Experience conservation and field work based in the Tortuguero National Park
 at the weekend_0.JPG "Volunteers Going to Tortuguero")
 at the weekend.JPG "Volunteers Going to Tortuguero")
Program Overview
Gain experience in the rainforests of Costa Rica for a conservation-based career, working and living alongside our research team.
You will learn a range of skills on the internship from those focused on research such as data processing, biological surveys, camera trapping, species identification, to practical skills such as first aid, canoeing and more.
After the training phase, you will work with a range of partner organisations in a rainforest lodge on wildlife and habitat conservation, or assist the GVI team in the operation and management of our project. With both pathways, you will work alongside professional conservation teams, gaining valuable experience throughout.
Life on the Program
The internship’s first phase concentrates on training alongside GVI team members as part of our Expedition.
Progressing from this phase you will visit Nicaragua nearby to undertake two weeks of Spanish training, and an opportunity to explore more of Central America.
The second phase of the program places the intern either with GVI to assist in the running of local conservation projects or with program partners to assist with other local conservation efforts; with a 12-week work placement.
By the end of the internship program participants will have the skills to monitor a wide range of mini-ecosystems in a very diverse location. Developing and applying a holistic approach to conservation, you will receive a range of certifications alongside valuable field based experience.
Program Details
The program, once the rigorous training (including an obligatory first aid qualification) phase is complete; rotates amongst a series of focus projects:
Monitoring and Conservation of Sea Turtles (running March to October): Recording important conservation data on nesting for a range of marine turtle species including hawksbill, green, and leatherback.
Marine Turtle Predation by Jaguars: investigating the impact of Jaguar populations on sea turtle populations.
Jaguar, Mammal and Prey Species Abundance Study: we set up camera traps, and conduct transects that record tracks and signs in the National Park forest.
Resident and Migratory Bird Research: We monitor 30 key aquatic bird species to collect long-term seasonal trend data on resident and migratory birds on canoe based surveys.
GVI’s National Scholarship Program: An invitation from GVI to Costa Rican nationals to gain the experience and skills working alongside a team of international volunteers and staff through our Expedition.
Volunteer Testimonials
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Program Details
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What's Included
- Pre-departure support and discounted services
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- Arrival orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
- Welcome meeting
- Location orientation
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- 24-hour in-country support
- An internationally recognised qualification in Biological Survey Techniques
- An internationally recognised qualification in Team Leading
- Transfer to rainforest location
- GPS training
- Camera trap training
- Track identification training
- VHF radio training
- Wildlife identification skills
- Tropical forest ecology training
- Sea turtle tagging training (season and placement dependent)
- First Aid & CPR training
- Weekly evaulation with your mentor
- Final evaluation
- Certification and summary of training and experience received
- Confidential professional reference
- Work placement (if successful on training period)
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Personal kit
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- International and domestic airport taxes
