Internships in Central America

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152 Internships in Central America
4.54
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Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations ac
See All 17 ProgramsCIEE College Study Abroad
4.41
17
CIEE offers the most extensive network of internship programs. Are you a U.S. college student looking to study and intern abroad? We have full-time and part-time placements across 40+ locations worldwide and in diverse fields, from AI and engineering to public policy and business administration. Fi
See All 3 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
4.61
51
Do your international internship with Maximo Nivel - get international work experience in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. - Education (K-12) - Special Education - Micro-Business - Hospitality & Tourism - Human Rights - Medical Please take note of these qualifications: - Interns should be fluent i
See All 8 ProgramsAsia Internship Program
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A year-round circulation of tropical and warm weather has made Costa Rica one of the world’s few remaining natural utopias. The country’s untouched beaches, majestic mountains and volcanoes, gorgeous waterfalls, and prolific rainforests are home to more than 500,000 native species. AIP’s award-winn
AIFS Abroad
4.41
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Spend a semester or academic year in the lively capital of San José with AIFS Abroad! You’ll earn up to 20 credits per semester from Universidad Veritas through various courses and internship opportunities. Courses are taught in English and Spanish. No previous Spanish language study is required for
See All 3 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
4.76
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GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
See All 20 ProgramsExpanish
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Gain valuable international work experience while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Costa Rica through Expanish’s dynamic internship program. This hands-on opportunity places participants with local companies across various industries, allowing you to develop professional skills, expand y
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A year-round circulation of tropical and warm weather has made Costa Rica one of the world’s few remaining natural utopias. The country’s untouched beaches, majestic mountains and volcanoes, gorgeous waterfalls, and prolific rainforests are home to more than 500,000 native species. Atlas Internship
4.77
248
Study abroad in the highlands of central Costa Rica, in the charming city of Heredia. Immerse yourself in the Costa Rican lifestyle while taking classes at the modern Latin University. Courses include Spanish for all levels, electives, certificate courses in English and Spanish, and internships.
Institute for Global Studies
4.57
7
Institute for Global Studies' conservation biology projects are some of the most essential and interesting options we offer. The exciting part is realizing immediate results and knowing that every hour you spend is increasing biodiversity. IGS works with nonprofits and indigenous groups that are com
See All 44 Programs4.85
60
Join Toucan Abroad and other students from around the US in this highly enriching program. We aim to expand your perspective and grow into future leaders in the field of physical therapy through exposure to the work of licensed PT specialists. You’ll shadow them while they provide expert patient car
4.13
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At Roots, we believe valuable learning and making an impact can go hand-in-hand. That's why we offer academic internships with grassroots organizations around the world. As an intern, you'll have a unique work experience that will inspire you, enhance your career, and allow you to gain insight into
See All 14 ProgramsWorld Endeavors
4.82
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Costa Rica is a country where meaningful work meets breathtaking natural beauty. Through World Endeavors’ internship programs, you’ll gain professional experience while living in one of the most sustainable and biodiverse places in the world. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, conservation, bu
See All 2 ProgramsGapforce
4.32
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The ultimate adventure travel experience, gain high-quality training in Jungle Survival, Expedition Management, Wilderness Medicine, and Expedition Leadership on this unique and challenging personal development course! Since the first course in 2008, our Adventure Guide Training program has led the
See All 2 ProgramsBeyond Travels
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Gain hands-on experience in specialty coffee production while living in one of Costa Rica's most important coffee-growing regions, Los Santos. Participants work alongside local farmers, producers, and community organizations involved in coffee cultivation and processing. Activities may include far
See All 3 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
825
At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservatio
Volunteer World
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Volunteer in El Salvador and discover Central America's most underrated country! Find fantastic surf spots, colonial old towns, lonely beaches and incredible nature all while enjoying the peace of a destination far away from mass tourism. And if you're worried about safety, know that the great major
See All 3 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
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Sign-up for our medical volunteering programs abroad if you are a medical or healthcare student who is aspiring for a medical career but needs real-time training and mentoring. You don’t necessarily have to have a medical degree, as requirements are different for each program. There are even pre-med
See All 3 ProgramsKaya Responsible Travel
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3
Be a part of the conservation and protection of sea turtles in Costa Rica! Join Kaya on its Turtle and Marine Conservation Project located near Bataan in the Limon Province of Costa Rica. This is an opportunity to help protect sea turtles and their eggs while learning more about these magnificent
CIS Abroad
4.38
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CIS Abroad Study and Intern Abroad programs are some of the most affordable, comprehensive program packages available. We also don't cut any corners by offering everything you would expect from an overseas program: tuition, housing, support, insurance, excursions, social and cultural activities, and
Loop Abroad
5
9
During this two-week internship in tropical Belize, you will participate in clinical nursing rotations wherein you shadow Belizean nurses and medical professionals. Spend a week shadowing nurses at hospital facilities in San Ignacio and another week with community health workers from surrounding to
See All 4 Programs4.73
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A medical or nursing internship with RealStep offers a transformative experience blending hands-on clinical training with meaningful cultural immersion. By choosing our placement, you’ll have the opportunity to work in diverse, underserved communities across the globe, from rural areas in Malawi and
See All 2 ProgramsToucan Education Programs (TOUCAN)
4.78
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This internship program is tailored to fulfill your academic requirements and personal and professional learning goals. You can select flexible durations of 3, 4, 6, or 8 weeks. You are then paired with projects that align with your academic requirements, career goals, and personal interests while
Involvement Volunteers International
