COSTA RICA INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WITH FOCUS ON BIOLOGY RESEARCH & CLIMATE ACTION
Take part in a transformational travel internship exploring the wilds and wonders of the Osa Peninsula, where you'll collaborate with field researchers, study wildlife, and help protect Costa Rica's natural habitats.
Highlights
FOR THE CAREER EXPLORATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WITH FOCUS ON BIOLOGY RESEARCH & CLIMATE ACTION
- Engage in hands-on wildlife assessments, biodiversity surveys and data collection under the mentorship of experienced conservationists
- Contribute directly to conservation efforts through reforestation projects and habitat restoration initiatives
- Collaborate closely with expert local staff and field teams, gaining insights into the intricacies of wildlife conservation
- Embrace responsible and sustainable approaches to conservation while discovering the delicate balance between nature preservation and local community engagement
- Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Osa Peninsula’s rainforests, forging connections with nature and like-minded peers while making lasting memories
- Earn a total of 60 internship hours throughout the course of your time on-program
Program Menu For
Career Exploration in
Environmental Stewardship with focus on Biology Research & Climate Action
COSTA RICA INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WITH FOCUS ON BIOLOGY RESEARCH & CLIMATE ACTION
Internship Overview
Embark on a dynamic 21-day internship adventure that takes you through Costa Rica, culminating in the wilds of the Osa Peninsula, where you’ll build knowledge and hands-on experience week by week. Join a dedicated group of aspiring conservationists to engage in immersive wildlife studies. Be guided by expert field staff and actively contribute to habitat restoration projects. Embrace sustainable practices that are critical to becoming a good steward of the environment. This is your opportunity to explore, learn and make a lasting impact on the delicate ecosystems of Costa Rica while gaining valuable, real-world internship experience.
After three weeks in Costa Rica, you’ll wish you could stay even longer when departure day comes!
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COSTA RICA INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WITH FOCUS ON BIOLOGY RESEARCH & CLIMATE ACTION
Community Service
Take part in a hands-on conservation journey throughout the wilderness of the Osa Peninsula. Engage with the community as you team up with local Ticos on eco-friendly initiatives. Join workshops and activities that foster a symbiotic relationship between conservation efforts and the local community. Learn practical conservation techniques through workshops led by community members. Gain essential skills in sustainable practices while understanding the delicate interdependence that sustains the Osa Peninsula’s fragile ecosystems.
Hands-on Learning
Discover the remarkable Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse regions on earth. Engage in hands-on initiatives and workshops with local communities, gaining essential conservation knowledge and experience. Learn about the interdependence of nature on a local scale. You’ll also contribute to vital wildlife conservation efforts guided by expert field staff. With over 2.5% of the planet’s biodiversity concentrated in this rainforest haven, this internship offers you the chance to emerge with practical skills and a profound appreciation for the peninsula’s unparalleled biodiversity. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of sustainable coexistence between humans and nature, shaping your path toward a future in conservation.
High school internships like this one are still unique, but are becoming increasingly important for teens looking to stand out in competitive university applicant pools. This internship can also help you determine whether Environmental Stewardship or Animal & Wildlife Conservation is a good fit for your future college education or career path.
Adventure
Your travel internship will be filled with memorable adventures and new experiences! Explore the rainforest through guided hikes and nature walks led by experienced field staff, where you’ll encounter tropical flora and fauna and the sounds of the rainforest. Journey along the coastline to observe diverse bird life. You will likely catch glimpses of various species of monkeys. Hike to breathtaking waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing swim in pristine pools amidst the jungle’s beauty. Enjoy a zipline adventure and take a boat tour through Golfo Dulce, one of the world’s only four tropical fjords.
Lodging
Home Base is a rustic nature lodge where you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Your accommodation offers a direct connection to the natural world, letting you fully experience the essence of the Osa Peninsula’s vibrant ecosystem. The simplicity of our lodge enhances the rugged beauty of the region, providing a tranquil sanctuary after each day’s adventure-filled exploration.
COSTA RICA INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WITH FOCUS ON BIOLOGY RESEARCH & CLIMATE ACTION
Internship Details
Everything you need to know about the travel internship.
Introduction
High school students who participate in this GLA travel internship in Costa Rica will develop essential leadership and career development skills, while working on initiatives centered around the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development worldwide.
This is an experiential career development internship with sociological underpinnings into a specific theme and concentration in a field of interest. Interns will gain experience working in-person with a social enterprise or nonprofit host organization from around the world.
Throughout the course of your session you will complete 60 total internship hours:
- Observation Hours: 36
- Professional Development Hours: 12
- Self-Study Hours: 12
Learning Objectives
The outcomes of this internship are related to five main learning objectives:
- Gain a deeper understanding of your goals and your professional growth areas, as well as a deeper understanding of Costa Rica and fields related to environmental stewardship.
- Attain knowledge and understanding of recent trends, terminology and case studies within environmental conservation.
- Learn to recognize and articulate multiple perspectives within a larger social context.
- Learn to critically analyze quantitative and qualitative sources of information to make informed opinions.
- Learn to observe and analyze real places and situations where impacts and results can be interpreted and applied within context.
About Our Host Organization
Our partner for this internship is an organization focused on rainforest conservation and engaging local communities. Their mission centers on protecting fragile ecosystems through land preservation and environmental education. By supporting critical wildlife habitats and promoting sustainable practices, they help safeguard the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.
Sustainable Development Goals
The 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development serves as the framework for discussions and the self-study coursework for our student interns here in Costa Rica. During this travel internship you will focus on three SDGs, including:
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
Explore topics related to building the case for sustainable conservation practices.
Curriculum & Merits
Complete a core curriculum with your peers and through the guidance of your internship supervisor. Build your personal competitive edge, as part of a cohort of student interns working in partnership with our global nonprofit partner in Costa Rica. Create a portfolio from completed project work to enhance your college application or future career resume.
By completing this travel internship you will earn:
- A professional letter of recommendation
- A certificate of completion
- Community service hours
- Relevant experience for college applications and essays
Global Leadership Adventures can also provide any supporting documentation and serve as an organization of record, should you want to earn college credits for your internship.
Optional College Credit
Global Leadership Adventures is extremely proud to partner with Portland State University, based in Portland, Oregon, to offer college credit for our student interns who successfully complete all requirements for the internship.
Student interns are welcome to enroll in the internship for Portland State University credit. This internship course curriculum is fully accredited for U.S. undergraduate credit through PSU. Credits are transferable to other colleges and universities, though please note that it is the responsibility of each intern to confirm with their university of intent that these quarter credits will be accepted at the institution.
Getting college credit during high school has so many benefits. It can help with earning scholarships for college and even improve your chance of admission into your university of choice.
The additional fee to earn up to four quarter credits from Portland State University is $750.00. Though recommended, you are not required to purchase the college credit add-on as it is 100% optional. Click here to learn more.
COSTA RICA INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WITH FOCUS ON BIOLOGY RESEARCH & CLIMATE ACTION
Dates & Tuition
Everything you need to know before you apply.
21-Day Internship
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| JUL 7-JUL 27 |
PSU College Credit Add-on: $750 » Learn More
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- In-country transportation
- Lodging
- 3 meals per day
- Professional full-time staff and experts
- 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
- Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
- Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
- Pre-departure materials and support
- Educational materials
To save your spot, an application fee and $600 deposit are required.
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Admissions
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Email Address
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COSTA RICA INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WITH FOCUS ON BIOLOGY RESEARCH & CLIMATE ACTION
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