Overview

Begin your conservation career by gaining valuable work experience in a Costa Rican rainforest.

Wake up surrounded by the sounds of exotic birds and wildlife in the heart of a verdant Costa Rica rainforest. On this conservation internship your office will be set in the gorgeous Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve. Experience the beauty of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and its unique biodiversity while gaining valuable field-based experience to jumpstart your career.

Conservation team in Costa Rican rainforest

Overview

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, making it a prime location to complete an international conservation internship. From our research station in the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve, our research projects range from biodiversity surveys of avifauna, mammals and herpetofauna to camera trapping of wild cats. Interns will also have the opportunity to input data into relevant databases and learn more about how this data is analysed.

During migratory raptor seasons (March and April, September to December), participants can contribute to ongoing research, collecting valuable data on species and migration frequencies.

These are some of the incredible species you might see:

  • Jungle cats: ocelots, jaguarundis, margays.
  • Sloths: two-toed, three-toed.
  • Migratory birds: osprey, peregrine falcons, Swainson’s hawks, broad-winged hawks.
  • Snakes: eyelash palm pitviper, fer-de-lance, annulated tree boa, hognosed pitviper.
  • Amphibians: green-and-black poison dart frog, smoky jungle frog, various rain frogs.
  • Other species: Mexican hairy porcupine, striped hog-nosed skunk, mantled howler monkey, Geoffroy’s spider monkey, agoutis.
  • Forest birds: keel-billed toucan, chestnut-mandibled toucan, great curassow, chestnut-backed antbird, montezuma oropendola, bay wren.

This internship is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable wildlife conservation skills, career-boosting work experience, as well as relevant qualifications that will set you up for your dream job in conservation.

Join us to support a thriving ecosystem and diverse wildlife in the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve. Your involvement directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals 13: Climate Action and 15: Life on Land.

conservationist on the beach digging

Highlights

  • Contribute to wild cat research. Work alongside researchers and conservationists, collecting data on various species, including wild cats, reptiles, tropical birds and raptors.
  • Feel the rush of the jungle. Live in a protected indigenous reserve, surrounded by abundant wildlife species like jungle cats, monkeys, tropical birds, birds of prey and reptiles.
  • Gain hands-on experience. Get broad exposure to a variety of conservation fieldwork projects and training opportunities to grow your skills.
  • Contribute to vital research. Support a team of conservationists with ongoing research with an aim to be published and make an impact.
  • Work for real partners. Contribute towards a real project for a conservation partner to address critical environmental issues in the area.
  • Stand out from the crowd. Participate in practical training sessions to develop your leadership skills and receive guidance from experienced mentors.
  • Advance your career. Gain international experience, receive four recognised qualifications and get a LinkedIn reference to boost your CV.
  • Live in remote habitats. Travel off the beaten track to live and work on a research station in the wild. Get exclusive access to protected species and unique ecosystems.

Testimonial

“I would say to anyone who is hesitating to book … to just go for it! It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had, as soon as I arrived on base I felt such a warm welcome from staff and the friends you make quickly become like family. The biodiversity of the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve is unmatched and such a special place to learn about wildlife and ways we can protect it- staff are so incredibly passionate and enthusiastic you end up loving species you thought you weren’t interested in! Beautiful, stunning, gorgeous experience -10/10 recommend.” – Meg Chilvers.

conservationists on the beach

Our Award-winning Partner

Conservation Careers has teamed up with an award-winning, mission-driven organisation with a team of passionate experts across the globe who will make your experience a truly unforgettable one.

Founded in 1998, they run programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as well as the objectives of local partners. They welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how they achieve their mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.

Their commitment to running high-quality sustainable development and experiential education programs has earned them recognition from numerous organizations such as Panthera, the Seychelles Parks & Gardens Authority, as well as Stanford, NYU, Duke, and Ohio State.

If you register your interest below, you’ll put you in touch with our partner to take the booking and to plan your trip!

To see all our Conservation Careers Internship opportunities, please click here.

conservationists working

Kekoldi

Unplug and get in touch with nature in Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve. Situated in the heart of the jungle, our base is the ideal location for those with a passion for wildlife conservation and adventure. During field work, you’ll hike the forest looking for signs of jungle cat species, migratory birds, jungle birds and a wide variety of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. You might even encounter more elusive animals like sloths and tamanduas. Morning patrols feature spectacular sunrises over the indigenous forest, and night walks reveal a star-filled sky. We also assist with turtle hatching sites on local beaches.

