Protection of sea turtles in Costa Rica

Sea turtle protection internship in Costa Rica

Useful information

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and therefore one of the best places in the world to do a foreign environment internship.During this internship, interns will have the opportunity to participate in research conducted by the partner organisation in conjunction with highly regarded conservation organisations such as the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET), and Sea Turtle Conservancy.

Turtle research projects take place on beaches during the turtle nesting season and focus on recording data from mother turtles and hatchling success. Interns in the Animal Care Internship will also have the opportunity to enter data into relevant databases and learn more about how these data are analysed.

BSc in Agricultural Business Management

Scientific license

STEM studies

Technical studies

Advanced studies in a relevant field

Veterinary school

Bachelor's/Master's degree in community and sustainable development

Studies in the field of health

IN SHORT

Limon

From

weeks

English Intermediate

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Program description

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and therefore one of the best places in the world to do an international conservation internship. As part of this program, interns will have the chance to participate in research conducted by the partner organisation in conjunction with highly regarded conservation organisations such as the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET), and Sea Turtle Conservancy.

Turtle research projects take place on beaches during the turtle nesting season and focus on recording data from mother turtles and hatchling success. Interns will also have the opportunity to enter data into relevant databases and learn more about how that data is analysed.

Not only will this internship provide you with hands-on field experience, but during the program you will also complete the partner organisation’s Biological Survey Techniques program, learning how to apply the best practices of conservation research in a range of ecosystems, giving you the skills necessary to succeed in a conservation research position anywhere in the world. An emergency first aid program is also included to prepare you for the realities of conservation work in the wild.

Since you will be working in a national park on an animal care internship, you will need a special scientific permit to allow you to conduct research. Additional permits are required for turtle research. Processing time for turtle research permits is approximately one month.

Highlights of the course in Costa Rica

– Work in the protected national parks and the most beautiful natural reserves of Costa Rica.

– Integrate into an international community of volunteers and environmental professionals.

– Learn biodiversity survey techniques and gain real-world field experience.

– See Costa Rican wildlife in their natural habitats, including sea turtles on the Caribbean beach, and monkeys, neotropical birds and amphibians in the jungle canopies.

– Undertake turtle nesting surveys and monitor nesting sites during the turtle nesting season.

Not only will this internship provide you with hands-on field experience, but during the program you will also complete the partner organisation's Biological Survey Techniques program, learning how to apply the best practices of conservation research in a range of ecosystems, giving you the skills necessary to succeed in a conservation research position anywhere in the world. An emergency first aid program is also included to prepare you for the realities of conservation work in the wild.

Highlights of the course in Costa Rica

- Work in the protected national parks and the most beautiful natural reserves of Costa Rica.

- Integrate into an international community of volunteers and environmental professionals.

- Learn biodiversity survey techniques and gain real-world field experience.

- See Costa Rican wildlife in their natural habitats, including sea turtles on the Caribbean beach, and monkeys, neotropical birds and amphibians in the jungle canopies.

- Undertake turtle nesting surveys and monitor nesting sites during the turtle nesting season.

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Host organization

Our partner organisation works closely with local authorities to collect, process and analyse data on wildlife in Costa Rica.

In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications of Costa Rica (MINAET), our partner organisation works closely with local authorities to collect, process and analyse data on wildlife in Costa Rica. This information will be used to take national measures to optimise and protect the country’s environment.

In 2015, our humanitarian mission in Costa Rica (educational program with children) was featured on the renowned National Geographic Traveler 50 Experiences list. This project is always very popular with volunteers who want to engage in a sustainable humanitarian mission and learn Spanish at the same time.

For more information, see ’50 Tours of a Lifetime’ from National Geographic Traveler.

Our partner organisation sits on the United Nations International Commission on Sustainable Tourism. All their initiatives and volunteer projects are led by experts in collaboration with the local population and national governments.

As a non-profit organisation, our conservation project is completely transparent. Volunteer contributions are used to cover on-reserve project planning (reconnaissance, team recruitment and logistical support), direct field costs (transportation, lodging, staff meals) and finally to support the project itself. Without the physical and financial help of volunteers, this project would not have been possible.

