Discover Costa Rica - Professional & PreMed Internships - Int'l Internship & Volunteer Network

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Heredia,  San Joaquin de Flores

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Programs available year-round.

Description: From rainforests to mountains, beaches to volcanoes, Costa Rica is a natural paradise. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean to the east, Costa Rica is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in Central America. Although slightly smaller than the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica boasts one of the most diverse selections of flora and fauna in the world.

San Joaquín de Flores is home to The Instituto San Joaquín de Flores, an academic institution located in the lovely colonial town of San Joaquín, and also serves as home base for all Intl Internship & Volunteer Network (IIVN) Programs in San Joaquín, Heredia and San José.

In and around San José and Heredia you will find the heart of the business, political, educational, cultural, health and social services sectors of Costa Rica. From busy downtown streets to the cooler slopes of coffee country, the opportunities for a quality experience are waiting for you!

Highlights: Whether you are looking for an international opportunity to satisfy an academic requirement, become more competitive in the professional world, explore new career options within your field of interest or have a strong desire to contribute to the betterment of society and help those less fortunate, we will work to create the ideal program to meet your individual needs!

Our programs are unique as they are for participants who want to expand their resume in order to become more competitive in the academic or professional world. We also assist graduate students, or those who have been out in the work force for a while, explore new career options through a customized internship or volunteer program in their new field of interest!

Qualifications: Applicants for each program must: Be at least 18+ years of age by start date of program; Present current Resume or Curriculum Vitae, Statement of Purpose and two Referrals for program participation; Internship candidates must be currently enrolled in, or a graduate of, an approved higher education institution; Internship candidates may be required to present a Transcript or Certificate of study related to the occupational category they are applying for; Volunteer candidates must have a strong desire to contribute to the betterment of society and help those less fortunate, including women, children, the homeless and ailing; All participants must speak fluent English and in some cases have an intermediate+ level of language proficiency of the host country they desire to visit. Depending on the type of placement secured, it may be required that participants possess an advanced reading, writing and/or conversation level of the relevant language. Participants must be enthusiastic, self-motivated, dependable, flexible, open-minded and eager to experience new cultures; be committed to the duration of the project selected; Have a valid e-mail address throughout their program.

Applicants must be aware that the programs are a personal & professional growth/training experience that will be useful for future development, and their placement may not be at a managerial or senior level. Participants should not try to use their program participation as a step to getting hired permanently by the host employer/association, as this may lead to disappointment and may violate government regulations.

Cost in US$: 1, 550.00 USD (Payment Plan Options Available) - Our Discover Costa Rica Professional & PreMed Internship Programs remains consistent, regardless of the program duration.

All Program Application Fees; Preferred Placement Matching; Customized & Professional Program Development - taking into consideration each participant's personal goals, experience and qualifications, in addition to the Host Employer/Association needs; Confirmed Program Placement - prior to departure; Pre-Departure Materials - including detailed Participant Handbook outlining important International Travel & Program Information; Project Training & Materials (where applicable) - while experience is always helpful, it is not necessary to participate in all of our programs; Arrival Orientation duration & content will vary based on country & program selected; Academic Credit (based on educational institutions discretion); Embassy Registration, Local Program Supervision, Emergency Service and Participant Support; Passport, Visa & International Travel/Medical Insurance Guidance; Airport Transfers upon arrival/departure; Certificate of Completion.

*Accommodations: Although housing is not included in our Discover Costa Rica program fee, we are happy to provide resources and recommendations for options that are affordable, safe and convenient to your placement location.

* Meals: Although our Discover Costa Rica programs do not include meals, we are happy to prepare you with budget guidelines to ensure you plan appropriately.

* Ground Transportation: Ground transportation to/from the airport/housing of your host country is offered to all participants. Ground transportation to/from planned social activities and sightseeing will vary based on country and project selected. Transportation resources and costs will be provided to ensure you budget accordingly.

Unless otherwise noted, IIVN Programs DO NOT include: Round-Trip Airfare & Airport Taxes; Passport/Visa Fees or other necessary legal Work/Travel Document Fees; International Travel/Medical Insurance; Personal Expenses; Vaccinations/Immunization Fees (as applicable).

Salary / Pay: Unpaid

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Our Volunteer participants must possess a strong desire to contribute to the betterment of society and help those less fortunate, including women, children, the homeless and ailing. Our Internship participants must be mature, self sufficient, professional individuals who do not require hand holding and planned social activities.

Age Range: Participants must be 18+ years of age prior to first day of travel.

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

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript

Int'l Internship & Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The International Internship & Volunteer Network (IIVN) is dedicated to providing individuals with an opportunity to strengthen their professional experience, while acquiring valuable cultural insights, through a supervised international volunteer or internship program relevant to their educational background and interest. Our customized programs will prepare you for your future!

Year Founded: 2008