Community Education Intern- Costa Rica

Community Education Internship in Costa Rica

Imagine yourself in the cloud rain forest (literally in the clouds).  Rainy, birds' calls, cool temperature, a great view of an active volcano amid mountains, and the incredible chance to help preserve it and the people around it.

OM and InterVarsity are partnering to make global, professional internships available during the summer of 2026. Students will experience the values and support of both OM and InterVarsity in their internship cohort and throughout their journey.

The Community Education Intern will join Ecoguardianes a grassroots science and faith-based non-profit community in Vara Blanca, Costa Rica, focused on environmental restoration and stewardship driven by love for their neighbors and faith in Jesus Christ.  This hands-on internship opportunity is for a passionate individual ready to contribute directly to environmental conservation and community empowerment in the heart of Costa Rica's cloud forest.  You will live with other interns and full-time staff on an eco-sustainable farm and research campus, participating in the communal and spiritual life of EcoGuardianes.   You will develop a curriculum for environmental education and/or English classes and teach high school students at a local school founded by EcoGuardianes. Though Spanish competency is a plus, all teaching can be done in English.  Weekends and evenings are free to build relationships with the local community, hike volcanoes and waterfalls, and explore the beauty of the rest of Costa Rica. 

This is not a typical internship. You will be immersed in Ecoguardianes’ mission to work with neighbors, businesses, and schools to create a tangible, positive impact on the environment. You will be given real responsibility, a specific project to own, and the chance to see your work directly benefit a vibrant community and a fragile ecosystem. These include community retreat, professional mentorship, discipleship, participation in on-campus academic/faith-based workshops and conferences, and community engagement.

Responsibilities may include:

1. Develop and teach an engaging environmental science curriculum for a local high school.
2. Lead hands-on, participatory workshops on flora/fauna monitoring and sustainable practices.
3. Foster student-led environmental projects or clubs within the school.
   Evaluate the program's impact and adapt teaching methods to the community's needs.
4. Reporting the progress of students.

Qualifications and skills:

1. Background in education with environmental science or biology. Previous teaching or mentorship experience is strongly preferred.
2. Strong passion for environmental conservation and community development.
3. Cultural sensitivity and a willingness to live and work collaboratively in a rural setting.
4. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
5. Adaptability, resilience, and a positive attitude.
6. Basic Spanish proficiency is highly desirable.
7. Curious and motivated to impact livelihoods with hands-on solutions.

Highlights shared by former interns:

• Immersion in the local culture with opportunity for adventure and travel to other parts of the country 
• Mentorship and guidance from global professionals who are successful in their field
• Developing their professional abilities by contributing to real-world projects
• Learning how to apply the tools and techniques of their field in a vastly different cultural setting 
• Getting involved in community Bible studies and outreaches with both expatriates and locals
• Rich community and team times with fellow interns who also want to grow as Kingdom-minded professionals and make a difference for Christ through cross-cultural ministry in an urban setting.

Why consider this internship?

• An international internship combines the benefits of a traditional internship with the benefits of study abroad—and doing it through OM and InterVarsity means you will also experience the benefits of mission-driven discipleship connected to the global Christian community.
• Our interns, on average, rate their work experience as a 9/10 in terms of doing meaningful work, receiving specific encouragement, and being prepared in their work. OM was chosen as a Handshake Early Talent Award recipient because of our mission-driven approach to internships and our high level of manager investment and care. 
• 2 out of 3 of our interns say they would consider working for their host team, organization, or business in the future—and 2 out of 3 of our managers say they would hire their intern for a similar job.
• To learn more, check out our intern stories, FAQs, and testimonials on our internship website and Handshake employer profile

  Additional Information:

• All interns must be in full agreement OM USA’s Statement of Faith.
• Internships begin in mid-May and go through July, and the program includes an orientation and debriefing with your internship cohort and OM and InterVarsity staff. 
• This is an unpaid internship (like the vast majority of international internships, especially with nonprofits and small businesses in developing economies). Travel, program, and living costs must be covered by the intern, either personally or through fundraising, financial aid, or scholarships you find.  Because you will be living on the sustainable farm, living and eating costs will be extremely low, just a little over $1000.   You may fundraise to cover these costs and the cost of your flight if you like. If you are invited into the cohort, you will need to provide a deposit (applied toward your total costs) to secure your spot. 
• Internship credit could be available upon the approval of your university/college administration. May qualify for other degree or course requirements, such as practicum or observation hours; check with your advisor. 
• The application deadline is February 20, 2026, but the cohort may fill sooner.