"Discover Costa Rica" with the Int'l Internship & Volunteer Network

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Heredia,  Tamarindo,  San Joaquin de Flores

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Programs available year-round.

Description: From rainforests to mountains, beaches to volcanoes, Costa Rica is a natural paradise. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean to the east, Costa Rica is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in Central America. Although slightly smaller than the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica boasts one of the most diverse selections of flora and fauna in the world.

San Joaquín de Flores is home to The Instituto San Joaquín de Flores, an academic institution located in the lovely colonial town of San Joaquín, and also serves as home base for all Intl Internship & Volunteer Network (IIVN) Programs in San Joaquín, Heredia and San José.

In and around San José and Heredia you will find the heart of the business, political, educational, cultural, health and social services sectors of Costa Rica. From busy downtown streets to the cooler slopes of coffee country, the opportunities for a quality experience are waiting for you!

Highlights: The Intl Internship & Volunteer Network is proud to offer an array of opportunities throughout Costa Rica, including Independent, Pre-Med and Premier Programs. We look forward to working with you to customize your experience abroad!

Qualifications: Applicants for each program must:
* Be at least 18+ years of age by start date of program;
* Present current Resume or Curriculum Vitae, Statement of Purpose and two Referrals for program participation;
* Internship candidates must be currently enrolled in, or a graduate of, an approved higher education institution;
* Internship candidates must present a Transcript or Certificate of study related to the occupational category they are applying for;
* Volunteer candidates must have a strong desire to contribute to the betterment of society and help those less fortunate, including women, children, the homeless and ailing;
* All participants must speak fluent English. In some cases, candidates must have an intermediate+ conversation level of the language of the host country they desire to visit. Participants must be enthusiastic, self-motivated, dependable, flexible, open-minded and eager to experience new cultures; be committed to the duration of the project selected; Have a valid e-mail address throughout their program.

Applicants must be aware that the programs are a personal & professional growth/training experience that will be useful for future development, and their placement may not be at a managerial or senior level.

Participants should not try to use their program participation as a step to getting hired permanently by the host employer/association, as this may lead to disappointment and may violate government regulations.

Cost in US$: Independent Programs=$1650.00 USD; Pre-Med Programs =$1950.00 USD; Premier Program Fee varies based on country and program selected.

*Meals: One to two meals per day are offered in select programs. The number of meals offered varies based on country and project selected. In the event your preferred program does not include meals, we are happy to prepare you with budget guidelines to ensure you plan appropriately.

*Ground Transportation: Ground transportation to/from the airport/housing of your host country is offered to all participants. Ground transportation to/from planned social activities and sightseeing will vary based on country and project selected. Transportation resources and costs will be provided to ensure you budget accordingly.

*Arrival Orientation: An arrival orientation will be conducted for each program to ensure a smooth transition. Duration & content will vary based on country & program selected.

*Holiday Week: Select programs include a full week of rest and relaxation the last week of your program. This provides an opportunity to reflect on your project experience and further enjoy the many unique sights your selected country has to offer. In the event your preferred program does not include a holiday week, we will be happy to provide you with a list of sightseeing and points of interest you won't want to miss!

* All Application Fees
* Preferred Placement Matching
* Customized & Professional Program Development - taking into consideration each participant's personal goals, experience and qualifications, in addition to the Host Employer/Association needs
* Confirmed Program Placement - prior to departure
* Pre-Departure Materials - including detailed Participant Handbook outlining important Int'l Travel & Program Information
* Project Training & Materials (where applicable) - while experience is always helpful, it is not necessary to participate in all of our programs
* Academic Credit (based on educational institutions discretion)
* Local Program Supervision, 24/7 Emergency Service and Participant Support
* Passport, Visa & Intl Travel/Medical Insurance Guidance
* Certificate of Completion
* IIVN's Commitment to ensuring that every participant is provided with the highest level of personal attention and service.

Unless otherwise noted, IIVN Programs do not include:
* Round-Trip Airfare & Airport Taxes
* Passport/Visa Fees or other necessary legal Work/Travel Document Fees
* Travel/Medical Insurance
* Personal Expenses
* Immunization Fees (as applicable).

Salary / Pay: Programs are Unpaid

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Our Volunteer participants must possess a strong desire to contribute to the betterment of society and help those less fortunate, including women, children, the homeless and ailing. Our Internship participants must be mature, self sufficient, professional individuals who do not require hand holding and planned social activities.

Age Range: Participants must be 18+ years of age prior to first day of travel.

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Int'l Internship & Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The International Internship & Volunteer Network is dedicated to providing individuals with an opportunity to strengthen their professional business experience and further develop their cultural knowledge, by acquiring supervised International Work & Volunteer Experience in an occupational category relevant to their education and interest through customized internship and volunteer programs abroad. We pride ourselves on being able to personally work with each participant to find the perfect placement to meet their individual needs.

Year Founded: 2008