Culinary Arts & Cooking Internships in Costa Rica

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. Find the right fit for you! Live, learn, and work abroad on an internship program with CIEE! CIEE Summer Internships CIEE Summer Global Internships are 6-credit, 8-week programs with full-time working hours (approximately 30 hours weekly) and a seminar. CIEE Summer Intern and Study Abroad are 6 to 7-credit, 6-week programs with a part-time internship (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and a 3-credit academic course. CIEE Semester Internships CIEE Semester Global Internships are 9 to 13-credit, 12-week programs that feature a full-time internship (approximately 30 hours weekly), a seminar, and an optional 3 to 4-credit academic course online. CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad Programs are 12 to 14-credit, 12-week programs that feature a part-time internship​ (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and two academic courses.

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 airport pick-up – all considered the core of our package. Some programs also include all or most meals, extensive off-site orientations/excursions, transportation passes, and more. Whether you want to study for a year, semester, or summer, intern for a month to a year, or take an intensive foreign language course for a couple of weeks, CIS Abroad has the perfect program for you at the best value! "You're Going Places with CIS Abroad!"

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, business, or education, you’ll find opportunities that match your goals and help you grow personally and professionally. Internships are available year-round with flexible start dates, typically lasting from 2 to 6 months. You’ll be based in Atenas, a welcoming town known for its perfect climate and friendly community. Living with a local host family allows you to enjoy authentic Costa Rican culture, home-cooked meals, and daily Spanish language practice. With ongoing support from local coordinators and a dedicated advisor, you’ll have everything you need to make your internship experience rewarding, educational, and unforgettable.

Institute for Global Studies students have apprenticed with award-winning chefs and worked in a café that specializes in weekend brunches and award-winning pastries. In Auckland, an IGS student wanted to learn barista skills and was trained in that service. Baristas are often the first face a customer sees in a restaurant. It takes competence to earn a manager's trust to be the face of the restaurant. The IGS student got that trust and earned accolades. Working alongside a chef and restaurant staff provides insight into both the business and local culture. These restaurants are frequented by regulars, making weekends quite an experience. IGS works with students who desire to go into the restaurant industry and those who want to try something different. This Restaurant Work internship is a perfect way to meet locals and observe a community from the inside out.

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 leaders in tech, finance, healthcare, and sustainable innovation. In today's competitive job market, employers seek graduates with international experience, adaptability, and global insight. TTU-Costa Rica places you at the intersection of culture, commerce, and cutting-edge industry giving you a powerful edge in fields like sustainability, digital business, STEM, and global health. The Career Center at TTU-CR is here to connect students with top employers — opening doors to opportunities that build real-world skills and meaningful careers.