
Thomas Milano
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniI am a pre-med student at the University of Notre Dame and a certified EMT, and I want to become a surgeon. Working 911 calls showed me how much medic...
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Intern Abroad HQ
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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 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
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Get practical work experience in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru with Maximo Nivel’s professional International Internships. Gaining high-impact hands-on experience abroad sets you apart in competitive job markets and can help define long-term career goals. Maximo Nivel internships elevate your re
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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
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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
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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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 ProgramsInstitute for Global Studies
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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 ProgramsToucan Abroad
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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
Roots Interns
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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
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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 ProgramsAIFS Abroad
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Studying or interning abroad should be more than just exploring a new destination. With AIFS Abroad, you'll: - Earn academic credit - Gain real-world experience - Discover new interests - Build skills that can help you stand out in your future career Whether you choose a study abroad program, an i
See All 2 ProgramsArcos Learning Abroad
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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. C
Gapforce
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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
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Gain practical work experience in Costa Rica and Ecuador with Beyond Travels’ international internships and volunteer programs. Develop professional skills, strengthen your Spanish, and explore career paths through hands-on learning with local professionals, Indigenous practitioners, and community-b
See All 4 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
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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
Volunteering 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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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
Atlas Internships
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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
Expanish
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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
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 ProgramsCIS Abroad
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: Work, Study, Travel! Explore Latin America with Maximo Nivel
incredible opportunity, not only to live in another country but also to gain professional experience and become involved with a local company in a foreign culture. It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. None of this would have been possible without the amazing support and dedication of the Maximo Nivel staff. Even before I arrived in Cusco, the team took the time to connect me with a company that was carefully selected to match my interests and give me the best possible opportunity to succeed in my internship. Throughout my entire stay, the staff continued to be incredibly helpful, making sure everything was going smoothly, both with my internship and my experience living in Cusco outside of work.
Program: Medical Internships Abroad | Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru!
I loved my time at Maximo! We learned a lot about medical techniques and even got to do cooking classes. As a medical student, it was really worth my time. I would definitely recommend Maximo Nivel for an internship in Peru!
Program: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
The pre-administration was a little unclear, but everything else once we got to Costa Rica was amazing, the location was convenient, the activities on offer were numerous, the people were very friendly and the work was valuable, would Pura Vida again

Program: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
The staff were very supportive, available, and at hand to respond to inquiries and helped and addressed any issues I had quickly and proactively. The placement was interesting, informative and valuable. The spanish lessons were excellent and well delivered. The internship workshops equally so. Costa Rica is an exceptionally beautiful country and I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing and exploring it.
Program: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Costa Rica. The staff were consistently supportive, available and responsive. They were always at hand, ready to help and addressed and solved any issues I had quickly and effectively. The internship workshops and Spanish lessons were very interesting, helpful, well taught and delivered and I learned a lot. Chris (my spanish teacher) and Dakota (my workshop faciliator) are both very kknowledgeable about their subjects and helped me learn a lot. My work placement was well chosen and an invaluable experience from which I gained a lot. Costa Rica is an incredibly beautiful country and I am forever grateful to have experienced it with the support and help of the team at Maximo Nivel.
Program: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I loved every second about my internship, especially the responsibilities I was given. It was a really interesting experience. Nely was amazing! She was so warm, welcoming and patient. I truly feel like she was the best possible teacher for me! Thank you so much!
Program: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
What an amazing internship experience! It was an unforgettable month that pushed me out of my comfort zone, gave me experiences I’d never have at home, and allowed me to learn about conservation while meeting some amazing people. I learned a great deal and the entire experience definitely exceeded my expectations! I really enjoyed game drives. It was a good way to explore the reserve, learn lots about the environment and wildlife, get to know other participants and no drive was ever the same. Seeing all the animals, sunrise and sunsets on drives and getting to know new people made the experience truly unforgettable.
