
Internship:
Youth Development
San José, Costa Rica
Highlights
Our Youth Development Internship offers 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 will complete weekly sports-based service projects with local youth, making a meaningful impact in the community. We help students align their projects 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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Education
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Coaching
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Non-Profit Management
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Psychology
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Communications
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Social Work



Internship Description
Students can select from a wide range of internships in San Jose based on their academic focus and personal interests. Our local staff will guide students through the placement process and provide on-site support throughout the duration of the program. For students seeking academic credit, we will work with them to meet university requirements. 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.
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Below are some examples of our selected internship partners:
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La Casa de Los Niños
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 Olympics Costa Rica offers multiple "Escuelas Deportivas", where more than 200 kids each week practice different sports, with the objective of developing future athletes to compete in Special Olympics events. One of its after school programs, which serves athletes from ages 5-16 from Sabana, San Jose, is designed to be a pipeline for Special Olympics athletes, exposing them to various sports and early competition. Interns will work on independent projects in the morning and lead various sports activities in the afternoon.
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Asociación de Roblealto
Roblealto is an NGO that focuses on the wellbeing of socio-economically vulnerable children and adolescents in Costa Rica who may need specialized attention and services in order to reach their maximum potential. Their programs include: meal programs, health and education services, psychological and social support, and recreational activities and sport. Roblealto serves over 900 children and adolescents in the San Jose area. Interns will work on independent projects in the morning and assist with various educational activities in the afternoon.
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Our local staff will guide students through the placement process and provide on-site support throughout the duration of the program. For students seeking academic credit, we will work with them to meet university requirements. ​

Life in San José
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 30 - June 21, 2025
Session II: July 4 - July 26, 2025
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
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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:
This program is capped at 12 students. Programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.



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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