Jump Start Your Career in Latin America
Step into the heart of a close-knit Costa Rican community. Depending on your placement, you’ll work side-by-side with local mentors in healthcare, sports, or education––gaining hands-on experience in your career and language immersion. Build genuine confidence, sharpen your cross-cultural communication, and bring home a resume that proves you can thrive in the real world.
Quick Navigation (Click to Jump):
Duration
Tuition
3 Weeks
$3,995
Session Dates
May 21 - June 11, 2027
June 11 - July 2, 2027
Internship Placements
• Community Health
• Sport for Development
• Physical Therapy
• Education
• Veterinary
Priority App Deadline
December 15, 2026
Internship Placements
Every placement is tailored to align with your career goals and Spanish language proficiency level. Programs average 60 accrued internship hours with on-site staff support.
Community Health
Gain hands-on experience with local health initiatives, public health outreach, and community wellness programs. Interns work alongside community health professionals and local organizations to learn about Costa Rica’s healthcare model while supporting preventative care, health education, and social outreach. Ideal for Health Sciences, Public Health, Wellness, Nursing, Biology, Psychology, and Global Health Studies majors.
Sport for Development
Partner with local grassroots sports organizations, youth clubs, and non-profits that use sports as a tool for youth empowerment, leadership, and community development. Interns assist with coaching, organizing sports clinics, and running youth outreach programs. Ideal for Sports Management, Coaching, Education, Psychology, and Social Work majors.
Physical Therapy
Gain direct clinical exposure interning at local physical therapy clinics. Working under the supervision of licensed Costa Rican physical therapists, interns observe and assist with patient rehabilitation, treatment plans, and daily clinic operations. Ideal for Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, and Pre-Physician Assistant majors.
Education
Work directly alongside educators and youth leaders in local schools and community programs. Interns support classroom activities, assist with English language instruction, and lead extracurricular youth development initiatives. Ideal for Education, Child Development, and Foreign Language majors.
Veterinary
Gain practical, hands-on exposure alongside Costa Rican veterinary professionals and animal care initiatives. Interns observe and assist with clinic operations, animal wellness checks, and local welfare programs, giving pre-vet and animal science students valuable international field experience. Ideal for Veterinary Science majors.
Independent Study & Custom Placements
Interested in studying abroad but don't see your major? Ask our team about custom placements! We are also able to support you in setting up interviews, site visits, and local connections for independent research projects needed to meet graduation requirements—whether that’s collecting data for your senior thesis, fulfilling capstone hours, or satisfying degree-specific practicums. Ideal for any major.
Sample Daily Schedule
7:30 AM | Traditional Costa Rican Breakfast
With the sun rising around 6:00 AM, mornings in Costa Rica are bright and full of energy! Start your morning with a fresh, delicious home-cooked meal prepared by your host family. Enjoy local favorites like freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee, seasonal tropical fruits, and classic pinto—the perfect energy boost for the day ahead.
8:30 AM | Morning Commute
Head out to your internship placement via a quick walk or local public transport. Getting around San Ramón is safe and easy. Our on-site team will walk you through all transit options during orientation so you feel completely confident navigating the town.
9:00 AM | Internship Work
Arrive at your site and jump into your work day! Your placement blends direct shadowing, project work, and hands-on experience tailored to your field. Take full advantage of this opportunity to ask your supervisor questions and immerse yourself in local practices.
12:00 PM | Lunch Break
Enjoy mid-day free time to recharge. Pack a lunch or step out with fellow interns to explore local sodas (traditional Costa Rican eateries) and coffee shops nearby.
2:00 PM | Wrap Up & Afternoon Reset
Finish up your internship responsibilities and head back to your host family's home to relax, reset, and gear up for your afternoon activities. (Note: Some placements may require afternoon internship work.)
4:00 PM | Sports Training & Workouts
Head over to the gym for a session with your fellow interns. All students receive full gym access throughout the program to maintain their fitness routines. (Interested in training with a local team? Let us know during your interview—depending on your sport, practice sessions can be arranged 2 to 3 times per week.)
6:30 PM | Homestay Dinner
Gather around the table with your host family for another authentic, homemade Costa Rican dinner. This is a wonderful, relaxed opportunity to practice your Spanish, share stories about your day, and build lasting bonds with your host family.
7:30 PM | Evening Cultural & Social Activities
Wind down your day with fun activities alongside your internship cohort! Evenings could include a salsa dancing class, playing pick-up sports, attending a local soccer match, or grabbing ice cream in the town square. Your on-site Beyond Sports staff will be accessible to help you connect to different activities in San Ramón.
All daily internship schedules vary by placement. This daily itinerary is crafted to give you a sample day as a Beyond Sports intern.
Life in San Ramón
Lodging & Meals
Students are warmly welcomed into our network of host families, offering you a unique immersion experience into local culture and language. Each homestay includes:
-
Breakfast & dinner, daily (dietary restrictions accommodated)
-
Private bedroom with essential furnishings & linens
-
Private or shared bathroom
-
Laundry, available weekly
After enrollment, you will complete a housing questionnaire to help our local team match you with the most suitable host family.
Fitness Abroad
Our team is committed to supporting your athletic goals. All students are given access to a centrally located gym, allowing you to maintain individual fitness routines with 4-5 workouts per week.
