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World Endeavors
Intern in Costa Rica  with World Endeavors logo

Intern in Costa Rica with World Endeavors

by: World Endeavors

4.82 (22)VerifiedSince 2002

Costa Rica is a country where meaningful work meets breathtaking natural beauty. Through World Endeavors’ internship programs, you’ll gain professional experience while living in one of the most sustainable and biodiverse places in the world. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, conservation, business, or education, you’ll find opportunities that match your goals and help you grow personally and professionally. Internships are available year-round with flexible start dates, typically lasting from 2 to 6 months. You’ll be based in Atenas, a welcoming town known for its perfect climate and friendly community. Living with a local host family allows you to enjoy authentic Costa Rican culture, home-cooked meals, and daily Spanish language practice. With ongoing support from local coordinators and a dedicated advisor, you’ll have everything you need to make your internship experience rewarding, educational, and unforgettable.

Program Highlights

Gain hands-on experience in your chosen field through customized internship placements designed to match your interests and skills.

Live like a local by staying with a welcoming host family in Atenas and enjoying traditional Costa Rican meals every day.

Build career confidence through resume workshops, coaching sessions, and interview preparation included in the Career Readiness Program.

Expand your global network by connecting with professionals, mentors, and fellow interns from around the world.

Enjoy balance and adventure during your free time with access to beaches, rainforests, and outdoor activities like hiking and surfing.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Atenas, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundIntern Duration:
  • Summer
  • Winter
  • Short Term
  • Spring
  • 1-3 Months
  • 3-6 Months
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Fields:
  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Sciences
  • Culinary Arts & Cooking
  • Education
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • Food Science & Nutrition
  • Graphic Design
  • Health Sciences
  • Hospitality
  • Marketing, Advertising, & PR
  • Social Sciences
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Tourism
  • Web Design
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Awards

GoAbroad Innovation in Artificial Intelligence 2026 Finalist

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.82

Total Reviews

22

Costa Rica Has My Heart

December 19, 2024by: Mariah Dahl - United States
5

Having the opportunity to intern abroad in Costa Rica has opened so many opportunities and conversations for me. I had the absolute best experience and I couldn’t have done it without World Endeavors. They were amazing to work with! Costa Rica changed my life in such a positive way. I learned so much and would LOVE to go back vacation there. It’s incredible there and completely changed my perspective on life in general. 10/10 recommend!

Physical therapy activities!Surf day!Occupational & Physical Therapy crew!

I loved the dance class

December 18, 2022by: Riley
5

I was able to understand how physical therapists in another country used their knowledge of the human body to treat patients. I loved the dance class that was included in my program. It could be nice to see some resources for other dance classes, etc. that are close to where the student is staying.

It was a great experience

December 18, 2022by: Porada
5

It was a great experience, and I hope to return to Costa Rica soon! I learned a lot about OT and I also learned a lot more Spanish. I hope to continue learning more! I reccommend World Endeavors to my friends and colleagues.

This experience was brief but I had the chance to live like a real “tica”

December 17, 2022by: Smart
4

This experience was brief but I had the chance to live like a real “tica”. This opportunity was so valuable for me because it made me look at so many things I was giving for granted in a different way. I know that in 3 weeks it’s almost impossible to change someone’s life but I hope I could leave at least a little mark, which could the memory of a smile or whatever I could have done to make the day better to someone else.

It was a journey

December 14, 2022by: Danko
4

I wanted to meet new people, try new Costa Rican foods, become more mature and independent and work with wildlife. It was a journey and the best parts of the trip were those that I originally did not plan.

Great PT/OT internship experience

March 07, 2019by: Libby Streitenberger
5

At first there was not a lot for me to do, however the amount of tasks have increased and it is going very well. I help the residents to do simple exercises. I help them to walk and be all around active. Aside from work, I have loved traveling on the weekends.

Interning in Costa Rica

March 06, 2019by: Jodie Krueger
5

My favorite experience in Costa Rica has been spending time with the family, especially the big dinners together are great. I have plan to travel more in Costa Rica.

Everything has been awesome

March 05, 2019by: Hayley Dunn - Costa Rica
4

Everything has been awesome. I am getting lots of hours with the physical therapist. I run group exercises for elders that are mainly chair based or working with a chair to increase strength and balance. I also spend a lot of time assisting the physical therapist with patients. In my program it was probably the first exercise session I had with the group of elders. For my weekends I love traveling. I plan to continue to help the physical therapist, improve my Spanish more and travel!

World Endeavors' coordinator was very helpful

March 05, 2019by: Dominique Buonto - Costa Rica
5

World Endeavors' coordinator was very helpful and informative throughout the entire application process. The application process was easy and straightforward.

Improving my Spanish skills

March 04, 2019by: Ashley Legacy
5

I'm learning different types of therapies and improving my spanish. I help assist with meals, giving meds, taking vitals, and therapies in my workplace. I enjoyed traveling with my friends I've made here and experiencing the culture. My friends and I help each other out with our spanish skills in order to communicate better with the locals. I plan to experience and see more culture and improve my spanish skills.

