Costa Rica Internship Program
CAN collaborates with the local farming cooperative CoopePueblos in a dynamic community-based internship experience for college level students. Interns live with families in the community, conduct agroecological research with farmers and work on community projects. Through this experience life-long relationships are built and a deep understanding of rural communities and the life of small-scale producers is fostered.
This is the most established of the CAN internship programs in Central America, initiated in 1998. This program accepts self-motivated interns who can work collaboratively. Advanced Spanish language skill is preferred, but intermediate speakers will be accepted. Interns have the opportunity to work in community development efforts and develop independent research projects through the CoopePueblos Cooperative.
CoopePueblos works with CAN interns to develop alternative markets for local products, promote sustainable agriculture and implement reforestation projects.
Examples of past intern projects:
- Establishment of professional cupping lab and guide for the local cooperative; market expansion and networking in Agua Buena, Costa Rica - Amanda Kessner
- Plant identification and creation of hand-painted biligual signs for homestay family's garden - Yvea Eaton
- Developed tour of the coffee production process while integrating local students in Agua Buena, Costa Rica - Jack Odell
- Working with farmers towards sustainable certification through the assessment of sustainable farming practices in Agua Buena, Costa Rica - Sara Tiffany
- Working with local high schools to teach english and environmental education in Agua Buena - Alayna Fredricks
Costs of internship
$2000.00 for 10 weeks
The cost for all field internships covers orientation, food, housing, structured learning opportunities with local farmers and project support. Costs for airfare and academic credit at your institution are not included in the prices listed.
Please contact us for pricing on longer stays.
For more details, check out the orientation packet
For more information on internships contact:
coordinator@canunite.org