You may also have opportunities to engage with local sports teams and athletes, where available. If interested in sport-specific practices or trainings, please inquire during your interview process. Our team will work closely with you to craft a personalized training plan. Depending on your sport, practice sessions can be arranged 2 to 3 times per week.
Safety
Located in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, San Ramón is widely considered one of the safest and most welcoming study abroad destinations in the country.
As a university town, it offers a peaceful, tight-knit community far removed from the urban risks of larger cities like San José.
Beyond Sports staff host a welcome and safety orientation upon arrival and remain accessible to students 24/7 while on program.
Excursions
This program includes two weekend 2-night overnight excursions organized and led by Beyond Sports staff––lodging, transportation, and two daily meals are provided. Excursions for this program include:
-
Pacific Coast Excursion: Stay at a beachfront resort on the world-renowned Costa Rican Pacific Coast, learn how to surf, and enjoy some much deserved R&R.
-
Rainforest Excursion: Experience the Costa Rican rainforest and take in the breathtaking sight of the Arenal Volcano. While in La Fortuna, embark on a zipline adventure through the rainforest and unwind in the area's natural hot springs.
Program Details
Dates
Session #1: May 21 - June 11, 2027
Session #2: June 11 - July 2, 2027
If accepted, you may select the session dates that work best for you. Pending availability.
Note: Plan to arrive at your destination on the official start date of your session. Your accommodations are fully included and available starting Day 1.
Eligibility
All Beyond Sports Internship Programs are open to current college students and recent college graduates (1-2 years post-graduation). Student-athletes from any competition level (NCAA, NAIA, JC, club, intramural) and any major are welcome to apply.
Capacity
Capacity is limited to 3 to 6 interns per placement. Each Costa Rica Internship Program averages around 15 to 20 students per session. Once a session fills, waitlist spots are assigned in order of registration.
Payment
If accepted, a $250 deposit is require to reserve your spot in the program. The remaining balance is paid in a series of two installments. Specific deadlines will be outlined during registration.
Program Tuition
$3,995
Scholarship and fundraising resources are available. Please contact our team for more details.
Included
-
Homestay accommodation
-
Breakfast & dinner, daily
-
In-country airport transfers (on arrival & departure days)
-
Public transportation pass
-
Internship placement
-
Two weekend group excursions
-
Gym membership
-
Sport-specific training opportunities (varies by sport)
-
International health insurance
-
Program t-shirt
-
Pre-departure support & orientation
-
Post-program support & career guidance
-
Local Support Staff 24/7
Not Included
-
Roundtrip airfare to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
-
Passport/associated fees, if applicable
-
Lunch, daily
-
Snacks, souvenirs, & optional entertainment expenses
-
Card fees associated with tuition payments (ranging from 3-5%, varies by card). Card fees can be avoided by paying with a US Checking Account.
Application Process
Priority Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
1.
Apply Online
Fill out our free online application. We look for driven students who are dedicated to their personal development and prepared to represent Beyond Sports with leadership and professionalism.
2.
Complete a Phone Interview
If selected, you will receive an email to schedule a 20-minute phone interview. This conversation is a great opportunity for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions about the program.
3.
Register & Deposit
If accepted into the program, you'll receive an email invitation with the link to register. A $250 deposit is required to reserve your internship spot. The remaining balance is paid in two installments.
Program FAQ
What is the placement process like?
Once you're enrolled in an internship program, you will be invited to schedule a Goal Setting call with your Site Director who will work with you to place you with a company that best fits your academic and career interests. Students typically learn the specific organization they are interning with around one month before the program starts.
Can I receive academic credit for this program?
Yes, you can receive credit for your internship with approval from your home university. We encourage all students to check with their university about how to receive academic credit for their internship. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure your internship meets their requirements. More information found here.
Are the internships paid opportunities?
All of our internships are are unpaid, educational opportunities focused on skill acquisition, mentorship, resume enhancement and career exploration.
Is there a language requirement?
No, there is generally no language requirement. However, some placements, primarily in Costa Rica or Spain, require local language proficiency. If moved onto the interview round, your Admissions Coordinator will discuss this with you.
Can I participate in more than one program?
Yes, certainly! Inquire about discount opportunities for participating in double-sessions in one country or dual-programs in multiple destinations. We have carefully aligned program dates to increase the possibility of further promoting your cultural immersion.
Do I have to be a current student-athlete to participate in an internship program?
No, you do not have to be a current student-athlete to participate in one of our programs. We design all of our programs with student-athletes in mind; however, our programs are a great fit for managers, former athletes, and non-student-athletes with sports-focussed interests!
Do I need a working visa?
No work visa is required. Our internships are structured as short-term educational placements rather than commercial work contracts, which means you can enter under standard visitor/tourist status. U.S. citizens currently do not require pre-arranged visas for most of our program destinations (excluding specific electronic travel authorizations like the UK ETA). Non-U.S. citizens and international students are responsible for reviewing their country’s specific entry guidelines.
Who will meet me at the airport upon my arrival?
Our Beyond Sports staff will be waiting for you at the airport in your host country destination. Once you connect with our team on the ground, our staff will be accessible for you through the duration of the program.
Contact Us
Our staff is readily available to answer your questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at your convenience.
