Marine Science 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.

This versatile program offers a mix of experience in marine and land conservation or the option to specialize. Whatever your choice, you’ll develop an extensive skill set in conservation research and gain expansive insight into nonprofit conservation work. This internship places you with a multi-faceted conservation-focused nonprofit on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. Based on their 4,700 acre research center, they work to create transformative connections between people and the environment through education, research, integration, and innovation. Through long-term, fine-scale research into regional ecosystems they devise innovative ways for sustainable development that can be integrated into the lives of local communities. This program can vary hugely depending on what time of year you join, and where your interests lie. There are all kinds of research projects in operation at their campus. From agroforestry and permaculture projects to sea turtle nesting research to beach cleanup and reforestation campaigns, there is so much for you to get involved with.

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 our law students requested work in a bilingual law office in the downtown area and we secured a terrific litigation attorney for her. In the highlands of Monteverde, past interns have assisted a rainforest education institute that serves visiting school groups. They helped the local staff educate visitors on the dynamics of what makes a cloud forest unique. Our internship program includes a range of activities such as guided night excursions in search of tree-dwelling ocelots (wild cats) and monstrous tarantulas. Some participants enjoyed rafting through the Pacuare River, a well-reviewed travel spot. One student called it the journey of a lifetime. A side trip to La Fortuna Volcano is sure to produce some excitement while witnessing New World monkeys and some of the world’s most poisonous snakes.

Take a semester or academic year with AIFS Abroad in the vibrant capital of San José! You can earn up to 23 credits per semester at Universidad Veritas from varied 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, as well as volunteer opportunities, to 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 enjoy cultural and social activities, including: • Costa Rican cooking classes • Visits to local museums and historical sites • 3-day trip to Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and Monteverde Cloud Forest • 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 and a 4-day trip to Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Costa Rica is home to extraordinary biodiversity, with rainforests, coral reefs, mangroves, and coastlines that support countless species. This Marine and Environmental Conservation Cohort Internship in Costa Rica is a 4-week program (January 4 – 31, 2026) designed for students, graduates, and nature enthusiasts who want to make a real difference in protecting these ecosystems. Set in one of the world’s most eco-conscious countries, the program combines hands-on conservation work with opportunities to understand how communities and nature thrive together. As a cohort-based program, you’ll participate alongside a group of like-minded peers, building connections with fellow conservation enthusiasts from around the world. Together, you’ll contribute to projects such as sea turtle conservation, coral reef restoration, and sustainable coastal initiatives, while also enjoying structured learning, group excursions, and cultural immersion. This shared journey not only strengthens your professional skills but also creates a supportive environment where lasting friendships and networks are formed.

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 medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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.

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 creatures alongside a dedicated marine biologist. You will assist a local team with the conservation and protection of up to four of the seven different species of sea turtles: loggerhead turtle, hawksbill turtle, green turtle, and leatherback turtle. As a turtle sanctuary volunteer, you will help in caring for injured animals, moving eggs to safe hatcheries, and collecting and processing biometric data. Your tasks will largely depend on your level of experience and the time of the year. This placement is aimed at those who have a good level of scientific knowledge. You must be adaptable, enthusiastic, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty. A basic level of Spanish is also helpful for this project.

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!"

Based at a PADI Platinum dive center on the beautiful Pacific coast of Costa Rica, this 4 or 10-week course trains you as a professional PADI Divemaster. Alongside your professional qualifications, you will gain skills and knowledge performing marine science research using underwater survey and data collection techniques. Your work contributes to the upkeep of scientific records, which help monitor the health of our oceans. You will emerge from the course with hands-on experience in marine research to back up your top-level scuba certifications.

Help Protect, Rescue, and Care for Animals Around the World If you’re passionate about animals and dream of making a real difference, our Animal Care & Wildlife Volunteering Abroad Programs offer unforgettable opportunities to work hands-on with animals in need. With Volunteering Journeys, you can join projects that protect wildlife and rescue domestic animals in Sri Lanka, Peru, and South Africa — three of the world’s most biodiverse and inspiring destinations. Whether you’re looking to care for stray dogs, assist with wildlife rehabilitation, or help protect endangered elephants and sea lions, these programs are perfect for animal lovers, veterinary students, and gap-year travelers who want to combine meaningful work with adventure.

The Science Exchange is the only nonprofit organization offering affordable, customized, field-based sea turtle research internships for undergraduate and graduate science students worldwide. Interns travel to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and other Latin American destinations, where they undertake a range of tasks. They can work at a sea turtle research center on the beach or in a lab, collect field data for research papers, and immerse themselves in the local culture! Upon successful completion, they can earn at least three university credits. We help them publish and present their work at professional conferences. Over 65% of our interns publish with their mentors, and many graduates have landed jobs with sea turtle or other conservation groups! To participate in this international internship program, participants must be at least 18 years of age. Conversational Spanish is desired, but not required. French speakers and Portuguese speakers are welcome. Our interns must be able to live in tropical climates with basic amenities.