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Horticulture and Food Science Internships in Costa Rica | Monteverde, Costa Rica

More photos of this internship may be found here. Image courtesy of Monteverde Institute.

Join the efforts of this public service non-profit to empower a community to take proactive steps towards a more sustainable future!  Here, the relationships between community, environment, and tourism, are viewed from a holistic perspective. Programming centers around topics of horticulture, food science, and permaculture design and assessment.

Internship Start Dates:

  • Flexible start dates at the beginning of each academic term.

Duration of Internship:

  • 10-12 weeks, minimum.

The mission of the Monteverde Institute is to promote social, ecological and economic sustainability by integrating community initiatives with education, research and conservation.

Costa Rica, and specifically the Monteverde area, has long been a world leader in ecotourism and biodiversity conservation, and is also at the forefront of efforts related to climate change. Interns with the Monteverde Institute work with local experts involved in a variety of community and environmentally based initiatives that investigate or contribute to solutions to local issues. Students receive background information and the skill sets necessary to accomplish their tasks. Additionally, throughout the internship, the institute provides multiple levels of supervision and expertise to ensure that the intern has the most authentic and beneficial experience possible.

Students would be able to share their results with the community. All internships end with accountability to, and feedback from, the community. All completed work is documented and cataloged in our digital, publicly accessible database for use by future generations. These learning internships help the MVI promote its mission to promote social, ecological and economic sustainability by integrating community initiatives with education, research and conservation.

Some possible internship projects are listed below:

Farm-to-Table Integration Program

  • This internship centers on improving the vegetable garden and seamlessly integrating it into the culinary operations of the Monteverde Institute, fostering a sustainable and delicious journey from the farm to the table.

Hummingbird Garden Program (Spring Term ONLY)

  • Work with local teachers to design and prepare lesson plans, develop and implement learning activities, manage classes (online and on-site), among other tasks to promote student language learning.

Permaculture Site Assessment & Design

  • Evaluate current techniques for composting and gardening and generate ideas for how to improve
  • Use existing natural resources (water, topography, flora/fauna, sun, wind, microclimates, etc.)
  • Incorporate other considerations, such as local laws and regulations regarding land use and changes to it, history of the site, off-site hazards, and access zones for vehicles, pedestrians, wildlife, etc.

Academic Background

  • Interns with a background and experience within their chosen industry are strongly preferred. The quantity and variety of possible placements corresponds with the applicant’s depth of knowledge and demonstrated willingness to practice and learn new skills. Additional requirements may apply and depend on your host site and preferred internship duties.

Skills

  • Interns are expected to demonstrate responsibility, professional motivation, flexibility, and effective communication skills.
  • Interns should have relevant coursework or professional experience (paid, intern, or volunteer) in the chosen industry when possible.
  • For permaculture projects, demonstrable skills in research, technical writing, mapping and/or GIS will be considered.

Language Requirements 

  • For all internships, English is the language of communication. Interns must be capable of communication at a near-native level in professional settings.
  • Beginner Spanish is helpful, but not required, for most projects.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

  • IE3Global Program Fee: $3,450
  • Host Site Fees (see details below): $3,885
  • International Travel: $950
  • Recommended Immunizations: $150

Estimated Monthly Expenses

  • Housing: Included in Host Site Fee
  • Food: Included in Host Site Fee
  • Local Transportation: $45
  • Utilities, Phone, Internet: $45

Host Site Fee Details

The host site fee from includes:

  • Homestay Accommodations
  • 3 meals per day in homestay
  • Laundry service
  • Work-related transportation
  • Administrative costs
  • 24/7 Local support

Host Site Housing

Homestays are arranged by the host organization. Interns have their own room, and should expect to share a bathroom.

This organization has a robust cultural engagement program with host families, and their homestay coordinator checks in with students regularly during their stay.

Check out this clip about host families in Monteverde!

Quotes:

Check out pictures from this internship site.

Review these videos below and reviews from past participants!

Apply Now

Terms

Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer

Application Deadline

Fall: April 15
Winter: September 15
Spring: November 15
Summer:

  • Priority Deadline - January 15
  • Standard Deadline - February 15

    • Basic Requirements

    - Open to all majors; relevant experience in chosen industry preferred (coursework, volunteer work, and professional work experience)
    - Sense of professionalism and strong work ethic.