Internships for San Ramón, Costa Rica

Due to ongoing health concerns related to COVID-19, USAC will not offer in-person internship placements in San Ramon during the Spring 2022 semester. If you have questions, please contact internship@usac.edu.

USAC internships abroad are a great way to enhance your educational experience. Participating in a structured work or research experience with an international organization, whether in-person or virtually, will help you gain valuable skills and hands-on experience while expanding your professional network and immersing yourself in the workplace culture of Costa Rica.

Beginning in Fall 2021, a $985 internship placement fee will be required of all students participating in an in-person USAC internship. This fee helps offset the costs of securing quality internship placements and helps provide a range of professional development activities, including an online internship seminar, career workshops, and panel discussions.

For more information on eligibility requirements and application process see the USAC internship page.

Virtual internships are offered through USAC’s Global Perspectives program. For more information about the program, see the Global Perspectives virtual internship page.

Internship placements in San Ramón require six semesters of college Spanish unless otherwise noted

*Placement with a particular internship provider is not guaranteed

Placements available in the following fields:

Business

English-Language Instruction

Health and Wellness

NGO and Social Services

Research - Sciences


	Business
	A women's cooperative manufacturing lotions, shampoos, and other personal care products from organically-sourced materials produced on cooperative farms.
	Sample Work Responsibilities Assist in manufacturing and developing products Research new techniques and methods to improve production Assist in the promotion and distribution of products
	Requirements Six semesters of college Spanish
	Formats/Terms In-Person: Summer


	English-Language Instruction
	An NGO providing social and educational support to children living in poverty as well as promoting developmental opportunities for families.
	Sample Work Responsibilities Assist in English-language teaching and tutoring Assist in curriculum development and lesson planning appropriate to the age and proficiency level of students
	Requirements Basic Spanish proficiency
	Formats/Terms In-Person: Summer, Semester


	Health and Wellness
	Community health clinics comprised of at least one physician, one nursing assistant, and one primary care technical assistant with support staff in pharmacy services, social work, nursing, dentistry, health records, laboratory services, and in some cases, nutrition and psychology services providing comprehensive care to children, adolescents, women and seniors
	Sample Work Responsibilities Observe and assist in basic medical diagnosis and therapy Assist in patient interviews Develop a familiarity with the primary healthcare system in Costa Rica Acquire medical terminology necessary for patient treatment
	Requirements Six semesters of college Spanish
	Formats/Terms In-Person: Semester


	Health and Wellness
	A comprehensive hospital serving the city of San Ramón as part of the Costa Rican public healthcare system. Includes departments in surgical services, physical therapy, pediatrics, diabetes, and pharmaceutical services.
	Sample Work Responsibilities Shadow general practitioners and observe treatments and surgeries, including: hysterectomy, knee replacement, ulcer, infant health, C-section, wart removal, etc. Assist in post-surgery physical therapy with patients under doctor's supervision Observe, test, and log breast milk samples Observe blood donor interviews, stick and draw process Take notes for doctors, communicate with other health departments, take inventory, observe checkups
	Requirements Six semesters of college Spanish Interns must provide their own scrubs
	Formats/Terms In-Person: Semester


	NGO and Social Services
	An NGO supporting conservation efforts, protecting biodiversity, and environmental outreach and education.
	Sample Work Responsibilities Conduct research on conservation efforts Assist in organizing events and outreach efforts Assist with administrative tasks and special projects
	Requirements Six semesters of college Spanish
	Formats/Terms: In-Person: Semester


	NGO and Social Services
	A rural mollusk harvesting cooperative organized and operated by women supporting rural economic development, women's empowerment, and environmental education and ecotourism.
	Sample Work Responsibilities Assist in research, reforestation, and fieldwork Develop a communications campaign to raise awareness of the cooperative and their goals
	Requirements Six semesters of college Spanish
	Formats/Terms In-Person: Semester


	Research - Sciences
	An NGO promoting environmental education, scientific research, and community outreach programs to promote the conservation of cloud forests and stewardship of watershed ecosystems in northern Costa Rica.
	Sample Work Responsibilities Study the behavior of the leaf cutter ants (Atta cephalotes) Assist the lead researcher gather data about the behavior of the ants.
	Requirements Six semesters of college Spanish
	Formats/Terms In-Person: Semester


	Research - Sciences
	An NGO promoting environmental education, scientific research, and community outreach programs to promote the conservation of cloud forests and stewardship of watershed ecosystems in northern Costa Rica.
	Sample Work Responsibilities Identify aquatic macroinvertebrates from creeks in the La Balsa watershed Assess water quality Participate in community outreach and education
	Requirements Six semesters of college Spanish
	Formats/Terms In-Person: Semester


	Research - Sciences
	A research station located in the cloud forest of San Ramón Alajuela offering educational and research facilities as well as recreational activities focused on the study of the biodiversity of flora and fauna, water resources, and tourism sustainability, among others.
	Sample Work Responsibilities Collect specimens of insects from conservation areas Place traps throughout the reserve for the collection of specimens Learn how to preserve and mount the specimens for the insect collection of the Research Station.
	Requirements Six semesters of college Spanish
	Formats/Terms In-Person: Semester

Quick Details

2021-22 App. Cycle

Spring: Open (Nov. 1 deadline)

2022-23 App. Cycle

Summer Sessions: Open
Fall/Yearlong: Open
Spring: Open

Eligibility

Preferred GPA: 2.5

Program Type

Specialty

Credits

US Credit

Program Capacity

65 students

Instruction

English | Spanish

Passport & Visa

Passport & Visa Information