Cultural Embrace offers a wonderful way for university students, gap breakers, and graduates to gain professional development in Costa Rica. Pura vida in the capital, San Jose, or coastal Manuel Antonio/Quepos, and immerse yourself in this beautiful country! You will be able to gain not only valuable work experience, but also a chance to improve your Spanish skills, and explore a particular field from the viewpoint of the Costa Rican culture.

This program is aimed at university students and graduates with the appropriate skills, experience and Spanish language from all sectors. We offer a wide variety of work experience placements.  Examples of the fields that we have found internship placements for are: administration, finance, law, medicine/health, zoology/animal welfare, film/television, hospitality and tourism, non-profit, public policy, environment/ecology, social work, education, and more.

The minimum duration for this program is 4 weeks and maximum of 12 months.  You will be enrolled in to an intensive group Spanish language course for the first two weeks of your time in Costa Rica. You are required to have an intermediate level of Spanish or higher, and if you do not meet up to these standards, additional Spanish language classes can be arranged.  Most interns are NOT paid, however a bonus could be negotiated at the discretion of the company. 

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Interning in Costa Rica Offers:  

• Practical international work experience in your field of interest
• A reference from your employer upon completion of your term
• A fantastic opportunity to improve your Spanish language skills while conversing with locals on a daily basis  
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g.: cooking, crafts, dancing)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences 
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills

Cultural Embrace Offers: 

• Guaranteed Internship Placement
  Cultural Embrace guarantees an internship offer that matches your requested preferences. A minimum of 4 weeks commitment required
  
• Housing
  Private room at a carefully selected and screened host family is included with your program.  If you wish to stay at a hotel or apartment, we can assist you for additional fees
• Meals
  Breakfast and dinner are provided by your host family seven days a week.
• Spanish Classes
  20 hours of group Spanish classes for the first 2 weeks are included. Additional Spanish classes may be arranged at great rates. Classroom material for your Spanish language course is included
• Arrival & Transfer 
  SJO Airport and transfer included in your program fees (bus ticket to Manuel Antonio included). Return transfers to the airport may be organized before or while in Costa Rica for an additional fee.
• Travel Insurance:  Basic Major Medical Coverage 
  Our policy provides basic medical coverage. Cultural Embrace highly recommends additional travel insurance.
• Visa Assistance
  Cultural Embrace will assist you with information to obtain a visa from Costa Rican immigration (if necessary), but we have no ability to guarantee government issuance and/or visa availability.
• Arrival Orientation
  You will receive pertinent information regarding local transportation, banking, and safety. You will also receive tips on travel, communications, and social and outdoor activities. Finally, you will be familiarized with the code of conduct and expectations for your internship.
  
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides bi-lingual representation in the United States and Costa Rica prior to, during, and after your placement.

• You must be 18-30 years of age
• You must have some experience or studied subjects in your desired internship field
• You must have intermediate or advanced Spanish language skill (We offer Spanish language lessons if your language level does not meet an  intermediate level)
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• High level of responsibility
• Dedication to the full term of commitment 

Duration	Price (in US$)
4 weeks	$2510
10 weeks	$3010
12 weeks	$3490
Add'l week	$195
Optional Spanish per week (1st 2 wks included)	$290

 *Please note that prices are subject to change according to exchange rate of foreign currency
 **Prices listed in US Dollars, and AUD$, CAN$, £,€ accepted

Combine and customize other activities in Costa Rica or another destination through our programs or group tours . 

1. Obtain the Intern Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Intern Application (pdf).   Intern in Costa Rica Program Details and FAQ (pdf). 

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be e-mailed to you within 2-3 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US toll-free) to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days. 

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include: 

• Intern Program Application
• Signed Work/Intern Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• University/College transcript (official please)
• Copies of diploma or certificates related to field of interest (if applicable)
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter explaining why you want to work in Costa Rica
• Two References: preferably professional and/or character references
• Doctor’s Certificate verifying that you are in excellent mental and physical health
• Copy of Police Clearance (obtainable from your community's local police station) 
• Four 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• One smiling full-length photo of yourself
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee) 

Upon receipt of your application, a Cultural Embrace coordinator will contact you for a 20-30 minute phone interview. Once we accept you in to our program, you will receive an invoice for the remainder of your program fee. In order for us to contact our local partners to start your placement process, we require at least 50% of your program fee.

We recommend submitting your application and program fee at least 16-20 weeks prior to your desired start date in order for us to organize and arrange your internship.

*Cultural Embrace requires an expedited application fee for those applying 16 weeks or fewer before the desired date of departure. Applications received 12-16 weeks prior to desired departure date will be charged $150. Applications received fewer than 12 weeks before the desired departure date will be charged $250. 

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US toll-free).