Internships in Hospitality & Tourism are available with locally owned hotels, hostels, tour operators, travel agencies, and restaurants. Interns assist with key business functions such as sales, customer service, marketing, and daily operations.

Placements are tailored to match your interests and goals while also meeting the needs of the business. Tasks may vary depending on the company’s current priorities.

Support & Independence
Our in-country coordinators are available to provide guidance and support. However, interns should be prepared to take initiative and work independently at their placements.

Internship Details

Work Schedule

• Expect to work 4–6 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
• Daily 1-hour Spanish classes (Monday to Friday) are included.
• Additional planning or assignments may be required outside of working hours.
• Weekends are free for personal activities, travel, or independent study.

Professional Attire

• In Costa Rica, personal presentation is highly valued. Even in warm weather, casual beachwear is not suitable in professional settings.
• Interns should dress in business casual attire. Clothing should be neat, clean, and professional.
• Plan to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

Daily Transportation

• Internship placements are in the Manuel Antonio area.
• The most affordable and convenient transport options are walking or taking the local bus (₡350 / ~$0.60 per trip).
• Travel time varies but typically ranges from 10 to 30 minutes.
• Taxis are available but cost more. Budget approximately $5 per day for transportation.
• On your first day, a representative will accompany you to show the route and necessary details.

Important: Once your placement is assigned, it is difficult to change locations, so please be prepared for daily travel.

Spanish Classes for Interns
Interns receive one hour of Spanish lessons per day (Monday to Friday), tailored to their proficiency level and internship focus.

• Lessons emphasize practical vocabulary relevant to your work.
• Classes follow the Communicative Method, meaning instruction is conducted entirely in Spanish to enhance immersion.

Internship Deliverables
All interns must complete weekly journals and a final deliverable:

• Short-term practicums (less than 8 weeks) require either a 10–20 page paper or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
• Internships (8 weeks or longer) require both a 10–20 page paper and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.

Final deliverables should include:

• A summary of your internship placement and responsibilities.
• An overview of the organization you worked with.
• A comparative sector analysis (between your host and home country).
• An analysis of challenges encountered.
• Key outcomes and results from your experience.

Making the Most of Your Internship

Your internship experience will be shaped by your own efforts and adaptability. Expect cultural differences in workplace structure, management, and expectations. A proactive attitude will help you navigate these differences and maximize your learning experience.

Manuel Antonio is a small beachside village, situated right on the Pacific Ocean. There is a nearby National park which is considered one of the most biodiverse parks in the world. You may even spot a howler monkey or a sloth! The area is known for its biodiversity, as well as perfect white sand beaches. There are lots of activities to do in the area, like mountain and rainforest trails.

• Assisting with sales, reservations, pre-arrival services, and daily operations.
• Supporting promotional efforts through community outreach and updating marketing materials.
• Managing online marketing, including website updates, social media, and review platforms.
• Providing customer service by handling bookings, offering recommendations, and responding to guest inquiries.
• Sharing information about local attractions, restaurants, and travel options.
• Assisting with basic accounting, inventory management, and supply purchases.
• Ensuring guest satisfaction by maintaining high service standards.