Internship:
Physical Therapy & Healthcare
San Ramón, Costa Rica
Highlights
Our Physical Therapy & Healthcare Programs offer a unique opportunity for students to gain immersive international experience while continuing to train for their sport, develop lasting friendships with fellow interns from across the U.S., and enjoy a life-changing experience abroad.
Interns can choose to intern at either a local hospital or physical therapy clinic depending on their career interests. We help students align their placement with their career goals in order to gain hands-on experience that will boost their resumes.
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Internships are available to both athletes and non-athletes of all majors. This internship is particularly catered to students with the following career interests:
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Physical Therapy
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Sports Medicine
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Nutrition
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Healthcare
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Nursing
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Psychology
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Social Work
Program Description
Students will gain hands-on experience as interns under the supervision of professional healthcare providers in San Ramón, a small community set in the mountains west of Costa Rica's capital in the Alajuela Province. Students can choose from one or more of the following settings:
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Physical Therapy
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Hospital (nursing or physician's assistant)
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Community Health
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By the end of the program, students will have gained a deeper understanding of Costa Rica’s healthcare challenges and innovations, while developing practical insights relevant to their fields.
Our local staff will provide guidance throughout the placement process and offer ongoing support during the program.​ For students seeking academic credit, we collaborate closely to ensure the course aligns with their home university’s requirements. The average internship credit accrued for this program is 60 hours.
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Final placements are determined by factors such as career goals and Spanish proficiency, with options available for students interested in tailored internship experiences to suit their specific needs.
Life in San Ramón
Lodging & Meals
Students will be warmly welcomed into our network of host families, offering them a unique immersion experience into local customs and language. Each homestay includes:
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Breakfast & dinner, daily (dietary restrictions accommodated)
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Private bedroom with essential furnishings: bed, linens, bath towels, closet, & nightstand
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Private or shared bathroom
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Laundry, available weekly
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At least one English-speaking family member
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After enrollment, students will complete a housing questionnaire to help our local team match them with the most suitable host family, based on their preferences and needs.
Sports Abroad
Students will be given access to a centrally located gym, allowing them to maintain their individual fitness routines with 4-5 workouts per week.
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In addition, students will have opportunities to engage with local sports teams and participate in training sessions alongside U.S. and international athletes, depending on their sport and location.
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Our team is committed to supporting each student’s athletic goals. We will work closely with students to craft a personalized training plan, based on availability, which can be discussed during the interview process.
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We will ensure the best possible facilities that a location can offer.
Excursions
Two weekends of the program include guided excursions led by SAA staff, with all lodging, meals, and transportation provided.
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One weekend will feature a trip to the stunning Pacific Coast to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, renowned for its array of Costa Rican wildlife and pristine beaches. Students can also enjoy optional surfing lessons at world-famous surf spots or sun-bathe on the beach.
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Another weekend will take students to the town of La Fortuna, where they will zipline through the rainforest, hike around the iconic Arenal Volcano, and unwind in the world's largest naturally heated hot springs—perfect for soothing tired muscles.
Program Details
Dates:
Session I: May 22 - June 12, 2026
Session II: June 12 - July 3, 2026
Tuition: $3995
Included:​
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Homestay accommodation
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Breakfast & dinner, daily
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Round-trip airport transfers (on arrival & departure days)
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Two weekend excursions
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Gym membership
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Sport-specific training opportunities (varies by sport)
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International Health Insurance
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SAA Program T-Shirt
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Internship placement & set-up
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Additional professional development opportunities
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Full pre-departure support & orientation
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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 applicable
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Lunch, daily
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Snacks, souvenirs, & optional entertainment expenses
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Card fees associated with tuition payments (ranging from 3-5%, varies by card). Card fees can be avoided by paying with a US Checking Account.
Payment:
​If accepted, a $250 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance will be paid in installments. Exact payment dates and amounts are outlined in registration. ​
Capacity:
Programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Each session is capped at 20 students.
Admission Process
1. Apply
Fill out a free application form. We are looking for students who are invested in their professional and personal growth.
2. Interview
Applicants selected to move forward will receive an email to schedule a 20-minute phone interview with our admissions team.
3. Register
If selected, you'll receive the link to register for your program. A $250 deposit is required to reserve your spot.
Questions?
Schedule a call with our team or check out the additional resources on our website!
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