Internships in San Jose, Costa Rica

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75 Internships in San Jose, Costa Rica
AIFS Abroad
4.41
39
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
See All 3 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
4.62
52
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
See All 7 ProgramsAsia Internship Program
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0
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
4.76
17
Join the Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica, a renowned wildlife organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of local animals. The center includes an on-site hospital and comfortable living quarters for volunteers. The enclosures, surrounded by nature, provide a hab
See All 7 ProgramsAtlas 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
Institute for Global Studies
4.57
7
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 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
828
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
World Endeavors
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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 natur
Volunteering Journeys
4.6
15
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 2 ProgramsRoots Interns
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Build your leadership, youth development, and project management skills as you lead young volunteers on the trip of a lifetime. This versatile internship could benefit a career in adventure tourism, education, or project management. You’ll work with an organization that organizes service-orientat
See All 4 ProgramsCIS Abroad
4.38
277
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
Involvement Volunteers International
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Dental internship placements occur in both private and public clinics, including some that specialize in orthodontics and other dental fields. Interns work alongside local professionals and support staff, assisting with patient consultations and treatments. Please note that tasks vary depending on
See All 2 ProgramsNatucate
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Would you like to participate in valuable forest conservation research in the cloud forest of Costa Rica? This intern opportunity permits participants to work side by side with international and local biologists passionate about protecting the roughly 280 hectares of wild land and all of the species
A Guide to Interning Abroad in San Jose
Fields
Costa Rica has one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America, and much of this is due to the soaring performance of San Jose. Internships abroad in San Jose in business, education, and tourism are all great opportunities to gain professional experience in top industries while further contributing to local growth. Learning Spanish while you intern abroad in San Jose in any of these fields will just be the icing on the cake.
Another extremely popular area where to intern abroad in San Jose is ecological conservatism. Located just north of the equator, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and also boasts some of the most successful environmental protection policies to boot. Many professional aspirants thus flock here to intern abroad in San Jose in areas such as sustainable development, wildlife preservation, and environmental studies.
Internship programs in San Jose vary in length and structure, giving the intern abroad a good degree of flexibility in customizing their own experience. Most choose to intern abroad in San Jose for durations of three months, six months, or one full year, depending on availability. If you are still enrolled in your studies, many intern abroad programs in San Jose further offer the opportunity for academic credit in combination with your internship!
Travel Tips
Over one-third of the population of Costa Rica lives in the San Jose metropolitan area, which gives you some idea of just how important this city is to the small Central American nation. On top of this San Jose is also considered to be one of the safest cities in all of Latin America, in comparison to many other cities in the region which unfortunately continue to be afflicted by violence. Just one more reason to intern abroad in San Jose!
While not many locals live in the downtown area, over 1 million people come to work here everyday, which means that many international interns will be joining the buzz in the exciting city center. When you are not hard at work there is plenty else to do across the city to occupy your time – from local landmarks such as the National Theater of Costa Rica and National Museum of Costa Rica to the many sprawling plazas and public parks, you will have your hands full exploring all there is to do as an intern abroad in San Jose.
San Jose sits within a tropical climate zone, though its elevation protects it from the more severe weather effects of lower lying areas. May through November are the rainy seasons here, so if you are planning a summer internship in San Jose be ready the wet weather!
Cost
San Jose is actually a moderately expensive city to live in by Latin American standards, though costs of living are still significantly lower than in most of the industrialized world. The local currency is the Costa Rican colon, which runs at about 537 CRC to $1.
As in many other countries, internships can be either paid or unpaid in San Jose. Browse through as many different internship programs in San Jose as you can to get a good idea of what your pay will be like. Many internships that are unpaid will still compensate you by other means such as covering the cost of transportation, food, or housing.
Requirements
While homestays are sometimes made available, many international interns in San Jose choose to live in an apartment or flat instead. As with most major cities, renting costs are significantly less expensive the further you move away from the city center. Many internship programs in San Jose will help applicants secure housing in an area which is close to their work, and may help organize for roommates as well.
Costa Rican visa regulations require that visitors apply for a visa after a 90 day stay within the country. This policy may apply differently to you, however, if you are enrolled in a paid internship because of labor restrictions. Consult your internship program about what documentation you may need to obtain prior to your arrival in San Jose, and also check out our Costa Rican Embassy Directory for more information.