Cultural experiences

December 10, 2018by: Cassandra Hull - Costa Rica
5

Getting to know my coworkers and family has by far been my favorite experience! I love being immersed in a different culture and getting to connect and make friendships with people!

Clear application process

November 10, 2018by: Jaquelynn Henderson
5

World Endeavors application process was easy and clear, everyone responded in a timely fashion, and all questions were answered to the best of the person's ability.

Weekend travels

November 07, 2018by: Logan Lynch
5

My favorite experience has definitely been traveling on weekends. I have been able to meet people from all over and do some really cool things.

World Endeavors did a very good job!

November 05, 2018by: Lionel Lau
5

From the application process to the end of the placement, WE did a very good job in keeping up with the progress of my volunteer trip.

Great experience

April 19, 2018by: leona chan - Canada
5

During my stay, I was able to fully experience both the culture and the profession of occupational therapy at my internship. Everything was well organized and I felt that I was genuinely cared for by my advisors and my host family.

Opportunities to grow and learn

April 19, 2018by: Abigail Westerdahl - United States
5

I had so many opportunities to grow and learn on my travels thanks for Diego and Allison! Met amazing people that made my experience so special and memorable. I would recommend better communication between the advisors in the US and the advisors in the traveling countries because some things were not exactly as I was told they would be.

Greatly exceeded my expectations

April 13, 2018by: Abigail Westerdahl - United States
5

Met amazing people that made my experience so special and memorable. I had so many opportunities to grow and learn on my travels thanks for Diego and Allison! I would recommend better communication between the advisors in the US and the advisors in the traveling countries because some things were not exactly as I was told they would be.

Amazing host family!

April 13, 2018by: Max White
5

Amazing host family, and a beautiful country. There was a lack of communication from the work programmers, but still an amazing experience.

World Endeavors application process

February 21, 2018by: Aliyah Morphis
4

Application process with World Endeavors was quite easy and there was always someone available to answer any questions that I had.

Very happy in Costa Rica

February 21, 2018by: Karen Goode
5

I've been very happy here in Costa Rica! I have been rather satisfied with the Spanish lessons and I'm excited for the cooking and dance lessons this week.

Costa Rica internship

February 21, 2018by: Kathryn Drew
5

Everyone in the clinic has been very nice and willing to answer my questions and let me follow them around and observe and help out with what I can. The host family is great, too.

Internship in Costa Rica

January 20, 2018by: Abigail Westerdahl
5

It was easy for me to figure everything out with regards to the application process of World Endeavors. While I was in Costa Rica, I learned the importance of being at your best look to their culture. Everyone is friendly, and the food and family are very important

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Atenas, Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Fields
  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Sciences
  • Culinary Arts & Cooking
  • Education
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • Food Science & Nutrition
  • Graphic Design
  • Health Sciences
  • Hospitality
  • Marketing, Advertising, & PR
  • Social Sciences
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Tourism
  • Web Design
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Intern Duration:
  • Summer
  • Winter
  • Short Term
  • Spring
  • 1-3 Months
  • 3-6 Months

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh

This Program is also open to Solo

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Medical / Accident Insurance
  • Travel Insurance
  • Academic Credit
  • Emergency Support
  • Internship Placement

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • Spanish
  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • Professional degree
  • Doctorate degree

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Resume
  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the Costa Rica internship program fees?

Program fees cover customized internship placement, housing with a vetted local host family, and support from on-site coordinators. You’ll also receive pre-departure guidance, career coaching, and 24/7 emergency assistance to ensure a smooth and safe experience abroad.

How do I apply for the World Endeavors Costa Rica internship?

You can apply online through the World Endeavors website. After submitting your application, an advisor will connect with you to discuss your goals, field of interest, and preferred dates. Once accepted, you’ll receive details about placement, housing, and arrival logistics before confirming your spot.

How long does the Costa Rica internship program last?

Internships in Costa Rica are available year-round and typically last between 2 to 6 months, depending on your schedule and field. Some programs may allow shorter durations. Start dates are flexible, making it easy for students and professionals to fit this experience into their academic or career plans.

Who is eligible to join the Costa Rica internship program?

Participants must be 18 years or older with a valid passport and an interest in their chosen field. While prior experience isn’t required, relevant coursework helps with placement. Intermediate Spanish skills are recommended to better engage with locals and get the most out of your internship experience.

What activities can interns enjoy during free time in Costa Rica?

Outside your internship, you can experience Costa Rica’s adventure and culture—visit national parks, hike volcanoes, surf along the Pacific coast, or join local festivals. Weekends offer the perfect chance to explore rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches while connecting with other international interns.

World Endeavors

World Endeavors

4.82Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Costa Rica is a country where meaningful work meets breathtaking natural beauty. Through World Endeavors’ internship programs, you’ll gain professional experience while living in one of the most sustainable and biodiverse places in the world. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, conservation, business, or education, you’ll find opportunities that match your goals and help you grow personally and professionally. Internships are available year-round with flexible start dates, typically lasting from 2 to 6 months. You’ll be based in Atenas, a welcoming town known for its perfect climate and friendly community. Living with a local host family allows you to enjoy authentic Costa Rican culture, home-cooked meals, and daily Spanish language practice. With ongoing support from local coordinat...

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