Impressive nature, unknown culture, Spanish language… hotel internship in Costa Rica
Imagine a place where natural beauty, warm hospitality, and professional development merge into one incredible experience. Costa Rica, the jewel of Central America, offers precisely that. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, this tropical paradise has emerged as an ideal destination for hotel internships. It´s providing a unique blend of personal growth, enriching life experiences, and valuable career opportunities.
Experience the “Pura Vida” and cross cultures: A hotel internship in Costa Rica
When you embark on a hotel internship in Costa Rica, you’re not only entering the working world, but also a world full of culture and tradition. Costa Rica’s “pura vida” lifestyle, which means “pure life” sums up the country’s philosophy of simplicity, happiness and gratitude. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to live this philosophy and gain a deeper appreciation for the joys of life.
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish which makes it an excellent destination for language enthusiasts. When you immerse yourself in a Spanish-speaking environment, you not only improve your language skills, but also broaden your cultural horizons. Beyond that, being able to communicate well in a foreign language can help you in your future professional life. And where better to practice a language than in a country where most of the locals don’t speak English? Therefore, you should have an intermediate knowledge of Spanish.
Explore Costa Rica’s Natural Wonders and Hotel Internship Opportunities
In your leisure time, you have the opportunity to explore the landscapes and rich biodiversity of the national parks. Costa Rica’s nature offers a variety of attractions to discover. Lush rainforests, heavenly cloud forests, pristine sandy beaches, diverse flora and fauna, and fascinating volcanic landscapes, to name a few. You can also take a day trip to the capital San José. We recommend you to explore the neighboring country Panama – a trip that is really worth it. Intern Hugo was the embodiment of a great work-life balance during his time in Costa Rica. After giving his energy to work, he seamlessly transitioned into a life of adventure.
In the past, we have successfully organized a number of hotel internships in Costa Rica. Our Interns where impressed by the culture and the way of life as well as by the natural diversity of the country. A hotel internship in Costa Rica is not only a professional adventure, but also a formative experience that will shape your character. So, why wait? Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s vibrant culture, contribute to the hotel industry, and unleash your potential for personal and professional growth. Your internship in Costa Rica is not just a job – it’s an adventure, a chapter of self-discovery and a stepping stone to a brighter future.
If you are already convinced to do an internship in Costa Rica, you can find our current internship vacancies here: ⟶ Hotel internship vacancies.
Still not convinced?
We will tell you more about this incredible country that will surely convince you to pack your bags.
Costa Rica has a proud population that is deeply rooted in their traditions and history. It has been shaped by many influences. They are often referred to as one of the happiest people in the world and are known for their warmth and hospitality. Education and health care are actively promoted here, and sustainability is a top priority. This is also evident in the numerous national parks that exist in Costa Rica.
With its stunning natural beauty and friendly locals, it is no wonder that Costa Rica has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the last few years. It is also an exciting and captivating place that attracts travelers from all over the world. If you’re considering doing a hotel internship, Costa Rica is the perfect place to gain valuable experience thanks to its thriving tourism industry.
How to describe Costa Rica in 3 words?
Happiness – Coffee – Jungle
Probably this says it all: “Pura Vida”! This resembles the whole lifestyle and the attitude in one of the 20 countries in Latin America. People in Costa Rica are well-known for their happiness. Luckily, our italian explorer Christopher Columbus, became the first European to discover the country, marking the initiation of a significant historical encounter with the indigenous inhabitants. Nowadays, in every town or village you will find the “holy trinity” of community life – a church, a bar and a football pitch. These three elements have an almost sacred significance in the lives of Ticos and serve as pillars of social, cultural and emotional fulfilment.
