Surf, Conservation & Sustainable Tourism Internship
Program Overview
Launch your conservation journey in Uvita, a community on Costa Rica's Pacific coastline, home to Marino Ballena National Park and some of the country's most important marine and coastal ecosystems. Participants spend three days per week working alongside park rangers and staff, supporting trail maintenance, beach cleanups, environmental education, visitor engagement, and digital outreach. These activities provide firsthand insight into protected area management and conservation challenges in Costa Rica's globally recognized sustainability model. Two days per week support a local surf hostel through guest services, marketing, gardening, and community projects. Participants gain exposure to sustainable tourism and the role local businesses play in conservation-focused destinations. Participants also enjoy opportunities to develop surfing skills through surfboard and beach access. Living with a local host family supports building Spanish skills, cultural understanding, and practical experience in one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse coastal regions. Ideal for students interested in conservation, sustainability, environmental education, ecotourism, and community development.
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Exclusions
Quick Details
- 1-3 Months
- Ecology
- Environmental Management
- Hospitality
- Marine Science
- National Park
- Parks & Recreation
- Spanish
Updated Jun 9, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Costa Rica
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered: Year Round
- Intern Duration: 1-3 Months
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to 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: High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Education: Some college credit, no degree
- Education: Trade/technical/vocational training
- Education: Associate degree
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Education: Master’s degree
- Education: Professional degree
- Education: Doctorate degree
Accommodation Options
- Home-stays
Application Procedures
- Online Application
- Resume
- Phone/Video Interview
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 spend three days each week supporting conservation activities with park staff and two days assisting at a local surf hostel. Activities may include environmental education, trail maintenance, beach cleanups, visitor engagement, marketing, gardening, and community outreach projects.
Do I need experience in conservation or surfing?
No prior experience is required. The program is open to participants interested in conservation, sustainability, environmental education, tourism, and community development. Surfing experience is not necessary. Participants have access to a surfboard and beach entry, and may have opportunities to take lessons depending on availability. Surfing is a recreational benefit of the program rather than a required internship activity.
Do I need Spanish to participate?
We welcome participants with beginner to advanced Spanish skills. Spanish is helpful for communicating with host families and community members, but beginners can still participate. We recommend learning some basic Spanish before arrival.
What support is provided during the program?
Participants receive pre-arrival guidance, a local orientation, placement support, weekly one-on-one check-ins, and access to emergency support from our local team throughout their stay.
What are the living conditions like?
Participants live with local host families in the Uvita area. Accommodation includes basic amenities and provides opportunities for cultural immersion, Spanish practice, and engagement with the local community.
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