How to Get an Internship in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, located in the heart of Central America, is a small but mighty country. Full of beautiful beaches, intriguing rain forests, thriving wildlife, and friendly locals, it is the ultimate destination for reveling in the world’s beauty or embarking on thrilling adventures.

Learn how to get an internship in Costa Rica and enjoy views like this on a daily basis.

It is also a great location for pursuing an internship in several fields of study, from wildlife conservation to international business. It’s time to learn how to get an internship in Costa Rica so you can enjoy the benefits of interning abroad in a stunning destination.

Interning abroad is a terrific way to pad your resume while also integrating yourself into a new culture, language, and lifestyle. There are many things to consider before beginning an internship abroad, like visa regulations and expected pay. Keep reading to find everything you need to intern abroad in Costa Rica.

Are internships paid in Costa Rica?

Whether or not your internship in Costa Rica is paid will depend greatly on your individual arrangement and visa. To receive a salary for your internship you will need to have a work visa, which can often be hard to come by. This is because the government wants to protect employment opportunities for Costa Rican citizens.

Your internship may compensate you in other ways, for example with food or accommodation. However, it is also likely that you will need to pay for your internship program. Be sure to look into all costs associated with your internship before setting off. While you may not receive financial compensation when you intern abroad in Costa Rica, you will surely be paid with incredible experiences.

Do I need a visa to intern in Costa Rica?

Now you might be wondering—do I need a Costa Rica internship visa? This will again depend on many factors, like where you are from and how long you plan to stay in the country.

If your internship is less than 90 days, Costa Rica allows foreign nationals from most countries to stay without a visa. You must have a valid passport and a return ticket ready at the border.

However, if your internship exceeds this period, you will need to apply for temporary residency. To obtain this kind of visa, you must apply with the Immigration Office of Costa Rica and provide a letter from your internship program.

Finally, if you do happen to find a paid internship, you will need to apply for a work visa. However, this can be a long and complicated process, and you must provide evidence that your job cannot be done by a local Costa Rican. You can find more information on specific visa requirements on Costa Rica’s embassy website.

5 other requirements for interning in Costa Rica

Meet the requirements? Then it’s time to hit send on that application!

Aside from obtaining the correct visa, your internship abroad in Costa Rica may require other credentials that are specific to your program and area of interest. Here are some things you should look out for:

• Age: Many internships require you to be 18 or older.
• Academic credentials: Your internship in Costa Rica may require a certain level of education or a minimum GPA from your high school or college.
• Work experience: Some internships require that you have previous work experience and hands-on knowledge in your field.
• Language skills: Spanish is the official language spoken in Costa Rica, and while many internships are carried out in English and even offer Spanish classes, it is important to research language requirements beforehand.
• Letter of recommendation: As part of your internship application, you may be required to provide a letter of recommendation from a previous employer or educator.

Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 internship programs abroad—it’s free!

How to get an internship in Costa Rica

Step 1: Decide where and when to go

The first step to getting an internship in Costa Rica is deciding where and when you’d like to go. The capital city San José is a hub for industry and a great spot for finding internships in areas like business, engineering, nonprofit work, and technology.

If you want to focus on nature and conservation, there are countless options along the coastline. Some popular places include Montezuma, Jalova, and Limón.

As for deciding when to do your internship, there are a few things to keep in mind. Costa Rica’s rainy season lasts from May until November, with the rainiest months being September and October. However, if you choose to brave the rain, you will be rewarded with fewer tourists and beautiful greenery.

Step 2: Decide what kind of program you want to participate in

The next step to landing an internship abroad in Costa Rica is deciding what kind of program you want to do. There are a variety of options available, whether you want to gain practical experience to complement your degree or learn about a completely new field.

Some of the most popular areas are environmental studies, marine biology, social work, and hospitality. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can find a program that fits your interests.

Step 3: Inquire at your university to choose a program

Your university’s career center or study abroad office can help you ace the application process and land your dream internship in Costa Rica.

After deciding what kind of internship you want to do, you may be able to enlist your university’s support. They will be best suited to help you find an enriching program in Costa Rica and may even be able to give you academic credit for your internship. Many universities have a career center responsible for helping students build resumes and write successful applications, but you’ll want to look into what your school offers.

Step 4: Make sure you meet all requirements

Once you know which program you want to apply for, you must make sure you meet all of their requirements. Do you have the right GPA? Do you speak the language? Do they require prior work experience?

Check their website thoroughly and make sure you have all of the qualifications necessary to apply!

Step 5: Apply for programs

Now that you’ve chosen where and when to go to Costa Rica and know what kind of internship you want to do and what is required of you, you’re all ready to begin your applications. Make sure to tailor your resume for each program and let them know why exactly you’ve chosen Costa Rica for your internship.

Step 6: Apply for a visa if necessary

As mentioned before, visa requirements will depend on your chosen program and how long you want to stay in the country. If you do need a visa, make sure to apply as soon as possible so you can begin your program on time!

Step 7: Book your flight

Congratulations! The hard part is out of the way, and now it’s time to book your flight. While San José has the biggest airport, you’ll want to find the most convenient route for whichever town or city you’ve chosen for your internship. Safe travels!

3 internships in Costa Rica to consider

1. Research Assistants for Costa Rica Sea Turtle Conservation

• Highlights: If you’re interested in conservation or environmental internships in Costa Rica, the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre will allow you to explore your passion. Located in beautiful Montezuma, the refuge offers interns the opportunity to perform essential research, teach environmental education to children, or protect sea turtles in the region.
• During the internship, participants can explore the varied landscape of Montezuma. Expect to find beaches, waterfalls, tropical forests, and diverse wildlife. The refuge also provides accommodation and three meals a day.
• Location: Montezuma
• Read Refugio Nacional Vida Silvestre Romelia reviews

2. Study and Intern at EARTH University in Costa Rica

• Highlights: EARTH is a nonprofit, international university focused on building a more sustainable future. They offer a range of environmental internships in Costa Rica that aim to combine conventional learning with real-world experience.
• In their free time, interns can enjoy EARTH’s sustainable campus located in the middle of the rainforest. They have their own organic farm with beaches, national parks, volcanoes, and coffee plantations nearby. Participants also have the opportunity to improve their Spanish language skills while pursuing their projects.
• Location: Limón Province
• Read EARTH University reviews

3. Intern in Costa Rica with World Endeavors

• Highlights: World Endeavors offers year-round customized placements in various professional fields including health care, marketing, nutrition, and youth development. The program provides academic credit, a program advisor, travel assistance, and 15 hours of Spanish language instruction.
• Participants typically live with local families and get to experience the traditional Costa Rican lifestyle. World Endeavors also tailors each internship to the individual, placing you in your desired field and accommodating your availability.
• Location: Atenas
• Read World Endeavors reviews

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Grow personally and professionally in paradise!

No matter your interests, living the pura vida life will launch your career.

While choosing to intern abroad can seem scary and unfamiliar, this guide will ensure that you are more than prepared for your foreign adventure. Whether you choose to save the sea turtles on the Caribbean coast or pursue a research project in the middle of the jungle, Costa Rica is the perfect place to combine meaningful travel with professional experience.