Activities

Some of the example typical activities you could participate in on this program.

  • Fieldwork training. Learn how to identify species, collect data and monitor species. You will also receive health, safety and conservation ethics training.
  • Wild cat conservation. Contribute to wild cat research (species like puma, ocelot, jaguarundi and margay) by setting up and checking camera traps in the rainforest.
  • Biodiversity surveys. Conduct additional forest biodiversity surveys focused on key bird, mammal, amphibian and reptile species.
  • Bird conservation. Conduct bird point counts to assess species in the reserve. Assist in raptor research during migration season, one of the world’s largest migrations.
  • Leadership training. Learn how to plan and set team goals, create supportive team environments, and reflect on your own leadership style.
  • Leadership responsibilities. Take on additional responsibilities such as entering data, writing reports and summaries, updating species lists and creating fieldwork checklists.
  • Personal project. Work on an individual project that aligns with your personal research interests.
  • Mentorship. Meet weekly in a small group with other interns and an experienced mentor to receive project guidance and feedback on your leadership style.

Your impact

All of our partner’s programs have short-, mid- and long-term objectives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This enables them to report on their collaborative impact across the world in a streamlined manner, measuring which UN SDGs we are making a substantial contribution to. Furthermore, this will help local partners and communities measure and visualise their contribution to the UN SDGs.

Prior to your arrival on base, you will be educated about the UN SDGs. Then once you arrive on base, you’ll learn about the specific goals we have in this particular location, our various objectives, and also clarification of how your personal, shorter-term involvement contributes to these.

Our partner’s aim is to educate you on local and global issues, so that you continue to be an active global citizen after your program, helping to fulfil our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.

Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve is a key area for many interlinked conservation efforts as it is home to several species including:

  • Jungle cats like pumas and ocelots.
  • Peregrine falcons and plumbeous kites – Kekoldi is the third most concentrated area for migratory raptors in the world.
  • Thousands of tropical bird, reptile and amphibian species.
  • Species like sloths, tamanduas and kinkajou.

conservationist in rainforest

Rainforest biodiversity surveys

We assist the Kekoldi Reserve science team with biological assessment surveys of the three major habitat and forest types in the reserve. We note a wide range of species on our surveys, including the rain frog, red-eyed treefrog, three species of toucan, spider monkey, mantled howler monkey, white-lipped peccary, eyelash palm pit viper and Baird’s tapir (although these are very elusive, so no promises!) Staff and participants walk marked paths in the forest, noting sightings, tracks and vocalisations. Only species identified with 100% certainty can be recorded. The data is shared with KIR, who uses a standardised methodology to monitor the condition of each trail over time. This helps them to understand the health of the local environment and whether their current conservation efforts are working.

Sea Turtle Research

We assist Turtle Rescue Cahuita (TRC) with sea turtle research and protection by patrolling the beach and assisting in hatchery opportunities – using internationally recognised protocols – during turtle nesting and hatching season. The prime time for turtle sightings, including green, hawksbill and leatherbacks, is April/May. For observing adult turtles, March to May is ideal, while May to August offers the best chance to see eggs and hatchlings.

To participate in the turtle project, you’ll need a good pair of rubber boots, thick socks and dark-coloured, long-sleeved, lightweight clothing.

From March to August a team walks the beach each night looking for nesting sea turtles. Depending on the time of year, you might not see a single turtle, or you might see multiple turtles in one night. When a turtle is encountered, different kinds of research activities might be carried out, depending on what stage of the nesting process she is in – emerging from the sea, selecting a nest site, digging a body pit, digging her egg chamber to lay her eggs, covering her egg chamber, disguising her nest, or returning to sea. This might include checking for distinctive markings to see if she’s been to the beach before and making a note for future researchers if she returns, tagging her flippers, measuring her carapace, counting her eggs, marking her nest, or checking for abnormalities in the mother turtle or eggs. You might also determine whether any eggs have hatched, been eroded by the sea, been attacked by predators (like raccoons, white-nosed coatis or ghost crabs), or been poached by humans. This information is used to investigate whether any areas of the beach are more susceptible to nest loss.

