Business and Event Internship in Costa Rica
Business and Event Management Internship in Costa Rica
Imagine yourself in the cloud rain forest (literally in the clouds). Rainy, birds' calls, cool temperature, a great view of an active volcano amid mountains, and the incredible chance to help preserve it and the people around it.
OM and InterVarsity are partnering to make global, professional internships available during the summer of 2026. Students will experience the values and support of both OM and InterVarsity in their internship cohort and throughout their journey.
The Business and Event Management Intern will join Ecoguardianes a grassroots science and faith-based non-profit community in Vara Blanca, Costa Rica, focused on environmental restoration and stewardship driven by love for their neighbors and faith in Jesus Christ. This hands-on internship opportunity is for a passionate individual who believes that great events (workshops, conferences, retreats) can contribute to the bottom line and kingdom purpose of an NGO.
Fields of study that will contribute to this internship include:
1. Event Management
2. Hospitality
3. Business administration
4. Project Management
5. Communications
You will live with other interns and full-time staff on a sustainable farm and retreat center, participating in the communal and spiritual life of EcoGuardianes. Weekends and evenings are free to build relationships with the local community, hike volcanoes and waterfalls, and explore the beauty of the rest of Costa Rica.
This is not a typical internship. You will be immersed in Ecoguardianes’ mission to work with neighbors, businesses, and schools to create a tangible, positive impact on the environment. You will be given real responsibility, a specific project to own, and the chance to see your work directly benefit a vibrant community and a fragile ecosystem. These include community retreat, professional mentorship, discipleship, participation in on-campus academic/faith-based workshops and conferences, and community engagement.
Responsibilities may include:
1. Supporting in development of the concept note for upcoming events, including stakeholder mapping, preparing invitation letters, and community engagement.
2. Assist with event logistics: scheduling, venue setup (chairs, projectors, signage), registration desk management, and coordinating catering.
3. Help prepare event materials (name tags, welcome packets, schedules).
4. Support the coordination of speakers, facilitators, and RSVP during events.
5. Manage post-event tasks such as collecting feedback, compiling attendance lists, and assisting with breakdown.
6. Work closely with the staff and other interns to organize events that include farm experiences.
Qualifications and Skills:
1. Background or interest in event management, hospitality, business administration, or communications.
2. Exceptional organizational skills and close attention to detail.
3. Strong interpersonal skills and a professional demeanor.
4. Ability to problem-solve calmly under pressure.
5. Proficiency with basic office software (e.g., Google Docs/Sheets, Word, Excel).
6. Spanish language skills are a significant asset for liaising with local vendors and participants.
Highlights shared by former interns:
1. Immersion in the local culture with opportunity for adventure and travel to other parts of the country
2. Mentorship and guidance from global professionals who are successful in their field
3. Developing their professional abilities by contributing to real-world projects
4. Learning how to apply the tools and techniques of their field in a vastly different cultural setting
5. Getting involved in community Bible studies and outreaches with both expatriates and locals
6. Rich community and team times with fellow interns who also want to grow as Kingdom-minded professionals and make a difference for Christ through cross-cultural ministry in an urban setting.
Why consider this internship?
- An international internship combines the benefits of a traditional internship with the benefits of study abroad—and doing it through OM and InterVarsity means you will also experience the benefits of mission-driven discipleship connected to the global Christian community.
- Our interns, on average, rate their work experience as a 9/10 in terms of doing meaningful work, receiving specific encouragement, and being prepared in their work. OM was chosen as a Handshake Early Talent Award recipient because of our mission-driven approach to internships and our high level of manager investment and care.
- 2 out of 3 of our interns say they would consider working for their host team, organization, or business in the future—and 2 out of 3 of our managers say they would hire their intern for a similar job.
- To learn more, check out our intern stories, FAQs, and testimonials on our internship website and Handshake employer profile
Additional Information:
- All interns must be in full agreement with OM USA’s Statement of Faith.
- Internships begin in mid-May and go through July, and the program includes an orientation and debriefing with your internship cohort and OM and InterVarsity staff.
- This is an unpaid internship (like the vast majority of international internships, especially with nonprofits and small businesses in developing economies). Travel, program, and living costs must be covered by the intern, either personally or through fundraising, financial aid, or scholarships you find. Because you will be living on the sustainable farm, living and eating costs will be extremely low, just a little over $1000. You may fundraise to cover these costs and the cost of your flight if you like. If you are invited into the cohort, you will need to provide a deposit (applied toward your total costs) to secure your spot.
- Internship credit could be available upon the approval of your university/college administration. May qualify for other degree or course requirements, such as practicum or observation hours; check with your advisor.
- The application deadline is February 20, 2026, but the cohort may fill sooner.