Internship placements are offered with community organisations, NGOs, and government agencies focused on social justice and empowerment. Volunteers collaborate with change-makers and social workers to engage in community outreach, education, research, and fundraising. This immersive experience provides insight into the cultural, social, political, and religious dynamics affecting human rights, as well as the roles of gender and ethnicity.
Spanish Language Requirement
Because most partner organisations operate in Spanish, an intermediate level of Spanish is required. You will participate in a video interview to assess your language skills before joining the program.
Work Schedule and Free Time
You can expect to work 4-6 hours per day, Monday to Friday. Your internship includes 1 hour of daily Spanish classes, tailored to your level and work schedule. Classes focus on relevant vocabulary for your placement and are taught entirely in Spanish using the immersive Communicative Method.
Some tasks may require extra time outside regular hours. Weekends are free for relaxation, exploration, and travel.
Dress Code
In Costa Rica, maintaining a neat and professional appearance is important. Business casual attire is required, and clothing should cover shoulders and knees. Avoid overly casual, revealing, or extravagant outfits.
Transportation
Internship placements are in the San José area. Most participants use buses or walk to their sites, with typical travel times ranging from 15-60 minutes. Taxis are also an option but are more expensive.
On your first day, a representative will guide you using local transportation and provide directions. Interns are responsible for daily transportation costs, with bus fares averaging ₡350 ($0.60) per trip.
Deliverables
All interns are required to submit weekly journals and final deliverables. Requirements vary based on program length:
Practicums (less than 8 weeks): 10-20 page written paper or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
Internships (8+ weeks): Both a 10-20 page written paper and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
Deliverables should include:
- Overview of your placement and role.
Organisation review.
Sector analysis in the host or home country.
Challenges encountered.
Outcomes and results achieved.
Location
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and located in the middle of the country. It’s in a great spot to enjoy the city, as well as trips to the beach on the weekends. Around a 2 to 4 hour drive from the city, you will find rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. San Jose also has plenty of shopping, cinemas, restaurants and nightlife.
Project Tasks
- As a Human Rights intern, your tasks may include:
- Updating websites, managing social media, and creating promotional content.
- Interviewing potential recipients or beneficiaries.
- Supporting event planning and project collaboration.
- Translating or editing documents.
- Developing presentations for proposed initiatives.
- Attending organisational meetings.
- Assisting staff with daily administrative tasks.
Internship placements are tailored to match your skills and goals, but flexibility is essential, as tasks may vary based on the host organization’s needs.
You’ll receive support from in-country coordinators, though they will not accompany you daily at your placement. Be prepared to work independently and demonstrate leadership.