Hatched nests are excavated to determine hatchling success and survival rates, the reason for losses in egg development, and the actual status of the nests, including whether or not they were partially or fully poached.

Wild Cat Population And Predation Research

Kekoldi is home to several endangered or vulnerable wild jungle cat species – including ocelot, margay, puma and jaguarundi.

Our research assists reserve authorities and conservation teams to determine the population sizes of each cat species, map out the territoriality of individual cats within each of those species, and identify the availability of prey species in the area and the subsequent effect on feeding behaviour. Direct observations of these elusive animals can be difficult, but the use of remote observation techniques like camera trapping has proven very successful in surveying and monitoring wild cats across large areas of forest.

Bird Research

Kekoldi boasts the world’s third-largest concentration of migratory raptors, with 4.6 million counted from a single point. Notably, it’s a key migration spot for peregrine falcons and plumbeous kites.

We partner with Kekoldi Hawkwatch, studying raptors and predation in the reserve. Monitoring predator health yields crucial data on ecosystem vitality, environmental shifts and guides conservation efforts. Situated within the Talamanca-Caribbean Biological Corridor, the Hawkwatch site offers panoramic views of the biodiverse surroundings, including 59 mammal species, 43 amphibians and over 400 bird species. They’re the second-largest Hawkwatch in the Americas, dedicated to preserving their 6,000 ha sanctuary and educating visitors on conservation importance.

Our work with Kekoldi Hawkwatch takes place during migration season (approx. mid-Feb to mid-May and early Sep to end-Nov) for conducting migration counts.

Project objectives

GVI Kekoldi’s Long-term Objectives:

1. Increase scientific knowledge of Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve.

2. Increase awareness of the ecological value of the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve.

3. Build local capacity to support long-term conservation of biodiversity and sustainable community development in Costa Rica.

4. Minimise our environmental impact on Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve and raise awareness of environmental issues amongst participants and visitors.

conservationist on the beach

Free Time

By joining this program, you not only contribute to preserving unique ecosystems but also get the chance to explore the surrounding area or venture further to see what else the region has to offer on weekends.

Our field staff are a great source of advice on local travel options. Many participants choose to travel before or after their experience, solidifying friendships made on the program.

Engaging with a new context teaches global awareness, adaptability and critical thinking – skills highly valued in today’s world. Cultural immersion is encouraged, and there are many activities to enjoy during your free time or before and after your program. Please note, these suggestions aren’t included in the program fee and are at your own expense.

Cahuita Town

The Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve (KIR) is home to the Bribri tribe, one of several indigenous groups that live in Costa Rica. Participants have the opportunity to work closely with the KIR’s community members and contribute to long-term sustainable conservation programs. You’ll also get a chance to spend time within the community, learning about the tribe’s culture and history, their use of medicinal plants, and their practice of traditional chocolate making. At the same time, it is an invaluable opportunity to gain insights and perspective on Costa Rica’s history, where Afro-Caribbean and Latin American cultures and heritages converge in complex and historically significant ways.

Weekend trips

Snorkelling

Cahuita National Park is home to the biggest and best-preserved coral reef in Costa Rica. Part of the park’s protected area extends into the ocean – offering up incredible marine life. Here you can spend time snorkelling, looking out for uncommon marine species.

San Jose

Spend the weekend in Costa Rica’s capital city, San Jose. You could visit one of the city’s many museums or parks, join a guided food and walking tour of the city, or spend time at Central Market – filled with food stalls where you can sample a range of traditional Costa Rican foods.

Puerto Viejo

Just south of the GVI research station, is one of the most popular beach destinations on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This town is known for Cocles beach, where you’ll find kilometres of white sand lined with palm trees, excellent surfing conditions and popular eateries. The famously advanced surfing spot known as Salsa Brava can also be found here. And if you’re looking for something more off the beaten track, head to Manzanillo, a neighbouring beach town.

White-water rafting

Organise an adrenaline-inducing journey over the rapids of the Pacuare River. The beautiful Turrialba region is known for its variety of outdoor activities. Being a valley that is crossed by various rivers, it’s especially known for its white-water rafting. The Pacuare river is world-renowned for being one of the best white-water rafting rivers. If you’re looking to float around, you can choose one of the more peaceful rivers, like the Pejibaye or the Reventazón river. While visiting the area it is easy to combine rafting with other activities like canyoning, night hikes and lake kayaking.

