
The majority of internships in Costa Rica are not located in the heart of the capital city. Nevertheless, as the national business center, there are still plenty of options available for those looking for internship placements in San José. However, the renowned cities for internships in Costa Rica are Alajuela, Cartago, San José, and Liberia.
The second-largest city, Alajuela, offers up a bustling city landscape that is balanced by nearby butterfly farms, waterfalls, and coffee plantations. Alajuela is a suitable location for anyone looking to go on excursions or day trips.
Cartago, one of Costa Rica’s oldest cities and the first capital, features important religious sites and access to the Guayabo National Monument. While focused on computer technology, the city offers more than tech internship opportunities. Many placements offer the opportunity to participate in service-learning projects during the internships. Buses from Cartago to San José run several times an hour, so a trip to the big city is easy.
Liberia, located in the northwestern part of Costa Rica, enables interns to be in close proximity to the exquisite Pacific beaches of Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco.
How Do Internships in Costa Rica Work?
Despite the fact that the main industries in Costa Rica are tourism and coffee production, the country tends to offer more internship placements outside of teaching English or harvesting coffee cherries. Alajuela, Cartago, and Liberia offer up opportunities to gain experience in the fields of biology, social justice, journalism, women’s studies, and sports management, just to name a few.
Widespread internships in Costa Rica revolve around what the country is known for, its environment, and biological diversity. Ecology, veterinary, zoology, and conservation-based internships are very common. However, you can find internships in Costa Rica across a wide variety of fields, such as healthcare and social work or social justice.
Lastly, while many Ticos speak English, Spanish is Costa Rica’s official language, and you’ll need Spanish proficiency for some internships, which have a language requirement. Therefore, it is recommended that interns heading to Costa Rica complete at least some language learning before their departure.
How Are Interns Paid In Costa Rica? Salary & Costs
Most internship opportunities in Costa Rica are unpaid as a result of certain visa regulations. Nevertheless, interns can receive a stipend or bonus from the company they are placed with, but in most cases, international interns will have to pay for internships in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica can be either an affordable or expensive destination depending on where you live and what kind of amenities you’re used to. Rural destinations will always run cheaper than big cities like San José, and compared to other countries in Latin America, Costa Rica is on the higher end. Rent can range from $400 to $800 USD a month.
Do I Need Visa To Apply For an Internship In Costa Rica?
Americans and other nationals who plan to intern in Costa Rica for only a short time (less than 90 days) won’t need a tourist visa. However, for longer stays, interns should plan to apply for an unpaid volunteer or intern visa.
International interns should also keep in mind that it may be necessary to apply for temporary residency, depending on their contract and timeline for interning. Job contracts, diplomas, and various certifications are needed for this process.
How Long Does Internships In Costa Rica Last?
Internships can last anywhere from a short week to six months or beyond, depending on the experience you’re looking for and the program. An important item to note is that additional qualifications may be required for internships revolving around specific biology, veterinary, or conservation efforts.
Internships in Costa Rica normally take place during a semester and are combined with study abroad programs, while some companies way offer summer placements or placements for recent graduates.
Before you sign up for an internship in Costa Rica, it’s very important you consider available options, including the type of work you desire and the company where you want to work.
Nonetheless, it will be highly beneficial if your internship job aligns with your program of study. Therefore, before you sign up for an internship in Costa Rica, you need to research and find out the one that matches your needs.
See our list of available Costa Rica internships below.
Top Internship Opportunities In Costa Rica
#1 GVI: Internships in Costa Rica
Industry – Conservation and Preservation Education Sustainable Development
Costa Rica has some of the world’s most diverse ecology, and remarkably acutely maintains careful preservation of parts of its lands and marine territory. GVI provides an experience that ensures that interns contribute purposefully towards the sustainable objectives that have been aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
It also provides exposure that helps you build on your CV and develop professional skills in marine and wildlife conservation, education, and community development while supporting the sustainable preservation of the country’s ecological zones.
At GVI, interns will benefit from the following:
- Work alongside and collaborate with qualified field experts and other international interns.
- Improve your CV and develop professional skills in marine and wildlife conservation, education, and community development.
- Learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and contribute towards long-term objectives.
- Become a global citizen as you immerse in and better understand different cultures, traditions, and customs.
