INTRODUCTION

The goal of the CRINI Internship Program is to place students, professionals and individuals in practical field research, investigation and analysis of social and environmental issues in Costa Rica in supervised internships. We offer internships in both the natural and social sciences. Examples of internship projects and locations include (but are not limited to): social work, gender issues and women’s organizations, child development and education, health care, public health, community development, businesses, sustainable development, national parks, indigenous reserves, and human rights.

These projects and internships are designed to benefit both the program participant and the host community or organization where the intern works.

The program is open to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, professionals, and individuals interested in academic research or practical internship work.

We place individuals with organizations offering specific internship projects or create internship or research projects that match the goals, interests, and experience of program participants.

EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE INTERNSHIP AND RESEARCH PROJECTS

The following is a partial list of projects requested by collaborating organizations and institutions. Additional projects are available in both social and natural sciences. We will work with you to design a project that matches your skills, interests, and academic backgrounds with the needs of our host organizations. Feel free to contact us regarding these and other available projects.

- Social Work
Social Work with institutions dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and assistance for cases of domestic violence involving women and children.

- Healthcare services .

- Gender and development

- Human Rights and migration

- Agroecotourism and Community development

- Special need and disabled people

- Sustainable development

- Medicinal Plants

- National Parks and Biological Stations

- Monitor turtle nesting sites in areas surrounding national parks. Educate and involve community members in these projects so that they take an active role in turtle monitoring and protection.

- Environment and natural resources

- Design web pages for different organizations

Program Duration and Schedule

The Internship Program runs from January 15th. to November 30th. (We are closed in December). Program participants can arrive at any time, based upon their needs and schedules.

Interns can work for a minimum of two months and a maximum of four. Longer stays can be negotiated for certain projects.

We require at least a two month commitment because it usually takes several weeks for interns to integrate into their community and internship and to define the scope and tasks of their internship project.

Language Requirements

Spanish is required for most internship placements. We require the equivalent of two semesters of college-level Spanish. Individuals who do not meet the language requirement may take intensive Spanish courses, CRINI can arrange private classes prior to beginning their internship at an additional cost.

Intern Responsibilities

All interns are required to keep a daily record of their activities and work in order to trace their adjustment process as well as the needs of the communities and/or organizations where they work.

Interns are required to present a written weekly report as well as a final written report based upon the work they do. These reports are often useful for developing future research projects or policy agendas for their host organizations and communities.

Academic Credit

While academic credit is not directly available, we provide all interns with a written evaluation of participation that may enable them to negotiate independent study credit from his/her home university. It is recommended that participants discuss credit options with their academic advisor. The evaluation is also useful when applying for graduate school or employment.

Application and Placement Process

All applicants must complete our on-line application. We review the application and then notify the applicant of their acceptance to the program.

We cannot officially begin the placement process until we have received the program deposit.

Lodging

CRINI places interns with carefully screened families or helps to find appropriate housing near the internship site. Interns that work within national parks usually stay in biological field stations.  

Placement Fees

For the 2010-2011 academic year the Internship Program cost is US$3,500 for the first two months and $1,200 for each additional month.

The tuition fee is to be paid in two installments. The first, a non-refundable deposit of US$300, is due upon notification of acceptance. The balance is due at the beginning of the participant's internship. After the program begins, no refunds will be made of any part of the program fee.

Placement fees include: Airport pick-up and drop off, lodging and two meals a day at the internship site outside of San Jose, internship placement including consultation on research and internship options, visits to internship sites, negotiation of a learning contract between CRINI staff, the student and the host organization/community, monitoring and supervision of the internship, evaluations of the intern’s on-site performance, written evaluation of program completion, and donations to the host organization.

Program fees do NOT include: Airfare, weekend travel, personal expenses and departure airport taxes.

Each student should bring between $500 and $600 per month for personal expenses and weekend trips.

Arrival Information

We will pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your homestay family.