More photos of this internship may be found here.
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 public health, permaculture, water quality, ecology, and reforestation, all with the backdrop of sustainable ecotourism.
Costa Rica, and specifically the Monteverde area, has long been a world leader in ecotourism and is also at the forefront of efforts related to climate change. This host site is well-respected for its holistic, positive, and solutions-focused approach to a wide-range of topics related to topics of climate change, social justice, community health, conservation, and ecotourism.
The majority of the population of Monteverde is employed within the tourism industry. This non-profit organization is looking a step ahead to consider the impacts of ecotourism on the local community and then to take proactive steps to help the community develop in a sustainable way alongside the ecotourism industry. This organization also strives to identify community needs and generate and implement creative solutions, gradually transferring ownership of these projects into the hands of the community.
Interns will choose two of the following projects to be involved in, depending on their interests and qualifications:
Reforestation and mapping
Adopt a Stream Citizen Science Program
Permaculture Site Assessment & Design
Community Health Program
Other programs may be available, depending on season and supervisor availability. Topics may include: science communication and journalism, wildlife habitat conservation, medicinal herbalism, and soil analysis.
Completed coursework in relevant fields for the projects in which the intern is interested.
For permaculture projects, demonstrable skills in research, technical writing, mapping and/or GIS will be considered.
Basic Spanish is helpful, but not required, for most projects.
Advanced Spanish is required for interns wanting to work with community health initiatives, and native speaker fluency is preferred. Interns wishing to participate in projects of this nature may be asked to submit additional materials in Spanish.
Willingness to get wet and muddy, have the physical stamina for fieldwork.
Enthusiasm for the projects and mission of the host organization.
Budgeting Note: Estimated costs are based on typical internship-related costs and a modest standard of living. Each intern’s costs will vary based on lifestyle choices (eating out vs. cooking, taking public transportation vs. taxis) and recreational spending (travelling on days off, hobbies, etc.).
The Host Site Fee Includes:
* No visa required for U.S. citizens
** Fees vary based on medical history and insurance coverage
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!
Check out pictures from this internship.
Summer: January 25
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 1
Spring: November 15
- See Qualifications/Requirements section