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

Special Education internships are suited for people who are patient, cheerful and motivated! Intern in special education centers, assisting local staff with all manner of teaching and care duties. While the nature of this work can be challenging, it’s also deeply rewarding, and provides insight into careers in disability support, caring, therapy and social work.

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 students at an undergraduate degree level in a related field, such as education / special needs education, social work, disability support, psychology and health sciences, or those with a desire to gain experience in the TEFL industry. High School graduates aged 18+ may be accepted, depending on the strength of their application (including any relevant experience, with a desire to learn and grow within this field).

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.
 
Special education centers in Costa Rica provide dedicated education and care to locals with a range of mental and physical disabilities. These centers play an important role in delivering targeted services that address the specific needs of the children and adults who attend them. They rely on volunteers and donations to run, so interns provide valuable assistance in all range of teaching and care duties.

Special education interns are placed in centers or schools around San Ramon de Alajuela, assisting local staff with all parts of their day. This is a fully immersive special education internship, where you’ll experience everything that goes into providing care for those with specific needs.

Interns help to teach various classes (such as handicrafts, painting, and reading), assisting students and staff, helping to create educational material and planning classes. Assistance may also be required during the day when students have their meal time. Your primary role is to be caring and encouraging, and contribute to a supportive learning environment.
 
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.