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.
Program 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. Start with immersive learning in theoretical practices, then be guided by expert field staff and actively contribute to ecological monitoring and habitat restoration projects. Learn about the importance of intercultural communication in environmental protection and 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!
On GLA’s Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration in Environmental Stewardship with Focus on Biology Research & Climate Action you will:
- 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 & mangroves, 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
COSTA RICA INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WITH FOCUS ON BIOLOGY RESEARCH & CLIMATE ACTION
Sample Itinerary
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
Day 1: Arrival
Start your Costa Rica adventure! Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by staff and fellow interns. Settle in, explore your surroundings, and connect with others. A detailed orientation will prepare you for the exciting days ahead.
Days 2-6: Local College Immersion, Workshops & Cultural Exploration
Spend five days at an IB college immersed in workshops and leadership activities while building friendships and exploring local culture. You’ll begin your internship experience with professionally led sessions focused on intercultural communication, sustainability, climate action, and change-making, laying the foundation for service research projects. Cultural experiences include dance and cooking classes, plus a day trip to Irazú Volcano National Park to explore Costa Rica’s biodiversity and natural beauty.
Days 7-11: Hands on Conservation in the Osa Peninsula
Next, travel to the Osa Peninsula to begin your internship with a local environmental conservation foundation, starting with an orientation and town tour. Over five days, you’ll work alongside biologists on hands-on conservation projects—conducting research, ecological monitoring, and biodiversity studies in protected river and land reserves—while also enjoying hikes and swims that highlight the importance of preserving these natural areas.
Days 12-13: Beach & Yoga Excursion
After your hard work, enjoy two relaxing days on Costa Rica’s beaches, soaking up the sun and natural beauty. You can also join one or two yoga classes to focus on mindfulness and reconnecting mind and body.
Days 14-16: Return to Conservation Work
After your beach break, return for three days of hands-on conservation work with our foundation and a local sea turtle project. Continue research projects, support riverbank restoration, assist with turtle hatcheries and releases, and engage in beach clean-ups, deepening your connection to the environment and local community.
Days 16-18: Uvita Excursion: Boat Tour, National Park, Waterfall & Return to Central Valley
After the Osa Peninsula, travel north to Uvita for a boat and snorkel tour, spotting dolphins and marine life. Visit the iconic “Whale Tail” in Marino Ballena National Park and enjoy the beach views. Finish with a morning at a local waterfall before returning to the college campus.
Days 19-20: Share Your Learnings & Final Adventure
As your program ends, reflect on your experiences, complete final workshops, and prepare presentations showcasing your growth and insights. Enjoy one last adventure with ziplining, an aerial tram, and a butterfly garden, then celebrate with a final dinner and group reflection.
Day 21: Departures
On the final day, bid farewell to your friends and the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica. As you prepare to depart, take a moment to reflect on your incredible experiences and the knowledge you’ve gained. You’ll leave with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of yourself and your future aspirations.
Program Map
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 and conservation guides; gain insight in how to develop ecological monitoring and restoration strategies. 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 more than 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.
Before you dive into your Osa experience, you’ll engage in professor-led workshops to provide a theoretical framework for the learning we do on program. Start off with learning about the importance of intercultural communication when it comes to protecting the environmental on a global scale. Get familiarized with sustainability & climate action as it pertains to Costa Rica, to set your understanding from the get-go. And finally, learn about a design thinking method focused on faciliating change in a local way – with all this learning in the first week, you’ll be ready to dive deeper into the hands-on learning for weeks two and three.
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, where you will likely catch glimpses of various species of monkeys. Hike through a protected river reserve and to a breathtaking waterfall and enjoy a refreshing swim in pristine pools amidst the jungle’s beauty. Enjoy a zipline adventure and kayak through the mangroves of the Osa. Relax on an overnight beach excursion, giving yourself a break after the hard work and learning you’ll be doing; take a guided, meditative yoga course in the evening, or an energizing yoga session in the morning. Finally, go on a boat and snorkel tour to check out the diverse marine wildlife of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Lodging & Meals
Our first Home Base is a college based in the San José province; students will stay in dormitories, sharing rooms with 2-3 other students and sharing a dorm-style bathroom per floor.
Our second 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. Students will stay in shared rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Costa Rica is known for its simple diet of rice, beans and a side of meat. The food at Home Base will reflect the traditional dietary staples of the people in Costa Rica. It will be simple, but fresh and healthy and include delicious, locally-grown fruits.
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
- Service Hours: 36
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 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life On Land
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:
- CliftonStrengths Assessment & Debrief
- Personal Mission Statement Updated
- Resume or LinkedIn Resume
- Letter of Recommendation completed by your Internship Supervisor & Internship Director
- Certificate of Completion (60 hours)
- Certificate of Service Hours (variable per internship)
- Professional Headshots for Resume or CV
- Portfolio of Evidence/Internship Log Book (if needed)
- Recommendations via Common App
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.
COSTA RICA INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WITH FOCUS ON BIOLOGY RESEARCH & CLIMATE ACTION
Dates & Tuition
21-Day Internship
2026 Session Dates
June 27 – July 17, 2026
Program Details
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 program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
An application fee and $600 deposit are required
to hold your spot on-program.
Backed by our 5-Point Safety Systemâ„¢
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
“GLA is an amazing program that helped encourage me to step out of my comfort zone and grow in many ways. GLA was a family away from home that made it so easy to love and appreciate everyone who was on the same discovery journey as I was. This contributed to my growth as a person and as a leader.”
Ella F. | Student | 2024
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COSTA RICA INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WITH FOCUS ON BIOLOGY RESEARCH & CLIMATE ACTION
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