Intern in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Atenas

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: (Throughout the year) Two Weeks, One month, Two months, or Three months (Longer Placements Available)

Description: Volunteer and Intern in Environment, Education, Social Welfare and more.

Atenas is a quaint town located in the central highlands of the country, roughly 45 minutes from the capital city of San Jose. The town of approximately 5,000 inhabitants is made up of many surrounding communities that base their livelihood on agriculture; mainly growing coffee, oranges and mangos. Costa Rican history, tradition and culture are deeply rooted here. The friendly demeanor of the locals and the clear Spanish accent make this an ideal location for a cultural exchange program.

Highlights: There is more visible historical evidence of past eras in Atenas, Costa Rica than in any other Central American country, so if you're interested in ruins, temples and deserted cities, this is the place to go. For pure holiday-making magic, Atenas, Costa Rica's islands and beaches are working definitions of heaven (once you get out of the shadows of the evil multinational hotels). And as for urban delights, the huge metropolis of Bangkok, although it can alarm with its chaos and its scale, tends to so charm visitors with its energy and cultural treasures that the steamy soupy diesel mixture that passes for air in this city is more than forgiven.

Atenas, Costa Rica is an easy country to travel in, with efficient transport, cheap accommodation and a delicious national cuisine. The friendly demeaner of the locals and the clear Spanish accent make this an ideal location for volunteer abroad opportunity.

* Spend your summer or semester working in Costa Rica
* Experience life firsthand as a Costa Rican
* Live with a Costa Rican family and study Spanish while helping the local community
* Be a part of a vibrant culture
* Study Spanish with other interns
* Explore Costa Rica in your free time
* Easy access for travel from San Jose
* In-country intern support services

"The country of Costa Rica and its people are beautiful. The people are easy to befriend. When you walk down the street you are always greeted with a smile and salutation. I love Costa Rica and the wonderful people that live there." - Robyn Glaser

Qualifications: Interns and Volunteers on this program should have a desire to help the people and communities of Costa Rica, flexibility, self-motivation, openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn. Participants should also be willing to live in conditions that may differ from US arrangements.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: $1,950 (1 month); $2,800 (2 months); $3,750 (3 months) Longer Placements Available

Salary / Pay: This is a non-paid internship or volunteer placement.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical volunteer in Costa Rica will assist community leaders, educators, and citizens in the fields of education (at public and private schools), social work, community service, and conservation. Volunteers and Interns will live with local families during their stay.

Age Range: 16+ years old

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of different sizes

Application Process Involves:

• Transcript
• Written Application

International Education Programs at Jacksonville University's Mission Statement: International Education Programs (IEP) at Jacksonville University promotes global experiences by engaging students and faculty in study, internship and volunteer programs that will expose them to other countries, cultures, languages and people. International Education Programs (IEP) at Jacksonville University promotes cultural immersion through challenging study programs, relevant internship placements, and life-changing service learning opportunities in 19 different countries around the world. Our number one priority is to consistently offer the support services and resources that enable participants to immerse in the local culture, contribute to the local community, and learn more about themselves and the world through their travel experiences. IEP programs cater to individual needs based on desired length of stay, language competency, location, and academic discipline.

Year Founded: 2000