Before doing your internship in Costa Rica you should know at least some main facts:
Costa Rica, a country with a 300-year history as a Spanish colony, gained its independence in 1838 and establishing Spanish as its official language. Located in Central America, Costa Rica is home to approximately 5.1 million people. 30 % of its population residing in the capital, San José. Additionally, the nation serves as a geographic bridge between North and South America. It’s worth noting that a significant portion of the bananas you might have bought likely originates from Costa Rica. It stands as the world’s second-largest banana exporter, trailing only behind Ecuador.
Coffee lovers
For the coffee addicts among us: you will probably visit Coffee Heaven. Thanks to the combination of climate, altitude and volcanic soil in Costa Rica’s coffee regions, the beans retain their exquisite taste. Plus, the Ticos are really precise when it comes to this topic. In Costa Rica, the equivalent of wine tasters in France are the catadores (coffee tasting specialists). They have a special training of 5 years. An indication to recognise high quality coffee: If it tastes good when cold, it is definitely good. Due to these conditions and the catadores, it does not matter whether the coffee is enjoyed hot or cold.
One of the reasons to do an internship in Costa Rica is, obviously, the food. Costa Rican cuisine is simply a must for all foodies. From various exotic fruits like coconuts, mammon chino to pejibaje, the cuisine has a lot to offer. A traditional Costa Rican dish must – yes, must – consist of meat, rice with beans (which they eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner – always), potatoes, vegetables and the famous Salsa Lizano. This salsa is a traditional Costa Rican sauce that is similar to Worchester sauce and is on the table in all restaurants. Beyond that, Costa Rica’s culinary offerings also extend to delicious street food such as empanadas, tamales and plantains.
Peace and nature
If you’re an enthusiast of adventure, nature, and wildlife, Costa Rica will leave you in awe! This country offers a wide range of fascinating landmarks. This includs untouched beaches and jungles where the melodies of singing birds are heard. If you look up into the trees, you might discover a curious sloth watching you from above. The jungle is a sanctuary for a variety of animals, many of which you’ve probably only seen on TV including jaguars, howler monkeys, sloths and a variety of colourful birds. Costa Rica’s natural wonders promise an unforgettable experience with the beauty of the wild.
The Costa Rican landscape is a masterpiece of nature, criss-crossed by rivers that create unique ecosystems for exotic animals such as caimans and river otters. During your visit, you can observe the toucan birds, similar to the colourful characters in the animated wonderland of “Rio”. Hiking through this paradise, you may stumble upon secret glens where cascading waterfalls create idyllic oases. They invite travellers to cool off and relax in their crystal-clear pools. Such accidental discoveries will complement your adventure in Costa Rica.
How can you not be happy in such a place? Therefore, it is no wonder that Costa Rica has no army. The army was abolished by the government in 1948. Peace, neutrality and freedom – this is what Costa Rica stands for and lives to the fullest every day. For more information about Costa Rica please go to ⟶ About Costa Rica.
3 Cultural differences between Costa Rica and Europe
Before you begin with your hotel internship in Costa Rica, it is important to familiarise yourself with the cultural differences between Costa Rica and Europe. Research and familiarise yourself with both European and Costa Rican cultures. This involves their values and customs, as well as social norms and manners in the workplace. This knowledge will be of great use during your internship in Costa Rica.
1. Respect Hierarchy and Formality
European workplaces often have a more formal hierarchy, with clear distinctions between managers and employees. In Costa Rica, workplaces may be less formal, but it’s essential to show respect to supervisors and senior colleagues.
2. Communication Styles
Europeans tend to value direct and concise communication, while Costa Ricans may prefer a more indirect and polite approach. Be patient, listen actively, and adapt your communication style to accommodate these differences.
3. Time Management
European cultures often emphasize punctuality and efficient time management. In contrast, Costa Rica has a more flexible approach to time. Adapt to local norms while maintaining your own commitment to deadlines.
In conclusion, you can see that Costa Rica is the ideal destination for your hotel internship with its diverse history, vibrant culture and numerous internship opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to improve your skills and dive into the Pura Vida lifestyle while doing your hotel internship. Your road to success starts here!
