Intern in Costa Rica offers Spanish-language course options at Universidad Veritas that help you earn credit toward graduation while gaining fluency. Veritas is well regarded for its Spanish-immersion coursework and hands-on internships. It’s also a great place to learn more about Costa Rica’s history, culture, environment, politics, and more! Placements are available throughout Costa Rica, from urban to rural (extra fees may apply to remote placements), and in fields as diverse as banking and tropical rain forest protection. You must have at least a high-intermediate level of Spanish (approximately 4 Spanish courses) and be majoring in the field of the desired placement. The semester program requires a commitment of 16 weeks, and the summer program, at least 12 weeks. Assessment and evaluation of the internship are through regular meetings, a daily journal, reports, and a final presentation.
GPA Required: 2.5. If you find your GPA is lower than the requirement, do not despair! Use the "Contact An Advisor" button on this page or call us to let us know your situation. We'll do all we can to find the right program for you.
How to choose your courses
Now the fun part! As part of the application process you will be required to complete the CIS Course Selection Worksheet found in the CIS Application Page. The following instructions will guide you through the steps of choosing your courses.
Semester internships
This 16-week program offers 2 options, depending on your level of Spanish. You are required to receive academic credit for the internship from your home institution, so consult with your home advisor before departing for Costa Rica.
Option 1: Two 4-week Spanish-language courses (10 US credits) and an 8-week internship (30–40 hours per week for 4–6 credits) for a total of 14–16 US credits in 16 weeks.
Option 2: One 4-week Spanish-language course (5 US credits) and a 12-week internship (30–40 hours per week for 6–8 credits) for a total of 11–13 US credits in 16 weeks.
Summer internships
Unless your Spanish is excellent, you will take 4 weeks of Spanish-language classes either prior to or during your internship. You are required to receive academic credit for the internship from your home institution, so consult with your home advisor before departing for Costa Rica.
Intermediate 1: One 4-week Spanish-language class (5 US credits), then an 8-week internship (30–40 hours per week for 4–6 credits), for a total of 9–11 credits.
Intermediate 2: One 4-week Spanish-language class (5 US credits) concurrent with the first 4 weeks of a 12-week internship (30–40 hours per week for 6–8 credits) for a total of 11–13 US credits.
Advanced: A 12–week internship (30–40 hours per week) for a total of 6–8 credits.
Past internship placements have been in the following areas:
- Advertising
- Animal Science or Veterinary
- Archaeology (Museums)
- Arts
- Business Journalism, Radio, TV
- Design
- Education (teaching English as a second language)
- Engineering
- Environmental Science (Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Administration, Education)
- Marketing
- Tourism and Hospitality
Please note that if you want to do an internship, you must submit a letter of intent expressing interest in a particular placement.