Image of monkeys in the wild.

Summer Internships in Costa Rica

Wildlife, Conservation, and Veterinary Medicine

Near San José, Costa Rica

  • Dates – June 29–July 26, 2025
  • Max Enrollment – 30
  • Prerequisites – No
  • Career Area – Animal and Veterinary Science

Program Overview

Gain hands-on experience in Costa Rica at Rescue Center Costa Rica, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release center outside of San Jose. On site, you will be led by veterinarians as well as the RCCR staff in learning to care for rescued Costa Rican wildlife including sloths, primates, reptiles, birds, and other small mammals. Interns will receive veterinary lectures on relevant content, will have opportunities to shadow and observe cases in the veterinary clinic, and will learn about and take part in a rescue, rehab, and release wildlife center’s operations and upkeep. This internship also includes fun off-site excursions to Manuel Antonio National Park, a volcano, waterfall, coffee plantation, and horse rescue, as well as transportation to San Jose for a few days of free time in the city.

Apart from work for the internship, you will also engage in an online course facilitated by a UC Davis faculty. The online coursework provides an opportunity for meaningful reflection during the program. You will spend approximately 35-40 hours per week at your internship and another two hours per week for the online course.

Program provided in partnership with Loop Abroad.

Program Contacts

Program Highlights

  • Learn the basics of husbandry while caring for sloths, kinkajous, monkeys, parrots and other Costa Rican animals.
  • Learn how to perform basic diagnostic testing/procedures such as coprological examinations and necropsies.
  • Includes a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, a world-famous beach.
  • Open to students from all majors.

What Students Are Saying

  • “I had a wonderful time and learned so much. It was an incredible experience.”
  • “One of the best months of my life. I’d do it over and over again if I could.”
  • “100/10”

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Tags

Costa Rica Internships Summer Internships Study Abroad Animal and Veterinary Science