Join Intern Abroad HQ, the world’s most affordable international internship organization, and invest in your future with an Environmental Conservation Internship in Costa Rica.

Gain hands-on experience helping with environmental sustainability in Costa Rica, assisting conservationists in reserves, forests and greenhouses. Help to grow and maintain plants and organic gardens, research plant health and wildlife, and make a genuine contribution to conservation in Costa Rica’s stunning ecosystem.

All interns in Costa Rica are accommodated in various homestay accommodations. Interns are matched to an appropriate host family, taking into consideration convenient proximity to their internship placement. Typical host families in Costa Rica usually comprise of two parents and children or a single parent with children (the ages of a host family’s children can range from young and still living at home, to adults living independently).

Eligibility requirement

Suitable for participants who are reasonably fit, as tasks will involve moderate physical activity. A background in biology or a related field is desirable but not essential and High School graduates aged 18+ are welcome to apply.

Language requirements

Suitable for interns at a beginner level of Spanish. The level of involvement during your internship will be influenced by your Spanish language proficiency. Interns must come prepared to interact with colleagues who may not speak English (as an English-language speaking Supervisor will provide guidance but may not be on hand constantly). All interns are encouraged to take advantage of in-country Spanish language lessons, which can be scheduled in conjunction with your internship schedule.

What's Included

This program ranges from 2-24 weeks. Your fully-hosted experience includes sourcing of your internship placement, personalization of your project plan, airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 support. For a full list of our transparent fees, check out our website.
 
Environmental Conservation Internships in Costa Rica are typically based at natural reserves that are involved in environmental research or sustainable eco-tourism. These reserves have a large focus on preserving the fragile ecosystem in protected areas, parks and foundations - 25% of Costa Rica is environmentally protected land, and this includes its stunning cloud forests, where interns can be based.

Interns should come prepared to assist a small team that works towards monitoring and maintaining plant life in reserves and greenhouses. You’ll be guided by local representatives who are passionate about the environment and conservation, assisting with seasonal tasks. Examples of such tasks can include:

• Working in greenhouse nurseries, helping to grow new plants and propagate others
• Helping to organize and run environmental informational workshops for the public
• Maintenance of public and private gardens
• Tending to medicinal plants
• Install research cameras to analyze activity of wildlife such as deer, dantas, tapirs, snakes, and wild cats
• Assisting in tracking various bird species and insects
• Caring for butterfly farms
• Organic gardening
• Helping to maintain trails

Note that the tasks listed are examples of typical activities. The specific role that your internship will entail will be influenced by season and climate, in addition to the project priorities at the time of your involvement. Come prepared to be flexible and adaptable to conditions and site priorities. It’s important to be aware that conditions can be hot and physically demanding. Interns should be fit, have a genuine interest in environmental sustainability, and enjoy working outside!
 
Intern Abroad HQ's Costa Rica programs are available year-round, with the Monday start date of your choice.

Intern Abroad HQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs. Detailed pricing available for your duration on our website.

We match you with innovative and entrepreneurial host organizations around the world that give you the opportunity to make a real contribution on high-impact projects with the support of travel experts with an outstanding safety system and track record.

Gain valuable international career experience that will boost your employability in a volatile job market.

Our experiential learning approach provides a structured and guided platform for you to think critically about your experiences on your internship. It accelerates and deepens your learning by asking self-reflective questions around the contexts, actions, and outcomes of your placement.

Academic credit available for all experiences with 45 hours or more through our School of Record with University of Montana that you can apply towards your degree at your home institution.

Flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence.

• Select your start date & duration: All Intern Abroad HQ programs are available year-round and you can choose to intern for durations on this program ranging from 2 to 24 weeks.
• Complete your registration: After you have been accepted on your chosen program, you can secure your place by paying the Deposit.
• Pay your Balance: This is only due 60 days before your program starts.

Need to make changes to your booking? You can make free unlimited changes to your destination, project and dates up until 60 days before you start.