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Dental internship placements occur in both private and public clinics, including some that specialize in orthodontics and other dental fields. Interns work alongside local professionals and support staff, assisting with patient consultations and treatments. Please note that tasks vary depending on
See All 3 Programs0
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Length: 4-6 months | Intakes: January Join the Global Leadership Programme, designed to provide you with hands-on experience supporting the work of an international development charity. We are looking for passionate graduates, who are keen to learn about global challenges, work with youth and defin
CELA Belize
4.58
12
This four-week field course explores the intersections of economics, health, medicine, and social development in the tropics—with Belize as the focus. Its objective is to provide students with knowledge and insight into the epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of tropical diseases. Empha
See All 2 ProgramsNatucate
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Would you like to participate in valuable forest conservation research in the cloud forest of Costa Rica? This intern opportunity permits participants to work side by side with international and local biologists passionate about protecting the roughly 280 hectares of wild land and all of the species
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Seeking a pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, or global and public health-related leadership opportunity abroad? Join the VAW Global Team Leader Fellowship. We are looking for Team Leaders and Chapter Presidents at your university or within your community! The Team Leader (TL) will have a numb
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It is our goal to allow our interns to grow in the direction of their interests and work towards their long-term goals. Will be expected to shadow veterinary staff and assist with the daily running of the center. We require that applicants are studying or have graduated from a veterinary-related fie
See All 4 Programs0
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Our 3-Month Marine Ecology Pro program is designed for divers who want to combine professional-level training with a strong focus on Marine Ecology. Alongside your Divemaster development, you will complete multiple marine ecology specialties, expand your species identification skills, and gain a de
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Join Texas Tech's full-service campus in Costa Rica and gain real-world, cross-cultural experience in one of Latin America's most dynamic economies. Beyond its breathtaking biodiversity and ecotourism, Costa Rica is a strategic business hub with over 300 multinational companies including U.S.-based
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Join us for an inspiring experience: gain hands-on experience in environmental projects, bilingual education, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement while immersed in the local culture by living with a host family. Interns can work as full-time assistants to a classroom teacher where
A Guide to Interning Abroad in Central America
Locations
Central America is a relatively small region. It encompasses seven countries sandwiched between Mexico to the north and Colombia to the south, and is home to a total population of just over 42 million people.
From north to south, the seven countries that comprise Central America are Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Of these, Belize is the only country whose national language is English – the rest speak Spanish predominantly, with a variety of other indigenous tongues still practiced by a minority.
Each of these countries is unique from the other, shaped by intricate forces of culture and history, and each can be a rewarding place for an internship in its own right. For example Panama has a booming capital in Panama City, which can be a great place to gain business experience in a global atmosphere. Alternatively you also might consider interning in the rural areas of Nicaragua, one of the poorer countries in the region, for quite a different experience.
The largest cities in Central America include San Jose, Guatemala City, Tegucigalpa, San Salvador, and Panama City. Do some research about what countries and cities offer the best opportunity within the professional field you are pursuing, while taking into account other factors such as language, safety, and global orientation.
Internships in Central America
Central America is a developing region, marked by both the burdens of poverty and the promises of future growth. Many internships abroad in Central America are accordingly in the area of community and infrastructural development. Prospective interns who are interested in education, healthcare, architecture, and urban planning for example, can find many opportunities to get hands on experience in Central America.
Environmentalism is also a popular area for internships, as Central America is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet and is under constant threat from deforestation and habitat destruction. Forward-thinkers who are passionate about green technology, activism, and preservation efforts will have the opportunity to make a change for the better by interning abroad in Central America. Not to mention nature lovers will be thrilled by the beauty of their wild surroundings!
Many internship programs will offer you the additional option of enrolling in Spanish language courses while abroad too, a great way to advance your technical skill-set while practicing in work and everyday conversation. Generally internships last from two to six months based on individual availability. Some offer academic credit as well, so be sure to check with your home school about what units might transfer over.
Salary & Costs
Internships can be paid or unpaid, depending on the industry you are working in. Generally internships for NGOs and nonprofits go unpaid. It’s the nature of the game.
Central America is an affordable place to intern abroad coming from the developed world, so on-the-ground costs should not be of too much concern. Necessities such as food and transportation will be cheap, but items that might be considered luxuries (such as souvenirs and some clothing) might be relatively more expensive.
Accommodation & Visas
Many interns opt to live in a homestay while working abroad, and this is a great way to immerse yourself fully in the local culture while gaining additional practice speaking Spanish. Homestays might not be available for every position however, and instead you might find yourself living in an apartment or in group housing with other project members. Take available accommodations into account when looking for the perfect program!
The Central American countries also differ in their visa policies, so this is an additional factor to sort out with your internship provider in the early stages of the process. For visa information about the specific country where you are interning abroad, you can check out our Embassy Directory.
GoAbroad Insider Tips
Learn a Language. Interning abroad in Central America is a great opportunity to put some serious work into your Spanish language acquisition. In work, at home, in your free time – whenever and wherever you get the chance, try practice your communication skills!
Make an Impact. As a developing region, Central America can benefit from exposure in the international community. Whether you are interning for an NGO in rural Costa Rica or a multinational corporation in Guatemala City, you can help boost the region’s economy and standard of living.
Have Fun. The most important point comes last. Interning abroad in Central America will be a terrific adventure, and one that you will never forget! You will make friends from all over the world, have unbelievable experiences, and challenge yourself adapting to a different culture.
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