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Internships in Costa Rica

Ranked the happiest country in the world, who wouldn’t want to spend time interning in Costa Rica? Not only is Costa Rica known for having five percent of the world’s biodiversity, Ticos (native Costa Ricans) are highly educated and cultured. Locals embrace traditional arts, dance, food, and music and the pace of life in Costa Rica is more relaxed and casual than in other parts of the world. Those who chose to complete an internship in Costa Rica will find plenty of adventure after hours in the land of pura vida (pure/full life).
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MAXIMO NIVEL

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A Guide to Interning Abroad in Costa Rica

Locations

Surprisingly, the majority of internships in Costa Rica are not located in the heart of the capital city. Nevertheless, as the national business center, there are still plenty of options available for those looking for internship placements in San José. However, the best cities for internships in Costa Rica are: Alajuela, Cartago, San José, and Liberia.

The second largest city, Alajuela, offers up a bustling city landscape that is balanced by nearby butterfly farms, waterfalls, and coffee plantations. Alajuela is a convenient location for anyone looking to go on excursions or day trips. 

Cartago, one of Costa Rica’s oldest cities and the first capital, features important religious sites and access to the Guayabo National Monument. While focused on computer technology, the city offers more than tech internship opportunities. Many placements offer the opportunity to participate in service-learning projects during the internships. Buses from Cartago to San José run several times an hour, so a trip to the big city is easy.

Liberia, located in the northwestern part of Costa Rica, enables interns to be in close proximity to the exquisite Pacific beaches of Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Rica is generally considered a safe country for tourists and visitors. It has a low crime rate compared to other countries in the region. However, like any country, there are some safety concerns that travelers should be aware of.

Costa Rica offers a range of internship opportunities in various fields, particularly in the areas of sustainable development, environmental studies, and eco-tourism.

When immigrating as a tourist without a work visa you can only do an unpaid internship. For all paid activities/remunerated internships a visa is mandatory. Other requirements are language proficiency, education, and experience.

In general, internships in Costa Rica are unpaid and experiential-based. Paid internships may be available in Costa Rica, but are exceedingly rare. Instead, many internships may cover housing and travel costs as a form of compensation.

Latest Program Reviews

I love Maximo Nivel!

October 25, 2025by: Karen Culpatan - Guam (USA)Program: Intern Abroad in Latin America | Top-Rated Internships
10

I’ve been volunteering with Maximo Nivel the past two months! I’ve really enjoyed the organization and the people that I’ve met along the way. I love my host family. She cooks amazing food and is always there to help me. The team is wonderful and I would highly recommend Maximo Nivel!

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