community development internships

Stepbeyond•Internships•Costa Rica•Community Development

On our Community Development Internship Program, gain firsthand experience in various aspects of development while making a positive impact in Nosara’s community.

Start Dates

Year-round

Duration

2 months

Cost

from C$3,999

Announcement

Official Programme Launch Date Coming Soon - We Thank You For Your Patience

Program Overview

A community development internship abroad gives students firsthand experience of how globalization can impact local communities. Inequality is one of the most critical issues in development, and this program offers the chance to work on development projects while positively impacting Nosara’s local community.

There are many different career paths in development. A community development internship will allow you to explore different types of work in the field while contributing to on-the-ground projects. With a lack of post-secondary training and difficulties accessing traditional financing, starting and growing a business can be an insurmountable challenge for Costa Ricans. You can make a direct impact by working with an innovative startup providing accessible financing to local entrepreneurs, and lending a hand to assist their new business development and education.

UN Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty, Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities.

Why Go With Us

#1

Personal Support

Your personal coordinator will get to know your interests, experience and what you want to achieve during your community development work experience so that we can set you up for success!

#2

Our Values

We believe in the power and passion of Canada’s youth to champion change, and our placements provide the opportunity to directly work with change-making grassroots organizations where students will have a tangible impact.

#3

Launch your Career

Gain practical professional experience with field placements focusing on current issues in sustainability and community development.

What’s Included

Pre-departure

Unpaid community development internship placement
Personal trip coordinator
Step-by-step visa application support
Resume review and revisions
Assistance with booking flights and choosing travel insurance
Personal pre-departure orientation
Info pack with everything you need to know about living in Costa Rica

In Country

Airport transfer
Accommodation
In-country orientation
In-country program coordinator
Ongoing monitoring
Optional Spanish lessons can be arranged
Fun social events!

The Outcome

Gain a certificate of your community development internship hours to add to your resume
Make in real impact
Gain community development work experience from an organization that shares your values

What’s Not Included

Flights, medical insurance, visa and/or work permit application fees, local transportation, food & rent.

Have Questions?

Interested to chat with us to learn more about this program?

Get in Touch

What Will I Do?

This program focuses on women in business, entrepreneurship, education and finance. Therefore, placements will be particularly useful for students studying business administration, women’s and gender studies, general humanities, international development and economics. However, the skills learnt throughout your community development internship are transferable to almost any career path.

Daily activities might include:

Plan and deliver educational courses on business and entrepreneurship topics
Consult with local community members on business ideas
Assist in creating business plans and market assessments
Aid in logistics for a new community market offering space to local vendors
Research and complete applications for funding opportunities

Why Do This Program

#1

Positively Impact the Local Community

Have a tangible impact on the local community in Nosara town by working on projects that ensure they have access to business education and opportunities to advance.

#2

Boost Your Career

Gain international professional experience, build your global network, and gain a global perspective on the link between development and inequality – all of which will stand out to future employers.

#3

Get Out of the Classroom!

Put your academic knowledge to the test in a real-world setting. Working on projects on the ground will expose you to different aspects of development, shaping you as a person and help you develop into a global citizen.

Let’s Get Started!

You can start at any time of the year. We typically ask for three months’ notice before you plan to leave Canada so you can make the most of our support in preparing you for your adventure abroad. Want to leave sooner? No problem, we’ll put your services on high priority!

Apply Now

FAQs

What sort of issues are facing the local population in Nosara?

The local population in Nosara is facing several issues, including a divide between the local community and international ownership of many beach and tourist locations. This divide can lead to conflicts over land use, access to resources, and economic opportunities.

Another issue is the lack of educational opportunities for locals to further their skills. This can make it difficult for them to compete in the job market and access higher-paying jobs.

Additionally, there are few options for local people to start businesses, which can limit their ability to generate income and contribute to the local economy. This can also perpetuate a cycle of economic dependence on outside investors and tourism.

Overall, addressing these issues will require a collaborative effort between the local community, government, and international stakeholders to ensure that everyone has access to education, economic opportunities, and a voice in decisions that affect their lives.

Do I need to speak Spanish to do an internship in Costa Rica?

No! You do not need to speak Spanish to do an internship in Costa Rica. Nevertheless, having some Spanish language skills will make your experience much easier and more enjoyable. This is because you will be able to communicate effectively with your colleagues and better understand the local culture. If you don’t speak Spanish, this is a great opportunity to learn a new language and gain valuable skills that will be useful in both your personal and professional life!

How long will my internship last and how many hours per week will I work?

Your internship will last for 2 months initially, with the possibility of extending it upon request, and the working hours per week will range from 20 to 35 hours depending on your needs and preferences. Please note that stays over 90 days will require a visa.

Let’s Travel Together

@go.stepbeyond