Costa Rica: AIFS Summer Internship in Sustainability

Study abroad in Costa Rica with the AIFS San José Summer Internship.

The AIFS Costa Rica Internship is an eight-week, four-credit internship program in San José, Costa Rica.

Students will build their resume in a field of interest at their full-time internship while enjoying life in the capital city with cultural activities and excursions offered through AIFS, and opportunities for individual travel and exploration.

Internship

Students will gain valuable professional experience working 32 hours per week for eight weeks. Students will be enrolled in a 4-credit internship course and will receive Rollins academic credit for successful completion of the course.
Internships are available in a variety of fields including Business, Communications, English, Sustainability and Environmental Studies, and Non-Profit/NGOs.
Spanish language is not required for all internships but students with language skills will have access to a wider variety of placements.
Students will engage with AIFS staff 1:1 to assess their internship goals and help match them to an internship placement.

Housing

Students will live in shared and furnished student apartments in San José.

Apartments typically have three to four single rooms with shared common areas, bathroom, kitchen, Wi-Fi, and washer and dryer unit.
24/7 gated security and on-site support services in secure apartment buildings.
Common areas include a movie room, rooftop terraces, games room and gym, convenience store and outdoor walking path.

Meals

There is no meal plan included on this program. Students are expected to buy groceries and cook meals for themselves or eat at the many local eateries.

Cheap Eats Out and Easy Make-it-Yourself Meals

Life in San José

San José is the nation's bustling capital, known for its rich cultural heritage, thriving educational institutions, and role as a central hub for tourism, finance, and technology.
San José boasts world-class museums, parks, hotels, theaters, and historic buildings. Nestled in a vast valley, the city is surrounded by towering volcanoes and lush green hills, reflecting the natural beauty that characterizes Costa Rica's diverse landscape.

Activities and Excursions

Weekly activities, social events and weekend excursions led by local AIFS staff guide students through a more authentic and insightful view of life in Costa Rica.

Examples of cultural activities include: tropical dance lessons, tour of the Teatro Nacional, Costa Rican cooking class, and tours of local markets
Examples of excursions include: Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs Spa, and Monteverde Cloud Forest

Getting There

Flight

Students on this program are responsible for booking their own flights. AIFS will provide information about arrival date and times, as well as instructions for travel from the airport to the residence in San José.AIFS also has an option to book flights through AIFS.
Orientation

AIFS staff will introduce students to the culture and location and cover topics such as cultural differences in and out of the workplace, host country-specific information, tips for successful internships and more.
Visa

US citizens do not need a visa. For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see MyRollins for passports & visa information

Costs

Program Fee

2025 program fee: $6,900
Also Includes

Tuition, housing in apartments, internship placement, orientation(s),excursions & day trips, cultural & social activities, on-site location coordinator, 24/7 health & safety emergency support, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Need-Based Scholarships

International Programs offers need-based scholarships and students apply for these through the Rollins program application.