Internship and Volunteer Opportunities in the Cloud Forest
Program Overview
Cloudbridge Nature Reserve is a private, non-profit cloud forest reserve in Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains, adjacent to Chirripó National Park. Founded in 2002, Cloudbridge focuses on forest conservation, research, reforestation, and environmental education. Interns and volunteers support ongoing ecological research and field surveys.
We offer research internships (minimum 12 weeks) and volunteer positions (minimum 2 weeks), with flexible start dates. Positions are unpaid, with training and guidance provided. Participants live on-site in shared dormitories with other interns and volunteers. Accommodation costs $22/night for stays over 12 weeks, $28 for 4–12 weeks, and $30 for stays under 4 weeks. Food and cooking are the participant’s responsibility.
Applicants must be 18+, physically fit, able to hike 3–5 hours per day on steep, high-altitude terrain, and comfortable working outdoors in changing weather. Good English communication skills are required; Spanish is an asset. Applicants should be reliable, independent, detail-oriented, and able to work well in a communal environment.
Fieldwork is generally Monday–Friday, 7 am–12 pm, with 2–3 hours of afternoon data processing.
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Exclusions
Quick Details
- 1-2 Years
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 5-8 Weeks
- 7-12 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Alternative Spring Break
- Multiple Year
- Summer
- Winter
- Animal Sciences
- Biology
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Forestry
- National Park
- Spanish
- Tourism
- Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
- Animal Welfare
- Biological Research
- Conservation
- Eco-Tourism
- Environment
- Media
- Parks
- Reforestation
- Tourism
- Tree Planting
- Wildlife
Updated Sep 1, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Costa Rica
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- Year Round
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Couples, Families, Group
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accommodation Options
- Group living
Application Procedures
- Resume
- Online Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
- 1-2 Years
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 5-8 Weeks
- 7-12 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Alternative Spring Break
- Multiple Year
- Summer
- Winter
- Short Term
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- 1 Year
- Fall
- 18 Months
Starts At
- More than 12 weeks: $22
- Between 4 and 12 weeks: $28
- Less than 4 weeks: $30
Payment Terms
- Payment Plan
Program Reviews
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about Cloudbridge Nature Reserve.
Can I choose my own research project?
Research interns may develop independent research projects, depending on the project’s feasibility, available resources, and approval from the Science Coordinator.
What is a typical day like?
Fieldwork usually takes place from 7 am to 12 pm, followed by 2–3 hours of afternoon work such as species identification, data entry, or analysis.
Do I need previous research experience?
Previous research experience is helpful but not always required. We look for motivated participants who are willing to learn, follow protocols, and work independently.
What is accommodation like?
Participants stay in shared dormitories at the reserve and share kitchen and living spaces with other interns and volunteers. Food and cooking are self-managed.
How physically demanding is the program?
The work involves frequent hiking on steep trails at elevations of 1,550–2,200 m. Participants should be comfortable hiking several hours a day in changing weather.
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