Our Hospitality & Tourism internships provide hands-on experience with small, locally-owned businesses, including hotels, hostels, tour operators, travel agencies, and restaurants. Interns contribute to key business functions such as sales, customer service, marketing, and daily operations.
Each placement is carefully selected based on your interests and career goals, while also meeting the needs of the business. Tasks may vary depending on current projects and operational priorities.
Support & Independence
While in-country coordinators provide guidance, they are not present at your placement daily. Interns should be prepared to work independently and take initiative in their roles.
Work Schedule & Expectations
Work Hours
Interns typically work 4-6 hours per day, Monday to Friday. Additionally, daily 1-hour Spanish classes are scheduled Monday to Friday. Some roles may require extra planning or occasional tasks outside of work hours. Weekends are free for travel, relaxation, or independent work.
Professional Appearance
In Costa Rica, personal presentation is highly valued. Even in warm weather, beachwear is not appropriate in the city. Interns should dress in business casual attire—neat, professional, and non-revealing. Plan to bring a mix of casual and business-casual clothing, ensuring your shoulders and knees are covered when necessary.
Daily Transportation
Internship placements are located in San José and can be reached via walking or public transportation. Commute times range from 15-60 minutes each way, depending on placement and housing. Buses are the most affordable option, costing around ₡350 (about $0.60) per trip, while taxis are more expensive.
On your first day, a program representative will guide you through the transportation process. However, interns are responsible for their own daily travel expenses. We recommend budgeting around $5 per day for transportation costs.
Spanish Classes for Interns
To support cultural immersion and workplace communication, all interns receive 1-hour daily Spanish lessons, Monday to Friday. Classes are tailored to your language level and focus on industry-relevant vocabulary.
Our Native Spanish Program is taught by certified instructors using the Communicative Method, which emphasizes spoken interaction. Instructors conduct lessons entirely in Spanish to maximize learning through immersion.
Internship Deliverables
Interns must complete weekly journals and a final project. Requirements vary based on program length:
- Practicums (less than 8 weeks): Either a 10-20 page written report or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation
- Internships (8+ weeks): Both a 10-20 page written report and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation
The final deliverable should include:
- An overview of your placement and role
- Organisational review
- Sector analysis (in the host or home country)
- Challenges encountered and solutions
- Outcomes and key takeaways
Making the Most of Your Internship
Your success in this program depends on your initiative and adaptability. Expect cultural differences in workplace structure, management, and work hours. Embracing a proactive approach will enrich your experience and professional growth.
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
Tasks may include:
- Assisting with sales, reservations, pre-arrival services, and daily operations
- Supporting marketing efforts through community outreach and promotional materials
- Managing online marketing, including website updates, social media, and review platforms
- Providing customer service, handling bookings, making recommendations, and responding to inquiries
- Offering information about local attractions, restaurants, and travel options
- Helping with basic accounting, stock management, and supply purchases
- Ensuring guest satisfaction and maintaining a high level of service
