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Art as Community Development 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 using art as a tool for community development and creating art in public spaces.

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:

“Art Corners” Project

  • Establish opportunities for art to be used as ways of learning and creating by physically getting to know the Monteverde area while understanding the connection between the people, the geography, the movement of tourists and finding ways of introducing and promoting art where needed by creating posters, workshops with local artists, opportunities and collaborations with local businesses, art pieces, expositions, etc.

“Coloring the public space” Project

  • This project seeks to use art as a means of communication, learning and play that promotes a conscious and joyful culture through murals, messages and games for all ages. Themes can be connected to the environment, the history, or local culture amount other.
  • Design conceptual art in conjunction with the internship coordinator.
  • Implement the painting, mural or mosaic according to the intern’s skills and the needs of the site to be intervened. This part of the project would ideally involve other local artists, youth or children depending on the concept and needs.
  • Document the process so it can be replicated in other spaces.

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.

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.