Medical internship placements take place in small local clinics or assisted living facilities. Interns work closely with a staff member, either assisting or shadowing, throughout their placement.
Important Notes
Tasks will vary depending on the medical facility’s current needs. It’s important to set realistic expectations, as medical work abroad may differ from practices in your home country. In some cases, interns will primarily shadow rather than perform hands-on tasks, especially if medical qualifications are from another country.
Support is always available from in-country coordinators, though they won’t be present daily at your placement. Interns should be ready to work independently and take initiative.
Spanish Language Requirement
Since most clinics are Spanish-speaking, an intermediate level of Spanish is required. Your Spanish proficiency will be assessed via a phone interview before joining the program.
Schedule and Hours
Interns typically work 4–6 hours per day, Monday to Friday. Additionally, you’ll attend a daily 1-hour Spanish class. Weekends are free for relaxation, exploration, or personal projects.
Dress Code
Personal hygiene and professional attire are important in Costa Rica. Interns should wear scrubs during placements and maintain a neat appearance. Bring appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees for public spaces, avoiding revealing or extravagant styles.
Required Medical Supplies
Interns must bring their own basic medical supplies, including:
• Disposable rubber gloves
• A white coat
• Antibacterial soap or sanitizer
• A stethoscope
• A blood pressure cuff
Transportation
Placements are located in the San José area, with travel times ranging from 15–60 minutes each way. Walking and local buses are the most economical options, with bus fares typically costing no more than ₡350 (approximately $0.60) per trip. Taxis are available but more expensive.
On your first day, a representative will accompany you on local transport to ensure you understand the route to your placement. Interns are responsible for daily transportation costs, and a budget of approximately $5 per day is recommended.
Deliverables
Interns must submit weekly journals and a final deliverable.
• Practicums (less than 8 weeks): Choose between a 10–20-page paper or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
• Internships (8 weeks or more): Submit both a 10–20-page paper and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
Final deliverables should include:
• Overview of the medical facility and your role.
• Review of the organization.
• Sector analysis in either the host or home country.
• Analysis of challenges encountered.
• Outcomes and results of your work.
Spanish Classes
Daily 1-hour Spanish lessons are tailored to your level and internship needs, focusing on relevant vocabulary. Classes are taught by certified native speakers using the Communicative Method, emphasizing immersive spoken interaction. Instruction is delivered entirely in Spanish.
Maximizing Your Internship Experience
The success of your internship largely depends on your engagement and adaptability. Be prepared for cultural differences in work structure, management, and expectations. Taking a proactive approach is key to making the most of this opportunity.
Your role and level of independence during the internship will depend on:
• Your training and expertise.
• Your Spanish proficiency.
• Your ability to take initiative.
• The duration of your program.
Location
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and located in the middle of the country. It’s in a great spot to enjoy the city, as well as trips to the beach on the weekends. Around a 2 to 4 hour drive from the city, you will find rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. San Jose also has plenty of shopping, cinemas, restaurants and nightlife.
Project Tasks
- Assisting in physical examinations (e.g., taking vitals, height, weight, and medical histories).
- Supporting the processing, reporting, and interpretation of lab tests.
- Observing and assisting in patient consultations and medication prescriptions.
- Witnessing injections, sutures, and suture removal procedures.
- Aiding in obstetric consultations, check-ups, and family planning services.
- Evaluating patients’ physical and neurological development.
- Preparing and sterilizing equipment for procedures.
- Organizing patient medical records.
