Costa Rica
Ecotourism, sustainability, and conservation in Central America's gem
Costa Rica is the world leader in ecotourism and sustainability practice. For SA students in environmental science, conservation, or sustainable hospitality, this is a unique and career-defining destination.
SA passport visa requirements
SA citizens get 90 days on arrival in Costa Rica. No visa required. One of the easiest entry situations for SA students.
What a typical day in Costa Rica looks like
Create a free account to access detailed day-in-the-life guides for Costa Rica and every other destination.
See full day guideAvailable fields and positions
Marketing
Marketing internships. Companies in this field can find your free profile.
Sustainability
Sustainability internships. Companies in this field can find your free profile.
Hospitality
Hospitality internships. Companies in this field can find your free profile.
Creative
Creative internships. Companies in this field can find your free profile.
NGO
NGO internships. Companies in this field can find your free profile.
Tech
Tech internships. Companies in this field can find your free profile.
Living costs in Costa Rica in ZAR
Compared to Johannesburg, to give you a realistic sense of what to budget.
Funding your Costa Rica internship
Erasmus+ ICM
If Costa Rica is in Europe and your SA university has an ICM agreement, you may qualify for EUR 800/month. Ask your International Office.
University Bursaries
UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UP, and UJ all have limited international experience funds. Apply through your Faculty International Coordinator.
Private Foundations
Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, Mandela Rhodes Foundation, and Allan Gray Orbis Foundation support international experience for qualifying students.
Common questions about Costa Rica
SA citizens get 90 days on arrival in Costa Rica. No visa required. One of the easiest entry situations for SA students.
A realistic monthly budget is R12,000 to R18,000. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and basic social activities. Your free account includes a detailed ZAR budget calculator for Costa Rica.
It can, but your faculty decides. Ask your Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) coordinator what they need, usually a learning agreement, a named workplace supervisor and a final supervisor report, and agree it with your host company in writing before you accept an offer.
Your free account includes a before-you-go checklist, a budget calculator and student deals. Before you fly, save your host company contact, your accommodation address and your insurer's emergency number, and share your profile link with family at home. The Full Placement Service from R14 900 is explained on the services page.
Ready to make Costa Rica happen?
Start with a free account. Get your SA visa guide, ZAR budget calculator, and connect with SA students already heading to Costa Rica.
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