Local adventures

Sloth Sanctuary

Book a tour of the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica. Located in Cahuita, the sanctuary is dedicated to the rehabilitation, rescue and research of sloths and preservation of their natural habitat.

Photography and videography

There are endless opportunities around the base for wildlife photography. Staff and other participants often bring camera equipment with them – and spend their free time in the coconut tree area or on the beach, working on their photography and videography skills.

Learning/studies

There’s a small library with lots of textbooks and flashcards for species study and identification practice, as well as educational materials about conservation threats and wildlife biology.

Physical activities

Frisbee, volleyball, yoga and pretty much any exercise can be done on the beach. There’s also a ping-pong table on base.

Stargazing

An advantage of our remote location is the lack of air pollution. This means that on a clear night, you can look up and enjoy a sky filled with stars. On some nights, you can even see the Milky Way. Storm watching is amazing – lightning lights up the forest and on night walks you can watch it flash over the ocean.

Games night

Card games are a part of the culture on base. Whether you’re already a master or have never played before, be sure to join a game night – or even host your own.

Book collection

We’ve added many good books to our on-base library over the years. Pick one that looks interesting, find a spot overlooking the ocean and lose yourself in the pages.

Movie nights

Join staff and other participants for movie nights. We set up the projector and make some popcorn. Do you like your popcorn sweet or salty?

Birding or frogging

Our base is home to a variety of bird and frog species. Fellow participants are likely to be just as passionate about conservation and the natural world as you are, so get a group together and find some birds. If it’s been raining, find some frogs too.

Further travels

Water sports

Surfing, windsurfing and kayaking are just some of the many water sports you can enjoy on either of Costa Rica’s two coasts.

Coffee and chocolate farms

Learn more about how the raw products of these everyday treats are produced at one of Costa Rica’s many coffee and chocolate farms.

Talamanca mountains

Explore the natural wonders of the Talamanca mountain range, including the UNESCO-protected La Amistad International Park. Hiring a guide is necessary as the Talamancas aren’t easily accessible if you’re unsure of your route. While in the area, learn about the history and customs of the Naso, Bribri and Ngöbe-Buglé people, who have lived in the region for centuries.

Other national parks

Travel to a few of Costa Rica’s many other National Parks, like Manuel Antonio Park, Corcovado National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (where you can visit the hummingbird gallery), or Braulio Carrillo National Park.

conservationist bird watching

Duration, Dates & Costs

Register your interest below to learn about upcoming start dates, durations and costs.

sunset

What’s Included

General

  • Food
  • Safe and basic accommodation (usually shared)
  • Airport pick up (unless stated)
  • All project equipment
  • 24-hour in-country support from local staff
  • 24-hour emergency desk
  • GVI Experiences

Activities

  • Sustainable project work
  • Data collection and research
  • Leadership responsibilities
  • Personal project

Mentorship

  • Weekly group sessions
  • Internship supervisor guidance

Pre-program training

  • Pre-departure webinar
  • Pre-departure training (online)
  • University of Richmond endorsed specialisation course
  • University of Richmond endorsed leadership course

Welcome training

  • Welcome presentation
  • Health & safety
  • Local culture & environment
  • UN SDGs
  • Impact & ethics
  • Child protection

Advanced leadership training

  • Personal development record
  • Project planning and management

Career services

  • University of Richmond careers course
  • Career coaching sessions (x2)
  • Career guarantee (participants must join for 3 months or longer)
  • LinkedIn reference – upon request
  • Job portal

Certificates

  • Program certificate
  • University certificate – specialisation (University of Richmond)*
  • University certificate – leadership (University of Richmond)*
  • University certificate – careers (University of Richmond)*

*Upon successful completion of the online course.

What’s excluded

  • Flights
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Visa costs
  • Police or background check
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Additional drinks and gratuities

hiding cheetah

Register your interest!

About Conservation Careers

Conservation Careers has teamed up a family-run organisation with an amazing culture and an awesome team of people across the world who are passionate experts in their chosen field and will make your experience a truly unforgettable one (in a good way).

Their award-winning projects receive over 2000 participants every year, and we’re proud to say that the vast majority of them describe their experience with them as ‘life changing’. Their approval rate from over 20,000 participants since 1997 is over 95%.

A key component of the success of their community development and conservation projects is the participants who join their programs.