Benefits
City on the Rise. San Jose is the heart of economic activity in one of the fastest growing and most stable countries in Latin America. Not a bad place to begin as an intern abroad.
Language Immersion. The decision to intern abroad in San Jose is also the decision to fully immerse yourself in a Spanish speaking city. Even if becoming fluent isn’t a priority, you might be surprised by how much Spanish you pick up.
Biodiversity. Costa Rica is internationally renowned for its beaches, rainforests, and adventure travel opportunities; don’t work too hard at your internship in San Jose where you miss out on the rest of the country!
Popular Providers
Latest Program Reviews
Great internship experience
August 27, 2026by: Kate Booker - United KingdomProgram: 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!
Absolutely Phenomenal Learning And Immersion Experience
August 01, 2026by: Merrill Scarbrough - United StatesProgram: 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.

Maximo nivel internship
July 25, 2026by: Albert Carilli - United StatesProgram: 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 had the most amazing time
July 24, 2026by: Victoria Bryson - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
Everybody was so helpful and supportive. It felt comfortable the entire time! I would 100% do it again. The experience, culture and Spanish classes were amazing, and Maximo Nivel was always checking in and ready to help.
Vet Internship in Costa Rica
July 17, 2026by: Jessica Brogna - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I did a 4-week veterinary internship with Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica and had the most incredibly time! The people I worked with at my placement were incredibly patient and helpful in learning both Spanish and veterinary skills. The Maximo team does a great job at checking up with you and making you feel comfortable. I absolutely recommend any of Maximo Nivel’s internship programs!
TEFL Internship in Peru
July 11, 2026by: Brett Looby - United StatesProgram: Work, Study, Travel! Explore Latin America with Maximo Nivel
I needed to complete a TEFL internship to satisfy my university's graduation requirements, and the prerequisites for my internship course were somewhat specific, so I needed to find a program that was flexible and able to provide a large amount of hours within two months. Maximo Nivel's internship program was able to deliver on these requirements, and from the beginning I was impressed with how easy it was to communicate with the staff via email and how smooth the process was to make sure that all my requirements were met. The accommodation was great, and at one point when I got sick, Maximo Nivel contacted the local clinic, and in a very short period of time, I received the medical care that I needed. The environment was extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful, and there were many weekly events to meet both locals and other interns and volunteers working with Maximo Nivel.
I grew so much!
May 14, 2026by: Reina Smith - United StatesProgram: Work, Study, Travel! Explore Latin America with Maximo Nivel
My time at Maximo was so formative! My Spanish teachers were so helpful and I learned so much in my weeks there. The Maximo team made it so easy to navigate a new city and made sure that I accomplished all that I set out to during my stay. My internship placement was amazing and I met so many wonderful people. I definitely recommend!
Maximo Nivel was one of the best experiences of my life!!
May 07, 2026by: Reina Smith - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
As a young, female, solo-traveler, I felt extremely safe and my host family was lovely! Maximo took care of all of my travel plans to Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and a bunch of other places! The staff is awesome and so friendly. I was able to accomplish so much during my internship. My placement covered many different areas of interest and I learned some really cool stuff! Would (and have) recommend Maximo Nivel to all of my friends!
My internship placement could not have been better!
March 13, 2026by: Anna Caroline Symonds - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
My internship placement could not have been better. I had the pleasure of meeting so many people there. I really enjoyed living in Cheli's extra apartment. I will say though that she's not the most flexible with eating times. Other than that, great!
I absolutely loved my time here (I know it sounds cliche but it´s true)
January 24, 2026by: Prateek Mohan - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
When I got here, I was pretty nervous about the internship. I had never stayed away from home in Texas for more than 5 days and now I was going to stay over 2400 miles away from home in a different continent for a whole month. However, all my nervousness disappeared when I sat through the orientation with Mr. Lucas. He described everything in a manner that calmed my nerves and introduced me to the amazing staff as well. Mr. Aarons and Mrs. McMullen checked in on me while I was at my internship to make sure everything was running smoothly and answered any and all questions I had. I highly recommend Maximo Nivel Peru, and as long as you're in the hands of the fine lady and gentlemen I have mentioned above, you will love your experience as much I have!
