GAIN HANDS-ON KNOWLEDGE IN THE WORLD OF ANIMAL CARE
This exceptional veterinary internship, crafted for students passionate about wildlife conservation, unfolds against the backdrop of Costa Rica’s Puntarenas province, renowned for its 6.5% share of the world’s biodiversity. Set within a nonprofit wildlife sanctuary, this immersive experience is dedicated to rescuing and treating injured, abused, or disabled animals, with the primary goal of reintroducing them to their natural habitats.
As an intern, you’ll play a pivotal role in this mission, interacting with a diverse array of wildlife species, providing essential health care and gaining valuable insights into veterinary practices. Your days as an intern will be dynamic, involving a spectrum of tasks from health assessments and treatments, to active participation in surgeries, administering medications, assisting in physiotherapy, and handling animal emergencies.
Going beyond traditional clinical roles, this internship offers a profound exploration of wildlife conservation, fostering an appreciation for the intricate connections within ecosystems. Through shadowing veterinary staff and participating in the center’s daily operations, you’ll evolve into an indispensable asset to the sanctuary’s mission. This experience will not only enhance your skills but also contribute significantly to the preservation of biodiversity in Costa Rica.
Based in Costa Rica, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife in the Alturas region of the Puntarenas province. This area loses a lot of its wildlife due to road accidents, electrocutions, domestic animal attacks, and the pet trade.
The organization runs a 24/7 veterinary clinic where they treat injured, sick, or orphaned animals with the primary goal being to release them. In cases where re-release isn’t possible when the animal has been domesticated or disabled, the sanctuary also serves as a refuge. Established in 2014, they have already established themselves as a valuable asset to conservation efforts in the region and have saved over 2000 animals.
During your internship you’ll engage in a blend of responsibilities, including animal care tasks in the clinic, shadowing veterinary staff during rehabilitation, and supporting the daily operations of the center. The specific emphasis of your internship can be customized to align with your unique interests and skills, providing a broad spectrum of experiences in various tasks and duties.
Interns committing to a one-month duration can anticipate to:
Interns committing to more than one month can expect these additional responsibilities to those mentioned above:
Interns will stay in the Wildlife Sanctuary’s on-site volunteer house. Here, you’ll enjoy private or shared bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, laundry services and Wifi. You’ll also be able to embark on a range of outdoor activities like surfing, yoga, hiking, and waterfall tours.
Costa Rica is generally considered a safe travel destination although you have to keep the normal safety precautions in mind (take care of your valuables, don’t go out alone after dark, etc.). 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 on whether or not to take any malaria medication.
Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad.
Three vegetarian meals a day from Monday to Sunday are provided. During the week, a chef will prepare lunch and dinner for you. You will need to prepare you own breakfast and meals over the weekend using the food provided (special requests for groceries can be made).
The organization is situated in the biological corridor that connects the Pacific Rainforest to the Osa Peninsula. This area houses 6.5% of the world’s biodiversity and contains the highest density in the world. The accommodation for this internship provides an up-close experience of one of the most exciting, and scientifically significant ecosystems on the planet.
Arrival is always on Wednesday or Sunday (midday to 8PM). The exact start and end dates will be discussed with you during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (valid until 1 June 2024)
4 weeks USD 2,006
6 weeks USD 2,668
8 weeks USD 3,302
10 weeks USD 3,910
12 weeks USD 4,493
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs 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.
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!
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.
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!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
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.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
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!
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