- Improve your future employment opportunities with hands-on practical experiences and a larger database of knowledge.
#2 Maximo Nivel Internship Program
Industry – Education (K-12), Special Education, Micro-Business, Hospitality & Tourism, Human Rights, Medical
Maximo Nivel affords interns the opportunity to experience practical educational travel and study abroad experience.
They are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is loyal to providing a great experience to every participant! Every day, Maximo Nivel strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best internship, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, as well as top-notch client service and great home base facilities.
#3 The Science Exchange Sea Turtle Internship: LatAm & the Caribbean
Industry – Animal Science, Biology, Communications, Computer Science, Conservation and Preservation, Ecology, Education
The Science Exchange is a non-profit organization that offers custom-fit, affordable internships for undergraduate and graduate students from around the world who are keen on interning in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Science Exchange operates in Mexico, Cuba, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama. Internship packages are extremely affordable and a great way for college students to gain valuable experience working at sea turtle research centers and conducting field-work.
Benefits of the internship program:
- Earn college credit while experiencing complete cultural immersion out in the field. No large groups and classrooms!
- We offer partial scholarships to all interns.
- The Science Exchange creates customized packages that fit your career and academic goals, schedule, and language abilities.
- Learn a foreign language the only way – by living with the locals.
- Two-thirds of our interns publish or present their research. 30% of our graduated interns go on to secondary education programs. Many have landed jobs with a sea turtle or other conservation groups!
#4 Global Experiences: Summer Internships
Industry – Accounting, Advertising, Architecture, Arts, History, Communication, Business, Education
Intern Abroad in the summer and have a life-changing travel experience while gaining valuable work experience in any of their 13 host cities. You could immerse yourself in the culture of London, Dublin, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Florence, Milan, Rome, Sydney, Berlin, Washington D.C., New York City, or San José.
With an international internship in Costa Rica, you’ll gain the professional experience and real-world skills that get you on the right professional track. At Global Experiences, they find and tailor your internship to fit your background and future goals. For over a decade, we’ve helped young professionals and university students have incredible experiences all around the world.
Highlights:
- Guaranteed Internship: As part of the Global Experiences program you are guaranteed an internship in your host city. We do our best to find a high-quality internship that matches your background and future goals.
- Personalized Attention: We want this experience to be as fulfilling as possible. From the first phone call, we support you and give you all the resources you need to make sure your internship is a success.
- Professional Development: Through one-on-one coaching and webinars, we assist you in improving your cover letter and resume. We also prepare you for an interview with a potential employer, establish internship goals, and discuss your strengths.
- Centralized Housing: Your housing will be centrally located in your host city. Staff available 24/7 are in every one of our host cities. (https://flixtor2.to/) Our staff also host various day trips and social events during the course of your internship.
- School Credit: Depending on what college you attend you may be able to get a whole semester’s worth of credit. We work with dozens of schools to help students get the credit they deserve.
#5 Intern Abroad HQ
Industry – Agriculture, Animal Science, Biology, Business, Conservation and Preservation, Ecology, Education, Finance
Internships through Intern Abroad HQ are flexible and affordable. All internship programs include a guided reflection course, to foster the acquisition of essential soft skills, for better employability and a resilient career.
At Intern Abroad HQ, Internships are available in Special Needs/Childcare, Health & Medical, Microfinance/Women’s Empowerment, Veterinary Care, Teaching English/Education, Environmental and Wildlife Conservation.
Applications are accepted year-round for rolling admission dates! Your experienced Internship Manager will ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
Highlights
- Receive pre-departure and 24/7 in-country support
- Customized placements
- Affordable fees
- Flexible start dates
- Short term duration
#6 Volunteer Internships and Adventure Travel: Gap Year Travel Holidays
Industry – Biology, Conservation and Preservation, Education, Healthcare, Hospitality, Journalism
Gap year holiday travelers have a prime opportunity to explore the world, meet fascinating people, learn new cultures and help those in need.
The Gap year holiday programs and backpacking holidays offer volunteer work overseas giving you exciting adventures, personal development, and heart-warming moments safe in the knowledge that you really can make a difference on your gap year travel.