For more information, see '50 Tours of a Lifetime' from National Geographic Traveler.

Strong points

Work in the protected national parks and the most beautiful natural reserves of Costa Rica

Learn biodiversity survey techniques and gain real-world experience

Observe Costa Rican wildlife in its natural habitat

Undertake turtle nesting surveys and monitor nests during the nesting season

Included

Airport reception, orientation session and transfer to projects

First aid training / GPS / leadership / data collection

Accommodation in shared rooms

All meals

Supervision by qualified personnel

Equipment / material and 24-hour emergency line

Not included

Airline tickets

Travel and repatriation insurance

Visa

Personal expenses (drinks, excursions, etc)

Program description

Available between May and October, arrivals every two Saturdays

Available durations

This program is available for up to 24 weeks, Please contact us for rates and availability.

Duration in weeks	Registration fees

4 weeks	5145 €

6 weeks	6495 €

8 weeks	7645 €

10 weeks	8745 €

12 weeks	10095 €

Duration	Fees to be paid upon registration
4 Weeks	4845€
6 Weeks	5945€
8 Weeks	6945€
10 Weeks	8095€
12 Weeks	8997€

I'm interested :

More information

Request for a call

Conditions

- Intermediate level of English (B1)

- Vaccines: Diphtheria, Typhus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Anti-polio. Ask your doctor for advice on rabies vaccine and anti-malarial treatments.

- Copy of passport

Intermediate level of English (B1)

Vaccines: Diphtheria, Typhus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Anti-polio. Ask your doctor for advice on rabies vaccine and anti-malarial treatments.

Copy of passport

Project information

Your accommodation

Housing is allocated by local NGOs, not by Freepackers - the descriptions are there to give you an idea of the type of accommodation, as it is very likely that conditions will vary on site depending on the number of volunteers, weather conditions, availability, etc. Each volunteer will be accommodated according to the stated conditions, but it is possible that the accommodation may not match the description or images shown on this site word for word, for example, in the case of annexed housing, renovations, relocations, etc.

Our base is ideal for disconnecting and getting in touch with the natural environment. It is located in the heart of the Caribbean jungle of Costa Rica, one hour by boat from the nearest small town.

Get ready for a return to nature and a total change of scene!

The volunteers live in very basic conditions in the middle of the camp, designed to have minimal impact on the environment, with solar panels to generate electricity. Everyone shares the tasks and spaces on site as if it were a big family.

Meals

Many of our ingredients are sourced from the nearest town, but are complemented by fruits and vegetables grown in our own organic garden. Breakfast consists of fruit, porridge and pancakes on Saturdays, and lunches and dinners feature a variety of vegetarian cuisine, from pasta to stir frys.

Once there

Communication

Our research base is far from civilisation, which means that telephone network coverage is limited. You may have the opportunity to visit the surrounding area two or three times during your visit, where you can find Internet cafes. The wifi on the camp is used by the staff for research purposes only.

Transport

To work on a project, all you need are your feet, a good pair of wellies, thick socks, and light, long-sleeved clothing, preferably dark in colour. Boats are available for bird watching. Long weekends away from camp are held once a month, so be sure to take that into account when making your plans.

Destination information

Visa

Please contact the embassy or immigration website of the country you wish to enter.

Vaccines

You can find all ressources on the World Organization Website, in the Travel Advice section A vaccine vial.

Travel insurance

For any international project, Real-step requires the subscription of a travel insurance including the coverage of accidents, diseases, repatriation and includes civil liability in case of damage to third parties.

Please note that third-party liability insurance is included in our partner's insurance policies. Chapka Cap Student, and Cap Working Holiday as it is compulsory for internships and studies abroad. If you take out your Cap Student or Cap Working Holiday insurance online with our partner Chapka, you will receive an immediate 5% discount by clicking on one of the 2 links above!

If you subscribe to another insurance, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.