Academic Focus
This program gives you the opportunity to participate in an internship supporting research and sustainable development projects in private reserves, sustainable farms, or the National System of Preservation Areas of Costa Rica. Students will carry out specific field projects or research while learning about the country's efforts to preserve the environment both at the public and private levels. In the past students have participated in projects such as trail construction or repair, species monitoring, turtle nesting, soil studies, etc. Research internships have been completed in the areas of biology, ecology and geology. Internship field work will be completed in Spanish and you are expected to have high intermediate or advanced Spanish language skills. Research, internship journal and presentation may be written or conducted in English. Students will be assigned a Faculty Advisor and an Internship Supervisor. Students will meet their Faculty Advisor upon arrival in Costa Rica and must be in contact with him/her at least once a week through personal visits or via the internet or phone, depending on the internship location assigned to the student. A personal meeting must be arranged at the end of the program as well. The Internship Supervisor will oversee the student’s daily activities at the program site. This experiential program gives you the opportunity to gain international work experience and do your part to promote the Costa Rican culture of environmental conservation and respect for biodiversity.
This program is comprised of 90 hours spread over the four week session. Typically, students will earn 6 credits in the US semester system.
Schedule Summary
You should expect to be working daily, Monday through Friday. Depending on your placement, you may also be volunteering on the weekend. Your exact schedule will be determined with the Internship Supervisor at the site in which you are placed.
Course Registration
All students are required to complete an internship application prior to departure. This application must be returned to the CEA Tempe office with your confirmation deposit, or no later than the application closure date for your program. Requests for placement in specific locations must be indicated on the application form and are encouraged to be submitted early. Veritas University will do its best to place you at the site of your choice. However, if this is not possible, you will be placed at the location most relevant to your field of study.
