Impact Made From an Animal Welfare Internship in Costa Rica
“I wanted to immerse myself in a different culture, try a new way of life, and learn as much as I can in another country. I can definitely say I…
CONSERVATION MARKETING INTERNSHIP IN COSTA RICA
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
GAIN WELL-ROUNDED DEVELOPMENT IN MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION WORKING AT THE FOREFRONT OF SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
This is a communications internship for anyone looking to gain skills and experience in marketing with an interest in working with sea turtles. You’ll travel to the tropical coastline of Costa Rica and help to spread the vital work in sea turtle conservation.
This organization works to protect sea turtle beach habitats along the Costa Rican coastline and further the knowledge of sea turtle conservation and its greatest threats. As part of their work they invest heavily into community engagement and development with the aim to educate, empower, and incentivize locally-led conservation initiatives. Naturally, as a nonprofit they rely on outside funding and donations. Furthermore, a huge part of their work depends on international volunteers.
As a Marketing & Communications intern, you’ll help promote the valuable work this organization does and rally their support. Your role will take a variety of forms to raise awareness of the importance of their work in order to connect the organization with donors, collaborators, and volunteers. You’ll be playing a critical role in keeping this organization up and running, whilst developing an array of skills and building a deep portfolio in marketing and communications.
ORGANIZATION
This fast growing organization works to protect turtle nesting beach habitats along the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. Established in 2018, they now manage an 8 kilometer stretch of coastline where they register over 7000 nests from which nearly 250,000 hatchlings travel to the ocean each year.
They take an all-rounded approach to their work with a heavy focus on community engagement and development. The majority of their many conservation projects are community-led and they have also developed a number of initiatives on the periphery of turtle conservation, such as marine plastic upcycling and female empowerment groups, that now provide locals with paid employment. At the core of their work is their independent research that fills information gaps in conservation science, influences local policy makers, and informs their educational community outreach programs.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This is a varied marketing and communication internship, allowing you the chance to experience working through an array of online channels, donor-outreach, and in-person promotional activities. You’ll build valuable skills and gain multifaceted insight raising awareness and funds in a nonprofit context, while participating in and documenting the day-to-day conservation efforts of the organization. Interns are expected to join conservation activities to learn first-hand about the project you are creating content for.
Responsibilities
- Gathering and editing various types of content
- Managing social media pages
- Seeking and reaching out to collaborators
- Grant writing, contacting sponsors, and other forms donor-outreach
- Creating content and writing copy for blogs, newsletters, and other online channels
- Assisting with recruitment strategies
- Coordinating and facilitating promotional activities within the local communities
- Creating educational and informational resources
- Designing and updating website pages
- Participating in conservation project activities (incl. turtle patrols at odd hours)
Requirements
- Academic background or prior experience in marketing, communications, writing, design or a related field is preferred
- Familiarity with social media and online channels
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Meticulous attention to detail and organization skills
- An interest in conservation and community development
- Fluent in English (basic Spanish is recommended)
- Be willing and able to participate in turtle patrols walking up to 10km – depending on the turtle activity you could be on the beaches from 8pm to 2am+ or 5am to 8 am+
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Interns will stay at one of two base camps, each designed for minimal environmental impact. The camps are open to the natural surroundings and powered by basic solar panels, which provide lighting, intermittent Wifi, and a limited ability to charge appliances. Each has a kitchen, toilets, and showers. Sleeping quarters are in airy, semi-enclosed dormitories with bunk beds and mosquito nets, placing interns in the middle of nature and within earshot of the ocean.
Important Considerations
-
Beach Access: Both camps are located near the beach, suitable for games and wildlife viewing. However, these are not swimming beaches due to dangerous currents; safer swimming beaches are easily accessible on scheduled days off.
-
Language: Operations are bilingual (English and Spanish), with Spanish being the dominant language in the local setting. All essential briefings will be provided in English for non-Spanish speakers, who should request clarification if needed.
-
Solar Power: Solar power is the primary but not guaranteed energy source, as efficiency can vary with weather and maintenance. When available, power priority is given to essential staff and research operations. Personal device charging is permitted when capacity allows.
-
Climate: The tropical climate brings intense midday heat with no fans or air conditioning. Work schedules are planned for cooler periods, with rest advised during peak heat. Sudden, heavy rainfall is also common, requiring gear for both hot and wet conditions.
-
Isolation: The project sites are remote. The nearest town, Puerto Jiménez, can be up to a two-hour drive away with limited transport. No shops or supply facilities exist on-site, so all personal necessities must be brought upon arrival.
- Waste: The project is committed to achieving minimal environmental impact, including the goal of becoming a zero-waste facility. All waste generated must be sorted for reuse, recycling, or transport back to Puerto Jiménez for disposal.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. Malaria risk is low, but consult your local health professional on whether or not to take any malaria medication.
Costa Rica is generally considered a safe travel destination, however you should always keep general safety precautions in mind. Keep track of your valuables, avoid wearing flashy/revealing clothing, always know how to return to your accommodation, only take trusted/recommended transportation options, do not explore off-site alone, and never go exploring after dark.
The camps are located near scenic, non-swimming beaches. Due to the presence of dangerous currents, swimming is prohibited at the camp beaches for safety reasons. Designated, safer swimming beaches that are nearby are accessible to interns during scheduled days off.
