
Miguel Pacheco
Toucan Abroad
AlumniA huge passion of mine is traveling abroad and I believe it brings so much warmth and education on topics that can only be acquired through travel. Th...
Read Full Interview

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MAXIMO NIVEL
55
Get practical work experience in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru with Maximo Nivel’s professional International Internships. Gaining high-impac...
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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? A...
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AIFS Abroad
16
Studying or interning abroad should be more than just exploring a new destination. With AIFS Abroad, you'll: - Earn academic credit - Gain real-...
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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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Volunteer for wildlife in Costa Rica! This program works with three wildlife sanctuaries, in the Alajuela and Puntarenas Provinces. Many anima...
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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 untouch...
CIEE College Study Abroad
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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
See All 3 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
Institute for Global Studies
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Costa Rica is a personal favorite of IGS staff members and a location we are all too happy to nudge students looking to practice their Spanish. In the capital city of San Jose, previous participants have worked at a language school where they assisted in the classroom and tutored children. One of ou
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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Embark on a two-week internship that will educate and inspire you through an immersive itinerary filled with travel and learning opportunities. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to explore the biodiversity of Costa Rica guided by experts in the context of sustainability and innovative b
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 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
See All 2 ProgramsBeyond Travels
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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
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
CIS 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
Loop Abroad
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This internship supports wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release at the Toucan Rescue Ranch in the rainforest of Costa Rica. The ranch has special expertise in toucan, owl, and sloth rehabilitation but also takes in monkeys, wild cats, weasels, otters, and more! You will help evaluate animals
Surprisingly, the majority of internships in Costa Rica are not located in the heart of the capital city. Nevertheless, as the national business center, there are still plenty of options available for those looking for internship placements in San José. However, the best cities for internships in Costa Rica are: Alajuela, Cartago, San José, and Liberia.
The second largest city, Alajuela, offers up a bustling city landscape that is balanced by nearby butterfly farms, waterfalls, and coffee plantations. Alajuela is a convenient location for anyone looking to go on excursions or day trips.
Cartago, one of Costa Rica’s oldest cities and the first capital, features important religious sites and access to the Guayabo National Monument. While focused on computer technology, the city offers more than tech internship opportunities. Many placements offer the opportunity to participate in service-learning projects during the internships. Buses from Cartago to San José run several times an hour, so a trip to the big city is easy.
Liberia, located in the northwestern part of Costa Rica, enables interns to be in close proximity to the exquisite Pacific beaches of Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco.
While its main industries are tourism and coffee production, overall Costa Rica tends to offer more internship placements outside of teaching English or harvesting coffee cherries. Alajuela, Cartago, and Liberia offer up opportunities for gaining experience in the fields of biology, social justice, journalism, women’s studies, and sports management, just to name a few.
Popular internships in Costa Rica revolve around what the country is known for, it’s environment and biological diversity. Ecology, veterinary, zoology, and conservation-based internships are very common. However, you can find internship placements in Costa Rica across a wide variety of fields, such as healthcare and social work or social justice.
Internships can last anywhere from a short week, to six months or beyond, depending on the experience you’re looking for and the program. An important item to note is that additional qualifications may be required for internships revolving around specific biology, veterinary, or conservation efforts.
Additionally, while many Ticos speak English, Spanish is Costa Rica’s official language, and you’ll need Spanish proficiency for some internships, which have a language requirement. In general, it is recommended that interns heading to Costa Rica complete at least some language learning before their departure.
Most internship opportunities in Costa Rica are unpaid as a result of certain visa regulations. In some cases, interns can receive a stipend or bonus from the company they are placed with, but in most cases international interns will have to pay for internships in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica can be either an affordable or expensive destination depending on where you live and what kind of amenities you’re used to. Rural destinations will always run cheaper than big cities like San José, and compared to other countries in Latin America, Costa Rica is on the higher end. Rent can range from $400 to $800 USD a month. If you use public transportation instead of biking or walking, your monthly costs will be higher. Buying food at local markets with fresh produce will also save you some living costs while interning abroad in Costa Rica.
Most intern programs arrange homestays, and many others will cover the cost of all accommodations and meals through program fees. Homestays are common across the board for internship programs in Costa Rica, as dorms are not available for university students. Costa Rican students also often live with host families during their time away from home.
U.S. citizens (and several other nationalities) who plan to intern in Costa Rica for only a short time (less than 90 days) won’t need a tourist visa. However, for longer stays, interns should plan to apply for an unpaid volunteer or intern visa. International interns should also keep in mind that it may be necessary to apply for temporary residency, depending on their contract and timeline for interning. Job contracts, diplomas, and various certifications are needed for this process.
Get answers to the questions travelers ask most
Costa Rica is generally considered a safe country for tourists and visitors. It has a low crime rate compared to other countries in the region. However, like any country, there are some safety concerns that travelers should be aware of.
Costa Rica offers a range of internship opportunities in various fields, particularly in the areas of sustainable development, environmental studies, and eco-tourism.
When immigrating as a tourist without a work visa you can only do an unpaid internship. For all paid activities/remunerated internships a visa is mandatory. Other requirements are language proficiency, education, and experience.
In general, internships in Costa Rica are unpaid and experiential-based. Paid internships may be available in Costa Rica, but are exceedingly rare. Instead, many internships may cover housing and travel costs as a form of compensation.
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.
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: 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.
Program: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
When I first got here to Cusco all the people of Maximo made me feel very welcomed. I got placed into my internship and Spanish class and was not sure how both were going to be, but after the first days of both I thought they were both great. The overall facilities of maximo are great aswell any time during they week if you want a tea or coffee you can come in and get it for free.
I am incredibly grateful for my time in Valencia. Both my time with my host family and the staff at my placement allowed me to immerse myself in the Spanish language and culture while teaching me life and career skills that cannot be learned in a classroom. Rotating between nursing and the OR enabled observation of patient processing and medical decision-making from start to finish, pre-op to post-op.
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Miguel Pacheco
Toucan Abroad
AlumniA huge passion of mine is traveling abroad and I believe it brings so much warmth and education on topics that can only be acquired through travel. Th...
Read Full Interview
Mia Collins
Toucan Abroad
AlumniI have always wanted to study abroad. I've always traveled and love learning about new cultures. One of my favorite reasons to travel is because I enj...
Read Full Interview
Kayla Holder
Performing Arts Abroad
AlumniMy three major passions in life are art, travel, and social outreach. I believe that theatre and art are meant to cross borders, are universal, and ha...
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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