Bean-to-Bar Chocolate & Sustainable Communities Internship
Program Overview
Immerse yourself in artisanal chocolate production on a small bean-to-bar farm in Heredia, Costa Rica, part of a social enterprise focused on sustainability, education, and community impact. This internship provides hands-on exposure to the full chocolate-making process, from cacao preparation to small-scale production using traditional, human-powered methods powered in part by bicycle. Beyond production, interns support a dynamic working farm and education space by assisting with garden maintenance, agroecological practices, content creation, and facilitating educational tours for visitors. Interns also engage with the enterprise’s educational and visitor programs, helping create meaningful learning experiences for guests while gaining real-world exposure to sustainable tourism and communication. Daily life is collaborative and varied, with opportunities to share meals, work alongside the local team, and experience rural Costa Rican culture through staying with a local host family. This program is ideal for participants interested in ethical food production, agroecology, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable value chains.
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Exclusions
Quick Details
- 1-3 Months
- Agriculture
- Business
- Ecology
- Education
- Environmental Management
- Spanish
- Sustainable Development
Updated Jun 9, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Heredia, Costa Rica
Available Terms / Availability
- Intern Duration: 1-3 Months
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Solo, Couples
Education Levels & Language
- Language: English
- Education: University Freshman (1st Year)
- Education: University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- Education: University Junior (3rd Year)
- Education: University Senior (4th Year)
- Education: University 5th Year or More
- Education: Associate degree
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Education: Master’s degree
- Education: Professional degree
- Education: Doctorate degree
- Education: High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
Accommodation Options
- Home-stays
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Resume
- Online Application
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
1-3 Months
Starts At
- 2 weeks: $1,200
- 4 weeks: $2,400
- 6 weeks: $3,600
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about Beyond Travels.
What will I do during the internship?
Participants gain hands-on exposure to bean-to-bar chocolate production, including cacao processing, small-scale manufacturing, and traditional, human-powered systems. Depending on the season, interns may also assist with garden work, agroecological practices, educational tours, content creation, and visitor engagement within the social enterprise.
Do I need experience in chocolate production or agriculture?
No prior experience is required. The program is open to students and early professionals interested in sustainability, agroecology, food systems, and social entrepreneurship. All training is provided on-site by the local team.
What are the living conditions like?
Participants live with a local host family in or near Heredia, Costa Rica. Accommodation is simple but comfortable and includes basic amenities. Living with a host family provides cultural immersion and insight into daily life in a rural Costa Rican community, while allowing easy access to the farm and social enterprise activities.
Do I need Spanish to participate?
We welcome participants with beginner to advanced Spanish skills. Spanish is helpful for daily communication with the local team and community members, but beginners can still participate. Basic Spanish is recommended before arrival.
What support is provided during the program?
Participants receive pre-arrival guidance, on-site orientation, placement support, and ongoing assistance throughout the program. This includes weekly check-ins and access to emergency support from our local team when needed.
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