Communication
Communication
For reliable communication, it is strongly advised to acquire a local KOLBI SIM card upon arrival in Costa Rica, as it is the only provider with coverage in the remote project area. Interns must ensure their mobile phone is unlocked for international carriers before departure. At camp, very basic and intermittent Wifi is available, powered by the site’s solar energy system; connectivity is not guaranteed as power can be affected by weather and is prioritized for essential operations. For more consistent access, Wifi is available at a few nearby eco-lodges, typically in exchange for a small purchase at their bar/restaurant.
Meals
Meals
Meals at camp are predominantly vegetarian, with a foundation of rice, legumes such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas, and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from the project’s own land, neighboring ‘fincas’, and Puerto Jiménez. The menu also includes eggs and, on rare occasions, meat or fish. This variety of whole foods easily accommodates vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant diets. On a typical day, breakfast may consist of items like pancakes or gallo pinto, lunch might feature tortillas with beans and vegetables or a pasta dish, and dinner could be chickpeas with spinach or vegetarian burgers.
All interns and volunteers share communal cooking and cleaning duties on a rotating weekly schedule. Those assigned are responsible for preparing lunch and dinner for everyone at camp, fostering a collaborative community environment.
Location details
Location details
You’ll be based in a rural coastal town, Carate, on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica, which is nothing short of a tropical paradise. As well as an impressive variety of turtle species you’ll find a staggering array of flora and fauna here. It is also adjacent to Corcovado National Park, and incredible rainforest and marine areas where you can enjoy horseback riding, waterfall hikes, and whale and dolphin tours. The camp beaches are among the world’s most pristine and wildest, with ocean conditions that are too strong for safe swimming or surfing. Calmer waters for swimming and watersports are available a short distance away in Matapalo.
Participants must be prepared for the profound remoteness of this project. The nearest significant town, Puerto Jiménez, is approximately a two-hour drive away via a rugged road with limited public transport. Once on-site, there are no local shops or facilities. This isolation requires interns to be fully self-sufficient and both physically and mentally prepared to live and work in a challenging, disconnected environment for the duration of their stay.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship arrivals and departures are always on a Monday. Exact start and end dates will be discussed during the selection process.
NOTE: this project is closed yearly from April – June and re-opens in the first week of July
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
6 weeks USD 2,404
8 weeks USD 2,926
10 weeks USD 3,449
12 weeks USD 3,976
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Dorm room accommodation in one of the camps (up to 8-16 pax)
- Basic Wifi access (buying a local SIM card is recommended)
- Three meals a day (you will have cooking shifts)
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Puerto Jiménez
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Airport transfers upon arrival & departure
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Costa Rica.
What can I expect from an internship in Costa Rica?
During your internship, you can expect to gain a mix of professional development and cultural exploration. Also, throughout your internship, you’ll gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, collaborating with locals and fellow interns, building relationships and a strong network.
How will a nonprofit internship in Costa Rica boost my career development?
As you engage in meaningful projects that contribute to sustainable development and environmental causes, you’ll gain a sense of purpose and passion for creating a positive change. Also, you’ll get to use and sharpen your professional skills, as well as your interpersonal skills. If you wish to know more about how doing a nonprofit internship is good for your career, make sure to check this blog out!
While on an internship in Costa Rica can I receive university credit?
Yes, but you must ensure with your university supervisor that the internship meets the needed requirements. You can also choose to purchase transfer credits to supplement your internship experience.
Will I receive compensation of any kind during my internship?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any sort of stipend. When interning for a nonprofit organization, you will not be paid, but here are some ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring opportunities for both professional and personal growth and a wealth of new knowledge which is invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Carate, Costa Rica
PROJECT FOCUS: Marine Conservation
TASK FOCUS: Digital Marketing, Fundraising, Content Creation
LENGTH: 6-12 weeks
COST: From USD 2,404
FEATURED REVIEW
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.
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!
"*" indicates required fields
RELATED PROGRAMS
Remote Social Media & PR Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Remote
- Social Media Management, Public Relations, Digital Engagement, Content Strategy
Build your expertise in digital storytelling and media outreach while contributing to young women's empowerment.
Find out more
Communications Internship
- Min. 4 weeks
- Lisbon OR Porto, Portugal
- Digital Media, Strategic Marketing, Communication Channels
Extend the reach of dedicated nonprofits through digital marketing campaigns and refined communications strategies.
Find out more
Fundraising & Digital Marketing Internship
- Min. 8 weeks (in-person) / 12 weeks (remote)
- Tacloban, Philippines OR Remote
- Digital Media, Campaign Management, Strategic Marketing
Help raise awareness and funds for an organization uplifting impoverished communities through education.
Find out more
RELATED BLOGS
What Do Internships in Costa Rica Involve?
What do internships in Costa Rica Involve? Jaw-dropping scenery, unbelievable wildlife, and some of the best conservation and sustainability opportunities on the planet. There's a good reason why we named…
Why Costa Rica is the Best Country for Internships
For many of us, we think of Costa Rica as the ideal place for a relaxing and peaceful vacation, but this magnificent country can also be the ideal destination for…