Designer internship at a café
January 22, 2026by: Anna Caroline Symonds - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I have spent the last 2 weeks interning at Brew Brothers, a specialty café in Mercado de San Blas. I'm currently working on designing their merch, which has given me exposure to new tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Being able to work in a market has been such an awesome experience. I've loved meeting customers every day and getting to hear their stories. I have 6 more weeks here and I can't wait to see what else I learn!
My Experience at Maximo!
December 20, 2025by: Karen Culpatan - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
AMAZING! Fue una experiencia única, la recomiendo mucho. Debes tener la mente abierta y abierto a compartir una nueva cultura y nuevas comidas. Visite muchos lugares y es un lugar lleno de naturaleza. El internado fue la mejor decisión! Si puedes tener la oportunidad lo recomiendo mucho! The best!
So much fun!
November 29, 2025by: Maya Nicholson - United KingdomProgram: Education Internship (K-12)—Costa Rica | Guatemala | Peru
I had a great experience during my 6 week internship at a school in Guatemala. Máximo Nivel were very helpful answering all my questions before I arrived and there was constant support during my time away. I learnt so much from my internship and very happy to have improved my spanish with daily classes with the wonderful Margarita! I am so pleased to have met so many lovely people at the school and from my host family.
I love Maximo Nivel!
October 25, 2025by: Karen Culpatan - Guam (USA)Program: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I’ve been volunteering with Maximo Nivel the past two months! I’ve really enjoyed the organization and the people that I’ve met along the way. I love my host family. She cooks amazing food and is always there to help me. The team is wonderful and I would highly recommend Maximo Nivel!
Make a career
September 26, 2025by: Eugénia Lando Casimiro - AngolaProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
Recently, I had the opportunity to intern in various fields, which was fundamental for my professional and personal growth. I started as an administrative assistant at Cepi Service, where I learned about the importance of organization and teamwork. My tasks included managing documents, customer service, and supporting the daily activities of the team. This experience showed me how crucial efficient administration is for the smooth operation of a company. Next, I worked as a receptionist at the Minowoo restaurant. This role allowed me to develop communication and customer service skills, handling different situations quickly and efficiently. The dynamic and challenging environment helped me enhance my ability to work under pressure, something I consider essential in any career. At Organizações ELC, as a sales associate, I had the chance to understand the retail business. I learned to identify customer needs and provide suitable solutions, which resulted in an increase in sales. This experience was very rewarding, as I could see the direct impact of my work on customer relationships. Finally, my experience as a stockroom attendant at Grupo Castel gave me insight into logistics and inventory management. I learned the importance of accuracy in counting and organizing products, as well as how every detail is vital for the success of the operation. What I appreciated most about all these experiences was the variety of roles I undertook, as each brought unique challenges and learning opportunities. I faced difficulties, such as the need to quickly adapt to different work environments, which taught me to be flexible and develop problem-solving skills. Overall, my internship experiences were extremely enriching. I recommend this path to anyone looking for practical and diverse learning in various fields. I am excited to apply everything I learned in future professional opportunities.

Pretty Cool!
September 26, 2025by: Key Grant - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
Great time with everyone here, the staff was super nice, and there were great opportunities to meet other people. You just have to put yourself out there! The internship itself was also lovely the staff was so welcoming!
Amazing Spanish Class
August 01, 2025by: Katja Gaunitz - GermanyProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
Yeah, Yenny is awesome teacher! Patient but also pushing, every time a creative question in mind to keep the ball rolling. Loved that she had done so much talking exercise with us. I had great fun at the lessons. Thank you Yenny, and all the other people at Maximo Nivel!
I had the time of my life!
May 31, 2025by: Luuk Dongelmans - NetherlandsProgram: Hospitality & Tourism Intern—Costa Rica | Guatemala | Peru
The hotel i worked at was amazing! And all the people i met were friendly and so inviting. My accommodation was alright, they were kind but it was kinda dirty sometimes. Si como no was a really good placement, a lot of young people and good vibes

Muy bien
March 08, 2025by: Maddie Lyons - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
Definitely the best and most trustworthy program I’ve been a part of during my gap year. Staff were all very nice, placement was wonderful, host family comfortable. Would 100% consider coming back and recommending this program to others.
Medical Internship in Cusco!
February 21, 2025by: Isabella Farinelli - United StatesLoved everything about this internship! Everyone was so personable, kind, helpful, and welcoming. Thank you!ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
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