Education Internships in Costa Rica

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 across 24 career fields that are tailored to meet each individual’s academic, professional, or personal requirements. With over 200 internship programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to choose from, and options to intern from 2 weeks to 6 months either full-time or part-time, in-country or virtually, we facilitate career-enhancing experiences that work for you, not just the host organization. Intern Abroad HQ is proudly brought to you by the team behind International Volunteer HQ. We have collectively supported over 120,000 program participants since 2007 and are the only B Corp certified provider in our field.

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.

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 in English. - Spanish language skills are only required for Micro-Business and Medical internships. - Interns should be enrolled or have completed a Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. - Medical interns must present proof of their medical training. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best internship, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America along with top-notch client service and great home base facilities. Live it!

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 most programs. Universidad Veritas offers an internship program and volunteer opportunities that’ll help you make the most of your semester abroad. Their Spanish Language and Internship Program welcomes students with an advanced level of Spanish and a minimum of 2 years of college-level Spanish. It combines a 4-week Spanish language course with a 12-week internship placement within local companies or NGOs based on your major. You’ll also enjoy cultural and social activities, including: • Costa Rican cooking classes • Visits to local museums and historical sites • A 3-day trip to Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and Monteverde Cloud Forest • A 3-day trip to the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park • Day trip to Poás Volcano, Doka Coffee Estate, and Sarchi artisans Optional excursions include a 2-day trip hiking and rafting in Sarapiquí.

Make a positive impact by assisting disadvantaged communities in San Jose, Costa Rica. This unique and affordable volunteering abroad program allows you to provide educational enrichment for underprivileged children. During your stay, you'll have the opportunity to learn Spanish, volunteer in social programs for children, and explore the beauty of Costa Rica in your free time. You'll contribute to the well-being of children, gain skills in childcare and teaching, and improve your Spanish language skills. This program is open to participants of all ages, including families. Teens aged 16-17 can join solo with parental consent. Other requirements include: - Police clearance - Basic level of English and/or Spanish - Open-minded and flexible attitude - Creative and highly independent - Experience working with children

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 your global network, and enhance your Spanish proficiency. Outside the workplace, you'll enjoy cultural workshops, language classes, and guided activities that offer deeper insight into Costa Rican life. With personalized support and a focus on professional growth, Expanish ensures a rewarding and enriching experience in one of Central America’s most biodiverse and welcoming countries.

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. Costa Rica is a premier destination for study abroad due to its extensive national park system, beautiful landscapes, friendly locals, and clearly-spoken Spanish. The Arcos Learning Abroad program provides an all-inclusive study abroad experience with cultural activities on weekdays, excursions on weekends, on-site directors, carefully vetted homestays, tuition, and much more. Arcos invites you to step through the arch and into a life-changing experience abroad. Costa Rica awaits!

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!"

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 grassroots development work. At the same time, you'll contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Join an internship that truly matters for you and the world! The focus areas of our internships are wide-ranging: from female empowerment and early childhood development to wildlife conservation and food security. No matter your degree or career focus, we'll be able to find you an internship that matches your interests and requirements. Our internships are based across Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia with year-round remote, in-person, and hybrid placements. What we'll offer you: - Careful matchmaking - Assistance with traveling (visas, flights, accommodation, etc.) - Supervision during your placement - Regular check-ins and troubleshooting - Career-driven opportunity Get in touch for a free internship consultation!

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.

Specializing in early childhood education? Apply your knowledge and skills in a real work setting anywhere in the world. Institute for Global Studies offers internship placements in various destinations—choose where you want to travel! Past interns have worked in traditional daycare settings, working with children ages three to six and facilitating all aspects of their day. Other interns have created reading programs and tailored these to current needs. They have also helped plan field trips and supervised excursions. IGS encourages host organizations to give the option to create and share any area of expertise, challenging interns to come up with original ideas on how to best help the children. Skills and attributes that may prove useful in this internship include the willingness to accept and implement the philosophy of giving, the ability and skill to communicate with people of different cultures, the ability to write and speak clearly, and the ability to work under conditions of stress and change.

Immerse yourself in the world of artisanal chocolate on a small farm in Heredia, Costa Rica, home to a unique social enterprise blending sustainability, education, and creativity. Interns engage with every step of the bean-to-bar process, learning traditional methods and human-powered production while supporting ethical, community-focused initiatives. This hands-on placement goes beyond chocolate making—interns help lead interactive tours, create content, maintain gardens, and contribute to educational projects, gaining experience in agroecology, food systems, and regenerative business models. Daily life is active and varied, combining practical work with opportunities to connect with the local team, share meals, and explore Heredia’s vibrant culture. Ideal for those passionate about sustainability, ethical food production, and social entrepreneurship, this internship offers a meaningful, immersive experience in small-scale, community-driven innovation.

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 Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

The stunning coastal town of Quepos is the perfect location to break away from the rat race of everyday life and give back to a community in need. Interns will educate children and adults while gaining practical and invaluable community development, teaching and project management experience. The first 12 weeks will basically comprise of training to equip you to launch various education initiatives. Other training subjects include group study, lesson planning, team management and teaching practices. After completing the first 12 weeks on the internship interns will undertake their 12-week work placement where they will assist the GVI team in managing the operations of our program. You can enjoy hands-on professional experience and regular feedback to track your progress.

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 deeper understanding of marine ecosystems. By the end of the program, you will also qualify as an Ecology Specialty Instructor, allowing you to teach marine ecology courses and actively promote ocean awareness as a dive professional. This program is ideal for candidates who want to stand out as environmentally conscious dive professionals and actively contribute to ocean awareness and protection. Rich Coast Diving offers a supportive, hands-on internship designed to prepare you for work as a dive professional while you live and dive in paradise. During your internship, you’ll gain real-world experience assisting on dive trips and courses, participate in professional workshops, and enjoy unlimited diving as you build confidence and career skills.

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.

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 they learn to plan and give lessons, evaluate student work and behavior, and refine their classroom management skills. They work closely with a cooperating teacher to assist in all aspects of the classroom. They can also support sustainability initiatives on our 96-acre reserve, herb garden, and composter. Or, they can work alongside the local people through community engagement projects like alumni activities, the reforestation program, or the development of leisure activities. Daily life in the "Monteverde" area offers students the opportunity to enjoy forest hikes and experience the friendliness of the people and the "PURA VIDA" culture of Costa Rica.

Join a purpose-driven internship abroad and gain hands-on professional experience in one of the most biodiverse and culturally rich countries in the world. Propella’s Internship Experience places university students and recent graduates in immersive work environments across Costa Rica, where learning, impact, and cultural connection go hand in hand. Participants are matched with organizations and projects that align with their interests—covering areas such as business development, sustainable tourism, education, marketing, communications, youth empowerment, and more. Each placement includes weekly Spanish classes, guided cultural excursions, and community-based engagement, ensuring a well-rounded and deeply enriching experience. The program runs year-round and offers flexible durations of 4, 8, or 12 weeks. Interns live with local host families or in private housing, receiving full logistical support and personalized mentorship from the Propella team throughout their stay. Whether you're seeking global exposure, career preparation, or a meaningful way to explore Costa Rica, this program delivers real-world growth with real-world purpose.