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Study abroad in Costa Rica with the AIFS San José Summer Internship.

The AIFS Costa Rica Internship is an eight-week, four-credit internship program in San José, Costa Rica.

Students will build their resume in a field of interest at their full-time internship while enjoying life in the capital city with cultural activities and excursions offered through AIFS, and opportunities for individual travel and exploration.

Academic Information


Internship

  • Students will gain valuable professional experience working 32 hours per week for eight weeks. Students will be enrolled in a 4-credit internship course and will receive Rollins academic credit for successful completion of the course.
  • Internships are available in a variety of fields including Business, Communications, English, Sustainability and Environmental Studies, and Non-Profit/NGOs.
  • Spanish language is not required for all internships but students with language skills will have access to a wider variety of placements.
  • Students will engage with AIFS staff 1:1 to assess their internship goals and help match them to an internship placement.

Transfer of Credit

  • Students will be enrolled in a Rollins 4-credit internship course: INT395, COM395, or INB395 depending on the student’s major
  • Grades appear on the Rollins transcript and are factored into your GPA.

What It’s Like to Study Abroad in Costa Rica


Housing

Students will live in shared and furnished student apartments in San José.

  • Apartments typically have three to four single rooms with shared common areas, bathroom, kitchen, Wi-Fi, and washer and dryer unit.
  • 24/7 gated security and on-site support services in secure apartment buildings.
  • Common areas include a movie room, rooftop terraces, games room and gym, convenience store and outdoor walking path.

Meals

There is no meal plan included on this program. Students are expected to buy groceries and cook meals for themselves or eat at the many local eateries.

Cheap Eats Out and Easy Make-it-Yourself Meals


Life in San José

  • San José is the nation's bustling capital, known for its rich cultural heritage, thriving educational institutions, and role as a central hub for tourism, finance, and technology.
  • San José boasts world-class museums, parks, hotels, theaters, and historic buildings. Nestled in a vast valley, the city is surrounded by towering volcanoes and lush green hills, reflecting the natural beauty that characterizes Costa Rica's diverse landscape.

Activities and Excursions

Weekly activities, social events and weekend excursions led by local AIFS staff guide students through a more authentic and insightful view of life in Costa Rica. 

  • Examples of cultural activities include: tropical dance lessons, tour of the Teatro Nacional, Costa Rican cooking class, and tours of local markets
  • Examples of excursions include: Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs Spa, and Monteverde Cloud Forest

Things to Consider

  • Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP "Your Identity Abroad" page in MyRollins.
  • BIPOC students may experience stares and heightened curiosity from locals. Make sure to check the resources available on the International Program's MyRollins "Your Identity Abroad" page.

Program Calendar


Summer 2025

*This program is offered every other year.*

Date
May 31st
Arrival Date
July 26th
Program End Date

Requirements for Admission

  • Application Deadline: February 17, 2025
  • Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • At least one year of college-level Spanish or the equivalent
  • Prerequisites: INB Students must have completed at least one of the following courses: INB 337, INB 365, INB 372
  • Strong resume and cover letter, and successful internship interview on-campus
  • This program requires an advising session (30 mins) as part of the application process
  • Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and college standing
  • Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful

Getting There

  • airplane icon

    Flight

    Students on this program are responsible for booking their own flights. AIFS will provide information about arrival date and times, as well as instructions for travel from the airport to the residence in San José.AIFS also has an option to book flights through AIFS.

  • leader and student flag icon

    Orientation

    AIFS staff will introduce students to the culture and location and cover topics such as cultural differences in and out of the workplace, host country-specific information, tips for successful internships and more.

  • visa icon

    Visa

    US citizens do not need a visa. For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see MyRollins for passports & visa information


Costs

  • Program Fee

    2025 program fee: $6,650

  • Also Includes

    Tuition, housing in apartments, internship placement, orientation(s),excursions & day trips, cultural & social activities, on-site location coordinator, 24/7 health & safety emergency support, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

  • Estimated Additional Costs

    International airfare: $500

    Meals: $950

    On-site transportation: $300

    Personal expenses: $400

  • Need-Based Scholarships

    International Programs offers need-based scholarships and students apply for these through the Rollins program application. 

A Rollins college student on a study abroad trip in New Zealand.

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