Session I: June 1 - June 22, 2024
Session II: July 6 - July 27, 2024
Program Overview
I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
Our San Jose Internships are the perfect opportunity for students to have an immersive international experience while continuing to train for their sport. Students in this program intern for five days a week, complete a weekly service project under the supervision of our full-time staff, and adventure on weekend excursions to some of Costa Rica's most popular destinations!
Our Costa Rica Internship is open to ALL majors!
Highlights
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Intern with one of our local partner organizations and earn academic credit
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Live in the heart of the city with a Costa Rican host family and learn about the Tico culture
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Travel to the beautiful beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes of Costa Rica
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Make a lasting impact on the local community through your internship and community service work
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Train with other athletes from all over the United States
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Coach your sport to disadvantaged youth at SAA's community sports clinics
INTERNSHIPS
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Education
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Special Education
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Coaching
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Exercise Science
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Physical Therapy
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Nutrition
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Healthcare
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Health Education
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Psychology
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Social Work
Program Description
I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
Students choose from a variety of internships offered in San Jose depending on their interests and academic focus. Local staff will assist with the placement process and will be available on site for support throughout the program. Students wishing to complete the internship for academic credit may do so as well. In addition to interning five days a week, students will participate in weekly service-learning projects, have dedicated time for workouts and training, and travel to some of Costa Rica's most attractive destinations.
Housing
Over the past thirteen years, we have established an amazing network of host families. Following enrollment, students will complete a homestay questionnaire so our local staff can learn more about their preferences. All homestays include a private bedroom with a bed, linens, closet, nightstand, private or shared bathroom and laundry once per week.
Athletics Abroad
You will be provided access to a centrally located gym, so you can maintain your training with 4-5 workouts per week. There will also be opportunities to play your sport abroad and train with other U.S. athletes.
Excursions
Two weekends include pre-planned excursions led by the SAA staff. One weekend you will visit the spectacular beaches of the Pacific Coast and explore Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its array of Costa Rican wildlife! The second excursion is a trip to the town of La Fortuna where you'll zipline through the rainforest, hike Volcano Arenal, and soak tired muscles in the world's largest naturally heated hot springs!
Internship Information
Below are some of our selected internships to give you an idea of what is available in San Jose. We are also able to work with students interested in a custom internship. Contact us for more information!
SAMPLE INTERNSHIPS
La Casa de Los Niños - Education, Social Work
La Casa De Los Niños is an inspirational organization that serves an impoverished neighborhood in the San Jose hills. The organization provides after-school programs and extracurricular activities, psychological support, and a meal program for children in need. Interns will work directly with local teachers through a number of different roles including teaching English, helping students with homework, providing individual tutoring, and assisting with recreational activities.
Santa Paula Clinic - Physical Therapy, Athletic Training
Santa Paula Clinic is one of the best and oldest private universities for physical therapy and other types of therapies in Costa Rica, including respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children - Health Care, Health Education, Nutrition
Foundation for Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) is a non-profit organization located in Alajuelita. They are dedicated to improving the health of families in the developing world through the implementation of innovative and self-sustainable health improvement programs. They assert a multidimensional strategy that includes clinical services, extensive community outreach efforts, and health education programs. Interns will work with a network of local non-profit clinics in underserved communities as well as in local public hospitals alongside staff to learn about the healthcare system of Costa Rica.
Special Olympics - Special Education, Coaching
Special Olympics is an organization for special needs athletes located in Sabana, San Jose. This program provides hundreds of athletes the opportunity to train and compete to their greatest potential.
Please note: This is not a comprehensive list of the internships we have available in Costa Rica.
Contact us for more information.
Program Rates
Program Cost: $3,495
Included:
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Homestay with local family
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Breakfast and dinner, daily
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Airport transfers on arrival and departure day
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Internship placement and set-up
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Two weekend adventure excursions, transportation and meals
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Gym membership/group training sessions
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All service-learning activities
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International Health Insurance
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SAA Program T-Shirt
Not Included:
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Roundtrip airfare to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
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Passport/associated fees if you do not already have one
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Lunch, daily
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Snacks, souvenirs, optional entertainment expenses
Enrollment Process
REGISTRATION
Accepted students will be prompted to register through our online platform & make their initial deposit to reserve their spot.
PLACEMENT
Students will connect with their site coordinator to ask questions and learn more about the internship & course placement process.
Contact Us
Interested in more information? Have a question? Fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch shortly!
