SPECIALIZE IN MARINE OR LAND ECOLOGY, OR GET A TASTE OF BOTH WITH THIS VERSATILE CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP
Venture to the stunning coastline of Costa Rica and work on exciting, innovative conservation field research. This program equips you with practical knowledge of conservation, gains you in-field research experience, and lets you play a role in important work.
This internship places you with a conservation nonprofit whose goal is to create transformative connections between people and the environment through education, research, integration, and innovation. This means they take a ground-up approach to sustainable development. They research the region’s communities and natural ecosystems to develop sustainable practices that can be integrated into local life. There is an impressive array of research projects in operation at their 4,700 hectare base of operations, Hacienda Ario.
Your work as an intern could vary hugely depending on when you join the organization. In the later half of the year there are exciting opportunities to work on sea turtle nesting research or reforestation programs. In the earlier half of the year you’ll work on seed bank development, permaculture projects. In either case, you’ll get the chance to work on exciting land and marine conservation work, or specialize in the one that interests you most.
Based on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, CIRENAS is a conservation-focused nonprofit operating from their own 4,700 hectare research center and educational campus. Here, they run an array of fine-scale conservation research, devise sustainable practices, and establish conservation initiatives for the region. They then share their knowledge through community outreach, education programs, and online informational resources.
Their mission is to create transformative connections between people and the environment through education, research, integration, and innovation. Their work includes agroforestry and permaculture projects, in-field conservation work for nesting sea turtles, wildlife rescue, and development of a seed bank and nursery.
This internship is hugely versatile depending on when you join and where your interests lie. You could spend your internship on sea turtle nesting or permaculture and agroforestry or both. Whatever your specialization, you’ll gain extensive skill-development in conservation research and expansive insight into nonprofit conservation work.
Enjoy a rustic experience staying on the Ranger Station across from the Cirenas Campus and Caletas-Ario National Wildlife Refuge. The station includes a dorm room (up to 17 pax) with multiple toilets, indoor & outdoor showers, and a shared kitchen. There are spaces to socialize and relax, along with having access to the Cirenas Campus that has classrooms, laboratories, a huge network of nature trails, and spaces for yoga, meditation, and events.
Costa Rica is generally considered a safe travel destination although you have to keep the normal safety precautions in mind (take care of your valuables, don’t go out alone after dark, etc.). Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. Malaria risk is low, but consult your local health on whether or not to take any malaria medication.
There is a Wi-Fi connection for work-related issues. For personal use, it is recommended to either buy a local sim card or use international data roaming.
From Monday to Saturday three basic meals are provided, and you will have cooking shifts with other residents – a great way to get to know each other. The meals offered are mainly vegetarian. On the occasion you would like to explore the local food scene, your best option is going into Cobano.
You’ll stay near the town of Manzanillo, a short drive from popular beach Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. This area is an area of staggering natural beauty and rich biodiversity in one of Costa Rica’s most important coastal watersheds along the Bongo-Ario basin.
Internship start and end dates are flexible (with preference to arrive on a weekday) and will be discussed with you during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
8 weeks USD 4,507
10 weeks USD 5,430
12 weeks USD 6,354
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Costa Rica.
During your internship, you can expect to gain a mix of professional development and cultural exploration. Also, throughout your internship, you’ll gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, collaborating with locals and fellow interns, building relationships and a strong network.
As you engage in meaningful projects that contribute to sustainable development and environmental causes, you’ll gain a sense of purpose and passion for creating a positive change. Also, you’ll get to use and sharpen your professional skills, as well as your interpersonal skills. If you wish to know more about how doing a nonprofit internship is good for your career, make sure to check this blog out!
Yes, but you must ensure with your university supervisor that the internship meets the needed requirements. You can also choose to purchase transfer credits to supplement your internship experience.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any sort of stipend. When interning for a nonprofit organization, you will not be paid, but here are some ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring opportunities for both professional and personal growth and a wealth of new knowledge which is invaluable!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
