» Comparative Program
Social justice and environmental internships in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

An eight week  internship opportunity that provides practical, hands-on experience with communities, NGO’s, and development organizations in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua.  An excellent opportunity to gain experience in two countries and learn about their  history, culture, socio-economic conditions, and the different ways that they address similar development issues.       

Work and compare efforts in one of the following fields:
Social work
Environment
Gender
Human rights and migration
Agro ecotourism
Community development
Health
Education 

PROGRAM OUTLINE

NICARAGUA AND COSTA RICA:  These neighboring countries have very different histories and levels of development yet are challenged by similar problems including domestic violence, drug abuse, school abandonment, pollution, and biodiversity loss.   How does each country, given their differences, deal with these social and environmental problems?  This program not only provides students with practical experience, but also demonstrates to them first-hand how socio-economic conditions, culture, and politics influence  how development problems are addressed.   

THE FIRST MONTH
The program begins in Costa Rica, working through The Costa Rican Internship Institute (CRINI).  In Costa Rica interns can work in either an urban or rural area.  Upon arrival in Costa Rica, interns will receive an extensive orientation that includes readings and discussions on the history of Costa Rica and the specific development issue that they will be working on.    Interns have the opportunity to work with one of many different social or environmental organizations including women’s organizations, ecotourism projects, schools, or national parks.    

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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
-Interns must have an intermediate or advanced level of Spanish.  If upon arrival it is determined that participants do not have the required level of Spanish needed to complete their internship, they will be required to study Spanish at one of our partner Spanish schools. 
-Participants must demonstrate proof of international medical insurance

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PROGRAM COST: US$4800

Included in the program fees: transportation to and from the airport, orientation, discussions and readings,   internship placement based upon careful review of the intern’s application, family stay with two meals and laundry included in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, bus transportation to and from Nicaragua, pick-up in Granada, project support in both countries, written evaluations in each country, and 24-hour assistance for any reason.

Not included in the program fees:  Airfare, order crossing taxes ($15), Spanish lessons (if required),  and personal travel expenses (Approximately $500  per month in Costa Rica, $300 per month in Nicaragua). 

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WHY A COMPARATIVE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?
The proximity of these two very different Central American countries makes them perfect locations to observe first-hand how differing development paths and socio-economic conditions influence the way that similar social and environmental  problems are addressed. 

COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is one of the most developed countries in Central America.  It is well known for being a country of peace and democracy.  It has never experienced extended wars, as in other Central American countries, and because of its geographic location is not prone to natural disasters.   This has allowed the country to devote more resources to economic development and improving socio-economic conditions.

Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948.   With no military spending,  the government has been able to devote more resources to social programs such as health care, housing, and education, as well as infrastructure, such as potable water and sanitation systems.

A stronger economy and level of economic development has made Costa Rica a destination for many Nicaraguan migrants.  While the economic contributions of this population are clear, understanding and meeting the needs of this migrant population has been a challenge for the government and civil society.       

NICARAGUA
Nicaragua, in contrast, while currently politically stable, has a long history of dictatorships, wars, corruption, and natural disasters.  These factors have impeded the country’s economic development, making it the poorest Central American country.   Years of military spending and government corruption have limited the ability to invest in social programs and infrastructure.  Most of the population has limited access to health care facilities, education, and potable water and adequate sanitation.  Many live in extreme poverty, and unemployment rates are high  (with approximately 75% of the population unemployed or working in the informal sector) and  salaries are low (a minimum wage of under $100 per month.  NGO’s, in combination with government social programs,  play an important role in addressing development problems. 

Many Nicaraguans have left their country and families behind seeking better economic opportunities in Costa Rica, Panama, and the United States.   Income from remittances has become important for the survival of many Nicaraguans.    However, a drain of the most economically viable sector of the Nicaraguan population and the division of families has had many social and economic implications.

 SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND HEALTH INDICES - COSTA RICA VS NICARAGUA

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SAMPLE COMPARATIVE PROJECTS:

Gender
Work with gender development projects in each country and learn if economics influences machismo, incidence of domestic violence, and the methods used by organizations to deal with violence.  Do greater economic opportunities for women reduce the incidence of domestic violence,  her ability to break the cycle, or the way that organizations intervene?  

Migration
What are the push factors behind emigration from Nicaragua to Costa Rica, and what services are available to meet migrant needs in Costa Rica?

Medical Anthropology
What are the cultural beliefs behind illnesses in Nicaragua and how can health professionals in Costa Rica better incorporate these beliefs in education and treatment of Nicaraguan migrants?

What role does machismo play in health policies surrounding childbirth and motherhood?

Community Development and Resource Management
What role do community members play in the protection and management of natural resources in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua?

Education
How is public education funded in each country?  How do curriculums compare?  What are the strengths and weaknesses of each? What services exist to meet the needs of families with the greatest economic needs?

Venturing into Latin American, I never expect to see such dramatic differences between bordering countries. Traveling from Costa Rica to Nicaragua remarkably demonstrates the effects that political and economic differences have on regions. -Greg Contente, 2007

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APPLICATION PROCESS

1) Download and submit your application to apply@nicaraguainternships.org  

2) Submit your resume and two original or scanned copies of recommendation letters. 

3) After receiving your application material, we will send you a confirmation letter begin the application review process.    

4) Upon careful review of your application, we will notify you if you have been placed. You are not officially accepted into the program until you receive a placement confirmation letter. This process usually takes one week to ten days.
5)  If accepted, you will then receive a placement confirmation and letter and an invoice for the program deposit.
6) Mail a signed copy of your application along with your deposit to:
 
      Costa Rica Internship Institute (CRINI)
       P.O.Box 1171 C.P. 2050
       San Pedro, San Jose, Costa Rica
7) There will be no refunds after the program has begun. In the event of a personal emergency, we will review the situation and may issue a partial refund.

8) Complete payment is due on or before your program start date.

 DOWNLOAD APPLICATION