Keystone View Internships

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Bagaces

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: 6 months

Description: All present internships with Keystone View are based in the town of Bagaces, within the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The company itself is situated approximately 1.5 km from Bagaces.

The amount of time you choose to intern is flexible, with program lengths ranging from 6 to 12 months.

Transportation costs to and from Costa Rica for the internship program is the sole responsibility of the intern.

There is an informal and relaxed atmosphere within Keystone View. You will have the opportunity to work independently on the projects assigned to you from inception to completion. The working week is from 7:30am - 5:30pm Monday through Thursday and Friday 7:30am - 3:15pm. You are allowed two, fifteen minute breaks and thirty minutes for lunch during the workday.

Keystone View will provide you with a host family to live with during your internship. The host family provides all your meals including a packed lunch during the week, a private bedroom, and laundry service. Host families provide an excellent way to develop your language skills and gain experience of the community.

Transportation to and from work is your responsibility. You can purchase a second hand bike, take a taxi or walk, any of which will take you no more than 10 minutes.

Keystone View is an American company operating in Costa Rica and there are many English speakers, however, the primary language spoken by the employees is Spanish. There are Spanish lessons available at an additional cost to you.

This is your opportunity to gain real international work experience to add to your resume.

Highlights: Keystone View has been running its intership program for nearly five years, bringing business professionals and students to Costa Rica from across North America and Europe. Ranging in age from their early 20s to 40s, these individuals have worked with the full-time Costa Rican employees to optimize production processes, design new products, enhance the company's accounting system, conduct research and implement Internet and other marketing programs.

Questions you may have.

1. Am I eligible?

Yes! We accept resumes from all over the world, from people of a variety of backgrounds and ages, including students, recent graduates and business professionals with several years experience.   

2. What kind of projects are available?

Keystone View has projects in a varying number of fields, including: Assembly and manufacturing, administration, engineering, agriculture, multimedia design, programming, marketing, photography, printing, maintenance, and sales.   

3. How do I apply?

The application process is simple. Simply send us an email with your resume outlining your area of skill, any previous experience and when you would be available to begin working. A representative from Keystone View then will contact you with further information.   

4. When would I begin? How long would I stay?

There are no specific start dates or end dates; we can arrange these based on your schedule. All participants have a minimum 6-month contract; however, unlike with other programs, you are not required to leave the country after completion of the contract - leaving time for more travel throughout the region.   

5. How will I be compensated?

As well as providing a homestay (housing, laundry, and 3 meals per day) with a local family, Keystone View will provide participants with a weekly stipend for sightseeing and miscellaneous expenses, enabling a comfortable standard of living while in Costa Rica.   

6. What if I don't speak any Spanish?

No problem! Participants have previously arrived with no prior knowledge of Spanish and after a few weeks of immersion find themselves communicating efficiently with the locals. It is a bonus if you do speak Spanish, but don't let it discourage you if you don't. There is no better way to learn a language than to be immersed in it.   

7. Are there any fees involved?

Unlike many other companies offering "volunteer vacations," internships, or similar programs, we do not charge you thousands of dollars in application fees. The only cost to you is your airfare, insurance, vaccinations (if you choose) and Spanish lessons (if necessary).   

8. Am I responsible for finding my own accomodation?

No. We will match you with an accomodating family best suited to your living habits. We will finance your host family for the entire length of your contract.   

9. Is Costa Rica safe?

Although rip-offs are a fact of life anywhere, you'll find Costa Rica is much safer than other Central American countries. You should, nonetheless take simple precautions to avoid any problems, just as you would when traveling anywhere in the world.

Qualifications: Work or play?

Life is short, and Keystone View lets you do both - take advantage of professional development opportunities while exploring one of the most beautiful regions in the world - Costa Rica.

College Graduates need experience in a professional work environment to practice their newly aquired skills. Keystone View understands this need and offers graduates first hand work experience.

A college degree and a willingness to work hard is the only qualification required to participate in this international business experience with a 6-month stay in one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

Cost in US$: 0.00

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume

Keystone View's Mission Statement: For more than 80 years, Keystone View has been a leader in the development and manufacture of professional-quality vision products and programs to help identify and develop visual efficiency and to help individuals learn.

Year Founded: 1925