Session I: May 30 - June 20, 2025
Session II: July 4 - July 25, 2025
Program Overview
Our San Jose Internships are the perfect opportunity for students to have an immersive international experience while continuing to train for their sport. Students will intern for five days a week at a company that aligns with their career goals and complete a sports-based weekly service project with local youth. On the weekends interns will adventure to some of Costa Rica's most popular destinations.
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Our Costa Rica Internship is open to both athletes and non-athletes of ALL majors!
Highlights
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Intern with one of our local partner organizations and earn academic credit through your school
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Gain valuable hands-on experience to boost your resume
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Embrace cultural immersion by living with a Costa Rican host family and learn about the Tico culture
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Make a lasting impact on the local community through your internship and community service projects
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Build friendships with other athletes from all over the United States
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Discover the beautiful beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes of Costa Rica through weekend excursions
CAREER INTERESTS
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Education
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Coaching
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Physical Therapy
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​Sports Medicine & Nutrition
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Non-Profit Management
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Healthcare
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Veterinary Medicine
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Psychology
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Communications
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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 where you can coach your sport to disadvantaged local youth, have dedicated time for workouts and training, and travel to some of Costa Rica's most attractive destinations.
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Housing & Meals
Athletics Abroad
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. Each homestay will have at least one member of the family who speaks some English, although it is a remarkable opportunity to practice with locals. All homestays include a private bedroom with a bed, linens, bath towels, closet, nightstand, and private or shared bathroom. Laundry is available once per week.
Breakfast and dinner are provided daily. Any dietary restrictions and needs will be taken into consideration. For lunch, students can explore San Jose's local restaurants or pack a picnic.
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 -- as well as take surf lessons at renowned surf hotspots! 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! All meals and transportation provided.
Internship Information
Below are some of our selected internships to give you an idea of what is available in San Jose. Final internship placements depend on a variety of factors including your career interests and Spanish speaking ability. We are also able to work with students interested in a custom internship. Contact us for more information or questions about available internships!
SAMPLE INTERNSHIPS
La Casa de Los Niños - Education, Social Work, Non-Profit Management
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. Every morning, interns will work on independent projects ranging from marketing plans to donor research to program development. In the afternoon, interns will work directly with local teachers through a number of different roles including teaching English, helping with homework, providing individual tutoring, and assisting with recreational activities.
Special Olympics - Special Education, Coaching, Non-Profit Management
Special Olympics is an organization serving special needs athletes located in Sabana, San Jose. This program provides hundreds of athletes the opportunity to train and compete to their greatest potential. Similar to the previous internship, students will work on independent projects in the morning and lead various sports activities in the afternoon.
Santa Paula Clinic - Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, Sports Medicine, Exercise Science
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. Students will complete a rotational internship with opportunities to shadow therapists working with professional sports team to gain a holistic understanding of this field in Costa Rica.
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.
Please note: This is not a comprehensive list of the internships we have available in Costa Rica.
Program Rates
Program Cost: $3,795
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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Two weekend adventure excursions
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Gym membership
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All service-learning activities
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Practice opportunities with local teams (depending on sport)
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International Health Insurance
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SAA Program T-Shirt
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Internship placement and additional professional development opportunities
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Local Support Staff 24/7
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!
