Sustainable Development 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.

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 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.

Come, live, and work abroad with an internship in Costa Rica through AIFS Abroad. San José is a city with a welcoming culture, surrounded by natural beauty, and many unique internship opportunities. The capital city of Costa Rica is considered the business center of Central America and has excellent placements in NGOs, engineering, business, and much more. As part of the AIFS Abroad program, we guarantee a tailored internship in your approved career field. Before leaving for San José, you will be provided with our award-winning career development, including Gallup strengths, one-on-one coaching, improvement of your professional documents, and interview prep. During your time in Costa Rica, you and your fellow interns will be taken on a few social and cultural excursions to help you experience everything San José and the surrounding area have to offer. Costa Rica is a culturally rich country with over 5% of the world’s biodiversity, beautiful beaches, and dense rainforest. With so many attractions and hidden gems to explore in San José, there will always be something new for you to experience during your international internship.

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.

Discover the wonders of Costa Rica in a unique 14-day Teen Program designed for 15-17-year-olds. This adventure combines educational projects, cultural immersion, and exciting excursions in the heart of Costa Rica's rainforests and vibrant cities. With a group size of 8 to 13 participants, teens will engage in vital rainforest conservation efforts, explore the enchanting Volcan Poas, and dive into thrilling underwater activities at Cahuita National Park. The program offers a perfect blend of environmental stewardship and cultural experiences, including a scenic hike through San José, a boat excursion, and local culinary tastings. Participants will stay in a volunteer house surrounded by tropical gardens, contributing to biodiversity mapping, reforestation, and sustainable living practices. This journey promises an unforgettable experience, fostering a deep connection with nature and the local community.

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!"

Join us in Costa Rica and participate in various community development projects in the town of Quepos. Get involved in construction projects ranging from fixing up educational centers to helping plant vegetables in community gardens. Assist with educational activities aimed at improving English classes and after-school activities. In addition to daily service work, receive skill-based training and mentorship in order to enhance your career-based skills and increase employability. All GVI internships are geared at developing your leadership and role model skills, allowing you to develop a variety of essential soft and hard skills to boost your résumé and future career!

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 147,000 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 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.

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.