#7 Internship in Costa Rica – World Endeavors
Industry – Healthcare, Agricultural Science, Public Health, Nutrition, Youth Management, International Business,
World Endeavors offers internships in a wide range of professional fields in Costa Rica, and our advisors are proud of their ability to find great opportunities in unique and highly specialized fields.
Internships are available year-round, with flexible start dates and durations. Public holidays and seasonal work availability may impact certain start dates in some locations.
World Endeavors interns in Costa Rica live with local host families in Atenas in either single or shared rooms with shared bathrooms. They enjoy home-cooked Costa Rican food with their host families. Interns in certain fields, such as environmental conservation, may live in shared accommodations or lodges onsite at their project depending on location.
Interns must be 18 years of age or older and have completed high school (or equivalent). World Endeavors’ International Internship program is open to current students, graduates, and mid-career professionals. Internship placement opportunities increase with experience or relevant coursework. Please contact World Endeavors for more information.
Generally, the minimum program duration for interning in Costa Rica is 2 months.
#8 Conservation Internship in Costa Rica – GVI
GVI internship takes a holistic approach to the conservation of the area. This program enables interns to monitor every ecosystem of Costa Rica.
This internship in Costa Rica offers you an opportunity to gain an internationally recognized qualification in Biological Survey Techniques.
In the first twelve weeks of your internship, you’ll live and work with GVI staff and other participants in Tortuguero park on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
Program Highlights:
- Earn a GVI ILM Leadership Development certificate, a qualification recognized by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM).
- Stay for 8 weeks or longer and get the chance to complete the Biological Survey Techniques training and qualification.
- Complete a work placement at a leading conservation organization in Costa Rica.
- Observe Costa Rican wildlife species, such as sea turtles and monkeys, in their natural habitats.
- Visit an incredibly jaguar-dense area and one of the world’s only locations where jaguars prey on adult sea turtles.
By the end of the internship program, participants will have the skills to monitor a wide range of mini-ecosystems in a very diverse location, apply a holistic approach to conservation, and return home with a range of certifications alongside the valuable field-based experience.
#9 Animal Rescue and Conservation Internship
This internship program is open for volunteers.Many animals in the sanctuaries have been rescued from wildlife traffickers or found injured. These are nursed back to health and re-released into their natural habitat when rehabilitated. Sloths, tapirs, spider monkeys, green macaws, scarlet macaws, and different types of felines are just some of the animals rehabilitated and bred here.
Program Highlights
- Contribute to the conservation efforts of a wildlife rescue center in Costa Rica.
- Get up close with indigenous Costa Rican wildlife such as parrots, monkeys, sloths, and more!
- Guarantee ethical wildlife interactions while volunteering in a renowned sanctuary in Costa Rica.
- Enjoy cultural immersion activities, such as salsa classes, in your first week.
- Attend Spanish lessons and practice what you’ve learned with local people.
#10 WorldTeach
WorldTeach is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded by a group of Harvard students in 1986 in response to the need for educational aid in developing nations.
Annually, WorldTeach places approximately 20 volunteer teachers to serve in Costa Rican primary schools, teaching grades 1st through 6th. Volunteers provide opportunities for English language learning to students that would not normally have an English teacher. WorldTeach works closely with the Ministry of Education (MEP) on volunteer placements to identify schools lacking local English teachers, ensuring that no Costa Rican teachers’ jobs are left out, as well as serving in schools with an acute need.
Conclusion
An internship in Costa Rica will help you gain valuable field-based experience, critical technical skills, and cross-cultural exposure to kickstart your career in any field. Therefore, do well to make the best out of this information.
FAQs On Internships In Costa Rica
Internships can last anywhere from a short week to six months or beyond, depending on the experience you’re looking for and the program.
Americans and other nationals who plan to intern in Costa Rica for only a short time (less than 90 days) won’t need a tourist visa. However, for longer stays, interns should plan to apply for an unpaid volunteer or intern visa.
The majority of internships in Costa Rica are not located in the heart of the capital city. Nevertheless, as the national business center, there are still plenty of options available for those looking for internship placements in San José. However, the renowned cities for internships in Costa Rica are Alajuela, Cartago, San José, and Liberia.
Most internship opportunities in Costa Rica are unpaid as a result of certain visa regulations. Nevertheless, interns can receive a stipend or bonus from the company they are placed with, but in most cases, international interns will have to pay for internships in Costa Rica.
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