In today's job economy, it has become important to have experience. Many entry-level jobs require applicants to have experience with the particular position, making it difficult for young adults to find a job[i]. One way to gain experience in your chosen industry is to intern. Instead of doing this in your hometown, it is possible to partake in an internship in Costa Rica. While undertaking your Cost Rica internship, you may not only gain some invaluable skills to your potential future career; but you may also encounter once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It might also help you to stand out from the competition, especially if you are pursuing a career in a multi-national corporation or organization.
Internships in Costa Rica
There is no one single industry in which you may find internships in Costa Rica. It is possible to potentially gain practical experience for your career goals in a variety of industries. Many programs have relationships with companies in the business, education, art, journalism, design, engineering and tourism sectors[ii].
In addition to gaining practical experience to include on your resume or CV, it may be possible to take Spanish language classes to help build your language skills. Some programs may require you have at least intermediate to advanced Spanish skills before applying for the internship[iii]. Immersion in a country that speaks the language is one of the best ways to advance your skills, whether you are a beginner or advanced student. Several companies in the US and around the world see Spanish language skills as a highly desirable skill. Spanish is one of the top spoken language in the world, and around 62 percent of people who speak a language other than English at home in the US speak Spanish[iv].
Costa Rica Internships
Enrolling in a Costa Rica internship program is not just about toiling at work all day. It may be possible to engage in all the different adventures on offer in Costa Rica. Some programs are associated with a local university where you might have the chance to enroll in weekly dance classes, martial arts classes, intramural sports or cooking classes[v]. This provides an outlet for meeting locals and building friendships. Between a possible internship in Costa Rica and potential to engage in activities with locals outside of a work environment, you might build relationships that might help you to learn to better communicate with cultures outside of your own. This may provide invaluable cross-cultural communication skills that you might be able to use on your resume for your future career.
In addition to finding organized outlets for entertainment, you might have the opportunity to enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer. Some programs are in the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, a city known for its nightlife and gold museum. Costa Rica is known for its natural charms, including beautiful forests, amazing beaches, and wildlife reserves. It may be possible to go hiking in Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. There is no limit to this Caribbean country's many wonders[vi].
Internship in Costa Rica
Some Costa Rica internship programs take place during a semester and are combined with a study abroad program, while others may offer summer placement or placement for recent graduates. Before you sign up for internships in Costa Rica, it is important to consider the different options, including what type of potential work you may do in your role as intern at a particular company. It is most beneficial to find a program that offers a position with a company with similar job duties to the position which you wish to pursue in the near future. Although heading to Costa Rica to work has numerous benefits, you want to make sure that it is the right move for you. Researching different programs may help you to find the one that best matches your wants and needs.
Sources: [i] http://www.wsj.com/articles/want-an-entry-level-job-youll-need-lots-of-experience-1407267498 | [ii] http://www.cisabroad.com/intern-abroad/costa-rica/intern-in-costa-rica | [iii] http://www.aifsabroad.com/internships/ | [iv] https://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/acs-22.pdf | [v] http://www.cisabroad.com/intern-abroad/costa-rica/intern-in-costa-rica | [vi] http://travel.usnews.com/Costa_Rica/Things_To_Do/
