Internships

Academic Credit, Professional Development, and Ethical Engagement

Learn by Doing.

VN’s Costa Rica internship program places motivated students and recent graduates in community-based sustainable development and social justice projects. These internships emphasize critical reflection, cultural humility, and applied research, enabling participants to connect theory from disciplines such as public health, social justice, education, and human rights to real-world contexts.

Rather than observation alone, interns contribute meaningfully to ongoing community initiatives while developing professional skills, ethical awareness, and a deeper understanding of global inequities. Through guided engagement and reflective practice, participants gain hands-on experience that supports both academic learning and responsible global engagement.

Why Choose a Costa Rica Internship?

VN’s Costa Rica Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience while contributing to meaningful community initiatives. Designed for students and recent graduates, the program combines ethical engagement, applied learning, and cultural immersion in a supportive, structured environment.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for motivated students and recent graduates who are:

• Independent and proactive
• Culturally curious and adaptable
• Passionate about social justice and real-world impact
• Eager to step beyond the classroom and into lived experience

Earn Academic Credit While Interning!

Through a partnership with an accredited Costa Rican university, interns may enroll in online courses taught in English in the areas of social sciences and business administration while based in Upala. Participants can earn transferable academic credit applicable toward electives or independent study, subject to home university approval.

This structure allows students to remain on track academically without paying home-university tuition during the internship period.

What’s Included

Starting at just $1,495 for one month, your internship includes:

• A personalized internship placement
• Lodging with a welcoming homestay family (three meals per day included)
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Pre-arrival orientation and ongoing support
• Optional Spanish classes
• Weekly check-ins and project mentorship
• Cultural and recreational activities
• Project resources, readings, and final evaluations
• 24/7 on-site support

Note: Airfare, travel insurance, entry taxes, and medical expenses are not included.

Explore Our Costa Rica Internship Opportunities

VN offers a diverse range of internship placements. We carefully match your interests, skills, and academic background with meaningful projects in Costa Rican communities.

English Teaching Intern

• Teach conversational and basic English to children, teens, or adults.
• Plan and lead engaging lessons adapted to learner levels.
• Support communication skills and assist with tutoring or homework.
• Contribute to educational resources and cross-cultural learning.

Social Work Intern

• Support children, women, seniors, migrants, and vulnerable populations.
• Assist with group activities and empowerment workshops.
• Apply trauma-informed and culturally sensitive practices.

Health Education Intern

• Design and deliver workshops on hygiene, nutrition, mental health, and wellness.
• Collaborate with clinics, schools, and community health promoters.
• Support public health outreach and education initiatives.

Migrant & Refugee Support Intern

• Support migrants and asylum seekers near the northern border.
• Assist with humanitarian aid, education, and community integration.
• Gain experience in human rights and displacement issues.

Education Intern

• Support teachers in classrooms or community centers.
• Provide tutoring and assist with lesson planning.
• Promote inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Public Health Intern

• Work with rural clinics or health initiatives.
• Assist with outreach, data collection, and health campaigns.
• Gain insight into health access and equity.

Veterinary Science Intern

• Assist veterinarians in rural animal clinics.
• Support vaccinations, basic procedures, and animal care education.
• Contribute to animal welfare and public health.

Physical Therapy Intern

• Assist licensed physical therapists in clinics or community programs.
• Support patient mobility, exercises, and wellness activities.

Special Education Intern

• Support individuals with developmental or cognitive disabilities.
• Assist with adaptive learning plans and inclusive activities.

Occupational Therapy Intern

• Promote daily living skills and independence.
• Assist therapy sessions and adaptive strategies.

Art Intern

• Facilitate art-based programs and creative workshops.
• Promote emotional well-being and cultural expression.

Women’s Small Business & Integration Intern

• Support women entrepreneurs and cooperatives.
• Assist with marketing, product development, and training.

Conservation Intern

• Participate in reforestation, wildlife monitoring, and sustainability projects.
• Support environmental education and climate resilience efforts.

Sea Turtle Conservation Intern

• Support endangered sea turtle conservation on coastal sites.
• Assist with monitoring, data collection, and hatchling releases.

Community Garden & Food Security Intern

• Work on organic and community garden initiatives.
• Support sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.

Kids Club Coordinator Intern

• Plan and lead educational and recreational activities for children.
• Create safe, engaging spaces for learning and play.

Sports & Recreation Intern

• Use sports to promote youth development and wellness.
• Organize activities that foster teamwork and leadership.

How to Apply

Ready to make a real difference? Here’s how to get started:

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Email your resume or CV and one letter of recommendation to vncenterinfo@gmail.com.
3. Selected applicants will be invited to a virtual interview via Zoom.

This is more than just a program. It’s a launchpad for your purpose, a gateway to global citizenship, and a chance to be part of something meaningful.
If you’re ready to learn, serve, and grow, we’re ready for you. Apply today to one of our
Costa Rica Internships and help create the change you want to see.