Marine and Environmental Conservation Cohort Internship in Costa Rica

WEEK 1: Arrival & Introduction to Environmental Efforts, Conservation Work at Caño Negro

Arrival Day
Upon arrival in San José, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your accommodation. After settling in, enjoy some free time before the official welcome dinner in the evening, where you’ll get to know fellow interns and the local staff.

San José Walking Tour
The next day, you’ll explore Costa Rica’s capital, learning about the country’s renowned environmental initiatives. The tour may include visits to key sites like the National Museum or the University of Costa Rica, where early biodiversity research laid the foundation for the nation’s marine and conservation programs.

Travel to Caño Negro
After a scenic 6-hour drive from San José, you’ll arrive at the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a haven for migratory birds, reptiles, and aquatic species. Check into your accommodation and enjoy a welcome lunch with community leaders before an orientation session to introduce the week’s activities.

Work Days (3 days)

• Boat Tour: Explore the wetland ecosystem, learning about its diverse flora and fauna.
• Bird Count: Participate in updating the SINAC (Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas) database, contributing valuable data on migratory bird populations.
• Participatory Monitoring: Assist with monitoring the wildlife and ecological conditions in the area.
• Night Walk: Discover the refuge’s nocturnal species during a guided night walk.
• Environmental Education: Engage with local children to teach them about the importance of conservation.
• Volunteer Work: Help maintain trails and infrastructure within the refuge to support ongoing conservation efforts.

Travel to Cuajiniquil
An early morning start takes you on a 4-hour drive to Cuajiniquil, a coastal community known for its rich marine life. After checking in, enjoy a welcome lunch with community members, followed by an orientation session.

Work Days (6 days)

• Snorkeling at Bahia Santa Elena: Observe vibrant coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
• Coastal Habitat Tours: Explore mangroves, estuaries, and rocky shores with expert guides.
• Marine Species Workshop: Learn about species identification and data collection techniques.
• Nighttime Turtle Surveys: Assist with tracking and protecting nesting sea turtles.
• Sustainable Practices Discussions: Meet with local fishermen and women to learn about sustainable marine practices.
• Volunteer Work at Junquillal Wildlife Refuge: Participate in beach clean-ups, trail maintenance, and educational sessions at a local school.
• Camping at the Beach – Stay overnight one night on the beach and witness bioluminescence.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

• English: Interns are expected to have at least an intermediate level of English (B2 or higher) to effectively communicate during this program with all stakeholders.
• Spanish: While Spanish is not a requirement for this program, having a basic understanding of the language – or interest in learning it! – will significantly enhance your experience in Costa Rica, both professionally and socially. Informal Spanish language learning will be a part of the program, so you can brush up on your skills if you already know some Spanish, or pick up a few key phrases if the language is completely new to you.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING

BENEFITS OF LEARNING SPANISH

Learning Spanish can be highly beneficial for anyone pursuing a career in marine or environmental biology, especially if working in Spanish-speaking regions or on international projects. Here’s why:

• Access to Biodiverse Regions: Many of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, like those in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Colombia, are in Spanish-speaking countries. Knowing the language helps biologists conduct research and engage with local communities.
• Collaboration: Partnering with local scientists and organizations is key in this field, and many experts and documents are only available in Spanish. Being proficient opens up research opportunities and improves coordination.
• Community Engagement: Conservation work often requires working with local communities. Speaking Spanish helps build trust and cooperation in initiatives like habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring.
• Funding Opportunities: Grants for projects in Spanish-speaking regions may be more accessible to those fluent in the language.

Learning Spanish can enhance access to diverse ecosystems, support conservation work, and foster cross-cultural collaboration in marine and environmental biology.

SAN JOSE

Cohort participants will stay in a hostel in San José with shared bedrooms with bunk beds for up to 6 people per room. Guests have access to Wi-Fi for connectivity, while shared bathrooms are located outside the rooms. Each room is equipped with electricity and a fan to ensure basic comfort. For those seeking more privacy, a single supplement option is available, allowing for private accommodations. 

CANO NEGRO

At Camp Caño Negro, accommodations are set up in bunkhouses, each housing up to 6 people per room. The camp offers basic amenities, including 4 flushing toilets and 4 cold showers, providing essential facilities for guests. The site is powered by electricity and has designated social areas for group gatherings, as well as green spaces where guests can enjoy the natural surroundings. Additionally, a laundry service is available at an extra cost, if needed. 

CUAJINIQUIL

Our hotel accommodation in Cuajiniquil features shared rooms designed to accommodate up to 6 guests, offering a mix of single beds and bunk beds. Guests can enjoy essential amenities such as fans for ventilation, hot water for showers, and Wi-Fi for connectivity. The rooms are equipped with electricity, ensuring a comfortable stay. A laundry service is available at an additional cost for those needing to refresh their clothing. For guests desiring more privacy, a single supplement option is offered, allowing for a more exclusive experience.

CAMARONAL

The accommodation in Camaronal features shared rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people, arranged with two bunk beds. Guests will have access to shared bathrooms and a communal kitchen, making it easy to prepare meals and socialize with fellow cohort members. Additionally, there is a sink for hand washing laundry and a wire for drying clothes. The facility provides Wi-Fi for connectivity. 

UVITA

The hotel accommodation in Uvita offers shared rooms that can accommodate up to 4 guests with single beds and bunk beds. Each room is equipped with a fan for ventilation, hot water for comfortable showers, and Wi-Fi to keep you connected. Guests will have access to electricity throughout the facility. For added convenience, a laundry service is available at an extra cost, allowing guests to refresh their clothing during their visit. A single supplement option is also offered for those preferring more privacy.