Costa Rica: Environmental Research Internship

Introduction

Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, with an abundance of flora and fauna that is becoming a rarity in the world. This project work to map the lowland rainforest area, which is essential to its protection.

The goal of this project is study the environment, thus improving your research skills, and sharing your results with the wider scientific community. This way, we can reinforce each others knowledge and promote environmental conservation and sustainability.

If you wish to join our long term research (inventory) on the biodiversity of our private reserve, we would welcome you to our project. Research options are open to all different levels of expertise and experience. In addition to conducting long term research, you can also visit our project to conduct your own research topic. We will supervise and guide you towards a successful research methodology.

The project is located in-between an Indiginous reserve and National Park Barbilla, and there is much to discover and learn about the local environment. Some parts have been heavily logged, however much remains pristine, and is in need of study and protection. Our goal is to identify where conservation efforts should be best focused. We have three main goals: biodiversity, reforestation and sustainable living.

Daily Life

Breakfast is served at 7am each day and will be a typical Costa Rican dish.
At 8am your day starts with a trip into the jungle to start accumulating data, conducting research and other agreed projects.

There are also days that you will stay on the project area to work in the organic vegetable garden, build a tree nursery, investigate collected bugs, make an inventory of the butterflies or for example make chocolate from the cacao you collected.

Lunch is at 12.30 after which the afternoon is spent usually processing data, analyzing the trap cam video’s, determine the collected dung-beetles or frog pictures, writing up research or working in the garden.

At 5 pm there will be a lovely dinner served. After dinner you can chat with the other students in the community house, playing cards, read a book, watch a documentary, chill in a hammock or just go to sleep.

By 6pm it is dark and we expect you to be quiet at 9pm.

During the weekend there will be time to chill and relax for example in the hammock, play soccer at the local soccer field, plan a trip to the waterfalls or the beach.

Travel & Accommodation

We offer a shared accommodation and bathroom, which can house up to 3 interns staying together. The house has full bug-screens for protection, and you have access to a common area where you can relax on your time off. From the porch you can see many birds, colibri’s and butterflies pass you by, and the garden has a wide variety of fruit trees. Depending upon the season, you can pick, your own mango, banana, oranges, pineapples, starfruit and many more.

You will be given easy to follow instructions on how to reach the project from San Jose International airport.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18
• Minimum 3 weeks commitment
• Full travel & medical insurance
• You must be physically and mentally fit, and able to walk for at least 3 hours in a hot and tropical climate
• Comfortable to live and work with up to 10 other volunteers and staff at any one time.
• Be respectful of the rules of the project and agree to the codes of conduct.
• Necessary vaccinations
• Necessary flights & visas

Costs

€964 Euros for the first 3 weeks + €238 for each week thereafter.

* All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
** Deposit of €250 to confirm your place.

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes in-depth pre-departure and orientation training, 3 meals a day,  living accommodations in our fully-equipped house, 24/7 emergency support, and project costs.

What’s not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators. We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.