Costa Rica
Intern & Volunteer
More than 17 years transforming communities
VN Center
Since 2006, the VN Center has developed ethical, community-driven study abroad programs that connect students and faculty with grassroots leaders working for real change.
Our immersive global learning experiences take learning outside of the classroom and go beyond traditional study abroad programs. VN offers a unique opportunity to live, learn, and work with communities.
Based in rural Upala Costa Rica, our programs take you off the beaten path and into the heart of communities few tourists ever see. Here, you’ll engage directly with local leaders, refugee populations, farmers, women’s collectives, and environmental advocates who are confronting today’s most urgent challenges with resilience and creativity.
VN is not only a study abroad program. We’re a community-driven organization that designs and implements our own projects, directly supporting local communities.
Our team includes expert faculty and local staff who live in the communities we work and deeply understand the social, environmental, and cultural dynamics. They don’t just teach the issues, they live them. That means students are supported in creating experiences that are academically rigorous, personally transformative, and ethically grounded.
From internships and experiential learning to faculty-led courses, every VN program is a chance to build relationships, contribute to sustainable development, and grow as a global citizen.
Join us today – together we can build a sustainable future for all.
Our Programs
Experience. Learn. Impact.
INTERNSHIPS
Duration: 1 to 3 months. Flexible start time!
Programs start at $1495
Engage. Grow. Give.
Groups Program
The VN Center’s Global Learning Approach transforms study abroad into a tool for change, fostering ethical cross-cultural collaborations. Students engage deeply with Costa Rica’s vibrant rural communities through experiential learning, building authentic relationships. This mission aims to create a more inclusive, informed, and engaged global society.
Engage. Understand. Transform.
Volunteer Program
Duration 1 week to 1 month! Start at any time!
Programs start at $850
What Our Participants Say
“I developed cultural humility and a broader perspective on social justice, sustainable development, and community health. This journey truly reinforced my commitment to global health and advocacy.”
Nasma
“(Carrie) is a very inspiring woman. I appreciate all that she does for the communities. I am forever grateful.”
Mary Moon
“What I loved most was being able to have found a home away from home. My homestay family accepted me into their home as another daughter. Everyone was really welcoming…”
Yaritza
Latest Posts
Why Upala, Costa Rica is Your Unforgettable Spring 2026 Internship Destination
For students eyeing a Spring 2026 internship, the pursuit often revolves around gaining experience and boosting a resume. But what if your internship could also be a profoundly transformative journey, deeply embedded in community and culture? The VN Center in Upala,...
Discover the Transformation: Your Spring 2026 Professional Internship in Upala, Costa Rica
Are you looking for a professional internship experience that goes beyond the conventional in spring 2026? Imagine an opportunity where you not only gain valuable experience but also immerse yourself in a vibrant culture, live with a host family, and contribute...
Discover the Heart of Community Development in Upala, Costa Rica
When most people think of Costa Rica, their minds go straight to lush rainforests, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife. However, beyond the popular tourist routes lies a vibrant tapestry of communities that make this country truly special. Upala, nestled in the...
Embark on Your Study Abroad Costa Rica Adventure
Ready to take the next step in your academic journey? Apply now to join our immersive study abroad Costa Rica program or reach out for more information. Experience a unique blend of education and cultural enrichment with the VN Center for Social Justice.