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Welcome to Internships in Costa Rica

Seize the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica through our offered internship programs involving wildlife conservation and digital marketing!

If you’re thinking about doing a nonprofit internship Costa Rica is a destination to consider! Known for its stunning natural beauty and strong commitment to sustainability and social welfare, Costa Rica provides you with an ideal setting to engage in meaningful work. Costa Rica is committed to fostering a culture for sustainability projects and environmental conservation, which as a result has gained the country plenty of recognition for its efforts in promoting sustainable practices and protecting natural resources. In addition to their great efforts in the nonprofit sector, the warm hospitality and friendliness of the Costa Rican people will make your stay even more rewarding, allowing you to forge connections that last a lifetime.

Costa Rica has a strong culture of environmental conservation and social responsibility, which has led to the establishment of various nonprofit organizations dedicated to various causes, for example, wildlife conservation, sustainable development, education, poverty alleviation, healthcare, and more. If you end up choosing one of our offered internships in Costa Rica, you’ll get the opportunity to work with a variety of our partners across the country. Overall, a nonprofit internship in Costa Rica will not only help you with your personal and professional growth, but you’ll also have the chance to create a lasting positive change in the lives of others and the environment.

Read more about Costa Rica as an internship destination

Costa Rica Highlights

‘Pura Vida’ Lifestyle

As an intern in Costa Rica you will surely experience the laid-back and friendly atmosphere this country is famous for. The expression “Pura Vida”, which translates to “pure life,” reflects the country’s positive outlook and emphasis on living life to the fullest.

Activities

If you are someone who likes to do as many activities as possible when you visit a new country, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for you. You can go zip-lining through the treetops, white-water rafting, surfing, hiking volcanoes, and more during your free time!

Sustainability and Conservation

Costa Rica generates a significant portion of its energy from renewable sources and has implemented measures to protect its natural resources, such as reforestation efforts and strict environmental regulations. A Costa Rica conservation internship is something to consider.

Thriving NGO Sector

Over the years, Costa Rica has become a thriving and diverse NGO sector. The country has a robust civil society with a wide range of NGOs entities offering opportunities to internships with various social, environmental, and community development causes.

Browse All Internship Opportunities in Costa Rica

USD 200 Summer Special!

Expedition Medic Internship in South Africa or Costa Rica

  • Min. 13 weeks
  • Costa Rica or South Africa
  • First Aid, Medical Support, Emergency Responder
Develop your paramedic skills accompanying young volunteers on the trip of a lifetime.
Find out more
boy with plant

Open for applications

Conservation Marketing and Fundraising Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Manzanillo, Costa Rica
  • DIGITAL MARKETING, CONTENT CREATION, FUNDRAISING, OUTREACH
Contribute to vital conservation efforts through fundraising and awareness campaigns, preserving the region's unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Find out more
aerial picture of cirenas

Open for applications

Conservation Research Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Manzanillo, Costa Rica
  • DATA CAPTURE, PERMACULTURE, CONSERVATION, EDUCATION, MONITORING, RESEARCH
Play an integral role in advancing conservation research by actively engaging in hands-on fieldwork to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems.
Find out more
Sea turtle conservation internship

Open for applications

Conservation Marketing Internship

  • Min. 6 weeks
  • Carate, Costa Rica
  • DIGITAL MARKETING, FUNDRAISING, CONTENT CREATION
Acquire digital marketing experience in sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, crafting compelling campaigns and fostering community engagement.
Find out more

Important information about Costa Rica

Internship locations in Costa Rica

Carate

Carate is a hidden gem located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, known for its unspoiled natural beauty and secluded charm. The calm ambiance of Carate, coupled with its proximity to one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, makes it a perfect destination for interns who are seeking a truly immersive and unforgettable Costa Rican experience.

Manzanilla

Head to Manzanilla for white sandy beaches along the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula’s Pacific coast. This stretch of pristine Pacific Ocean coastline comprises multiple ecosystems within one of Costa Rica’s most important coastal watersheds, the Bongo-Ario river basin. With endless beach activities, delicious seafood at every turn, and a laid back culture, it’s certainly a bucket list internship location!

Puntarenas province coast line of Dominical

Puntarenas Province

This region offers a captivating internship destination for those seeking a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Since there is a variety of stunning landscapes ranging from beautiful beaches to verdant jungles filled with wildlife, interns can immerse themselves and gain opportunities for hands-on learning in various fields, for example, wildlife conservation.

More Costa Rica Information

Weather and Climate

The weather throughout the country can be characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and significant rainfall throughout the year. The average daytime temperature ranges from 28°C to 32°C year-round. Nighttime temperatures are generally cooler, dropping to around 22°C to 24°C. Rainfall is a constant feature, although it is generally dryer from January to March.

Safety and Support

Throughout your Costa Rica internship we’re here to support you. In order to ensure your safety while in Costa Rica, it’s a good idea to research the area before your trip. During your stay, you must respect the wildlife (maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding or touching the animals), protect your valuables, stay informed regarding the weather conditions, and respect the local culture. Due to the wild nature of the Pacific ocean, it is not safe to swim or surf at the beach nearest the project in Carate. Overall, Costa Rica is a safe destination, so if you follow these precautions you’ll be able to explore with ease!

Costa Rica Travel Requirements

  • Visa – Check with your home country’s embassy to confirm the requirements; Visa requirements vary based on factors such as nationality, purpose of visit, country of residence, and duration of stay. For most nationalities, no visa is needed for stays up to 90 days.
  • Travel Insurance – You want to have a carefree experience during your internship abroad, so it’s important to get the right travel insurance; a package that is suited for your upcoming trip. Check out our page with more information on flights and insurance.
  • Police Clearance / Background Check – This is a standard policy for most of our internships, as you are often working with vulnerable individuals. The procedure on how to obtain a police clearance/background check varies per country.
  • Vaccinations – Some generally recommended vaccinations for Costa Rica are: routine vaccines, COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, measles, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever.

COSTA RICA FAQS

Is it safe to do an internship in Costa Rica?

The safety of doing an internship in Costa Rica obviously depends on various factors, including your location, the nature of your internship, and personal precautions you take. Generally, Costa Rica is considered a safe country for travelers and interns, but it’s essential to be aware of certain safety considerations, for example following local guidelines, researching the location, taking health precautions, and keeping a list of important emergency numbers.

Do I need to speak Spanish to be an intern in Costa Rica?

While it is not essential that you speak Spanish during your internship in Costa Rica, having some knowledge and understanding of the language can greatly enhance your experience and make your time in the country more enjoyable and productive.

What are the living costs in Costa Rica?

Generally, the cost of living in Costa Rica is considered moderate, with some areas being more affordable than others. Your accommodation and most meals are covered in your internship placement fee so you won’t have to worry about large additional expenses.

When should I start planning my internship in Costa Rica?

To ensure a smooth and successful internship experience in Costa Rica, it’s recommended that you start planning well in advance, especially if you are interested in a summer internship. Costa Rica often is a popular destination for this period. Make sure that you have your vaccinations and documents ready well before the start of your internship to ensure that there are no problems.

How do I apply for an internship in Costa Rica?

You can browse through all our offered internship opportunities in Costa Rica and choose the one that interests you the most. Once you pick the one that suits your interests, you can apply by filling out the application form online. After we have revised your application, we will contact you to schedule an online interview to give us a broader view of your goals for the internship. You will also be able to ask any questions that you may have. If everything goes well, we’ll send your application to the host organization.

If you’re having trouble deciding which internship is best for you, don’t hesitate to send us a message and we’ll help you pick the right one for your interests and needs!

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HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!