Program: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
The time spent doing my GIS internship at the Gondwana Game Reserve exceeded my expectations in both the knowledge I received and the amazing views I was fortunate enough to see. I learned a great deal, saw a lot of amazing animals and it was extremely rewarding to learn so much about GIS and wildlife.
Since completing the Psychology internship in Cape Town, I've been more empowered in several key ways. I've developed greater cultural competence within my field, along with a stronger understanding of how to draw on other professionals and networks to bring together resources that genuinely support a community or individual. I also feel more confident in the value of my informal counselling skills, and a renewed appreciation for the value of my psychology degree and what it equips me to offer. My experience co-facilitating the DBT session for clients with BPD has genuinely inspired me to consider this as a potential area of future specialisation, and I'd like to continue building my knowledge and skills in this space. I enjoyed staying in the big intern house with the other interns and exploring Cape Town together. The cultural insight from the local coordinator and internship was very insightful and has allowed me to personally and professionally appreciate and develop my cross-cultural competence.
The Marketing & Communications internship in Sydney gave me the real life experience which I can tie closely to my studies, and this has helped me understand different topics more easily. The internship also gave me the practical experience I needed to help boost my CV (resume) for my later career, and better prepare me for my future. I enjoyed meeting many people from different cultures a lot. My host family accommodation was amazing; I couldn’t have asked for better.
Program: Marine Scientist Training Costa Rica
The program 100% met my expectations. I learned so much even in just four weeks. I would definitely recommend it to others; the program is also very flexible. I actually got my nudibranch awareness diver certification, which isn't part of the program, but I was interested in it, so I worked with the amazing people there to get it. The best part, as obvious as it is, was the diving. I loved learning new skills, but being able to apply them underwater was next level. I've definitely unlocked a new obsession. If you want to be a confident diver and learn about coral health and marine life, this program is for you :)
Program: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
Meeting the people in my flat really changed my experiences. They were so kind. I was lucky with my internship with having people supporting me and also wanting to get to know me. I highly recommend this to someone.
Program: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
Karen and Kristal at Intern Abroad HQ were wonderful at assisting me and my study abroad counselor throughout the whole process (esp. with the academic credits). Thank you to them! What I enjoyed most about the Public Health internship in Cape Town was being able to work closely and connect with such qualified, educated, and passionate professionals in my field. Being exposed to the work that they do gave me a clearer idea of what I want to do in my own professional career and gave me insight into what it takes to get there. Furthermore, I enjoyed being mentored by my internship supervisor and being able to take charge of my own internship project.
Program: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
The medical internship was amazing. I interned at Hogar Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza and was able to be fully immersed in Costa Rican culture by participating in La Romería with the patients. In addition, I was able to learn so many medical terms in Spanish and was able to do many hands-on patient care activities within the clinic.

Shadowing with Toucan Abroad in Costa Rica was an incredible and unforgettable experience that truly strengthened my passion for physical therapy. I had the opportunity to learn from skilled clinicians, experience healthcare in a different cultural setting, and grow both personally and professionally. The Toucan team was supportive, welcoming, and were our anchor during any time of stress or anxiety. I left with valuable knowledge, unforgettable memories, and lifelong friendships. I highly recommend this program to any student looking for a meaningful international clinical experience.
Program: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
My opportunity to intern was one of the best things I've been blessed enough to be a part of. It taught me so much about the world, the field of International Policy, culture, and working with people from other cultures. It contributed so much to how I developed as a person, how I travel, and how I live life, and the whole experience was incredibly eye-opening, both professionally and personally. I am incredibly glad that I decided to take part in this internship, it was one of the most amazing things I've gotten to be a part of.
Program: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
I think Intern Abroad HQ was a great program because it provided and coordinated all that I needed. It was encouraging to not have to have every bit of my internship figured out and to know everything that was included would be reliable.
Program: Most Affordable Internships in Costa Rica | Intern Abroad HQ
What I enjoyed the most during my Coral Restoration internship in Costa Rica was the people I met. It allowed me to make many friends from different walks of life and it helped develop my social skills.
Program: Affordable Law & Human Rights Support Internships Abroad
This experience gave me a greater understanding of how organisations can work across borders to support communities. One of the most meaningful parts of my internship was learning about healthcare initiatives supporting refugee communities and international partnerships providing medical care to people affected by conflict and displacement. Seeing how resources can be used to improve the lives of both citizens and non-citizens showed me the impact that advocacy, collaboration, and compassion can have. I left Valencia feeling more motivated to pursue a career where I can contribute to positive change.
Program: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
I want to thank you and your team for helping me get to my GIS & Reserve Management internship in South Africa and fulfill a lifelong dream. I loved every second of my time in the Gondwana Game Reserve and it applied directly to my career goals.Everything exceeded my expectations. The people are fantastic, the wildlife incredible, and the experience gained unmatched.
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Thomas Milano
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniI am a pre-med student at the University of Notre Dame and a certified EMT, and I want to become a surgeon. Working 911 calls showed me how much medic...
Read Full Interview
Rhys Foulke
Go Elective
AlumniAs a pre-med student, I wanted to experience healthcare outside the United States and get a better understanding of what a career in medicine involves...
Read Full Interview
Elle Russell
Go Elective
AlumniAfter previously going to Africa on a family trip, I knew I wanted to experience its healthcare side. I could not think of a better way than to do an ...
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Sophia Sørensen
Korea Gapyear
AlumniI have always wanted to experience living in another country while developing skills that would help me in my future career. South Korea stood out to ...
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Samantha Haase
ArtBound Initiative
AlumniI stayed local for my internship, but I still feel that traveling abroad is important. I think going abroad is important culturally, as immersing your...
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Lillian Miks
Beyond Travels
AlumniA few years prior to this trip, I went to Peru with my family. Ever since that trip, I knew I wanted to visit the Amazon again, but I didn't think it ...
Read Full Interview
Marlies Leysen
Beyond Travels
AlumniI love traveling abroad to discover new countries, new people, and cultures. I have already traveled abroad in the past, but not for an extensive peri...
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Juwairiah Ishaq
Roots Interns
AlumniI was inspired to gain experiences in new cultures and different perspectives. Despite this being a remote internship, it was an enlightening experien...
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Myles Carpenter
FIEN Foundation
AlumniI decided to go abroad because I wanted to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone by traveling internationally for the first time.
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Pablo Quintanilla Berriochoa
Future For Africa
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad by a strong desire to step outside my comfort zone, experience a different reality, and contribute to something meaningful...
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Mariana Davila
ArtBound Initiative
AlumniStudying abroad had always been something I wanted to experience because I believe the best way to grow creatively and personally is to step outside y...
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Fiona Dolan
The Intern Group
AlumniI’ve always been motivated by personal growth, and going abroad felt like the perfect opportunity to challenge myself. I wanted to build independence,...
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Carlos Jose Lopez Tort
The Intern Group
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to grow beyond the limits of my usual environment and challenge myself both personally and professionally...
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Soham Kamble
The Intern Group
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was the opportunity to gain global exposure and step outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to experience a different cult...
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Maria Plugatyr
The Intern Group
AlumniAside from the overall desire to spend time abroad, my decision was actually a result of my university program requirement. In my international relati...
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Connor Nicholas
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniI wanted to gain new perspectives and new experiences. Going abroad challenges the way you have been taught to think and do things.
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Colin Wiechmann
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniI have long been inspired by organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and their commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare in underserved a...
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Yuto Nakada-Sasaki
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniAlthough I was born and raised in Canada, I have a strong Japanese background, and through numerous trips to Japan, I developed an early appreciation ...
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Zihui Qiu
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniI was inspired by the doctors volunteering with Doctors Without Borders and other medical humanitarian organizations in areas such as Gaza and Sudan. ...
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Macy Collins
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniI wanted to expand on what I was learning in the classroom when it came to health disparities. I knew what these things looked like as abstract concep...
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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