Costa Rica
Noted on August 5, 2009 by Natanya in
Costa Rica is a country of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, incredible biodiversity and friendly people. Monya Lemery, IE3 Latin America Director, recently visited several internship sites in Costa Rica. There are several amazing opportunities for students wanting to live and intern in this paradise.
Monya visited with Linda Holland and Mesoamerica: the Institute for Central American Studies (ICAS): Weblink for Mesoamerica.
Linda has hosted many, many IE3 interns at the Mesoamerica magazine over the years. As well, she is an excellent resource for interns going to San Jose, Costa Rica. She can arrange Spanish language classes at the Institute for Central American Studies (ICAS) and lodging with a local host family from her vast network. Homestays are with middle and upper-middle class families located in a nice neighborhood not too far from the downtown or ICAS (by bus). They offer a private bedroom and two meals per day. Monya visited with a couple of the families who have hosted interns previously. They are very friendly, caring and interested in having American students live with them.
Coope Sol i Dar: Weblink for IE3 Position Description for Coope Sol i Dar. During her visit, Monya met wtih several of the key staff at Coope Sol i Dar - Felipe, a geographer; Vivienne, a biologist; Maria Jose, a biologist; and Patricia, an attorney. It has been awhile since the last intern from the IE3 program went to Coope Sol i Dar, but the staff would welcome someone who fits in well with their value-system and mission. Coope Sol i Dar strongly values in achieving the following aspirations: Independence, Solidarity, Equity, Excellence and Transparency.
Their main focus in sustainable community development and social action. They are committed to working with communities long-term to promote sustainable environmental and social development. One of their longest serving relationships is with the fishing community of Tarcoles. They would love to have an intern live in Tarcoles and become part of the community, working with them directly day-by-day. There are options in many different areas for interns to assist, such as biology/fisheries, technology (to teach computer classes), youth development (provide positive outlets for high risk youth in the area, offer classes for kids in the arts, provide basic counseling), environmental sicence (could work on recycling programs and environmental education), community development, and gender suties (particularly interns interested in working with the women of the community). Interns can live with a host family in the community of Tarcoles.
The Tico Times: Weblink for IE3 Position Description for the Tico Times. Monya Lemery met with current IE3 intern Nick Cote at Tico Times. Nick is a photojournalist who was at the end of his four-month internship. He gained tremendous hands-on experience at the Tico Times, including many publications and front page coverage. The Tico Times wants interns with some previous journalism or photojournalism experience, preferably outside of the university setting. Acceptance is competitive, but the experience gained is incredible.
Friends Peace Center:
Weblink for IE3 Position Description for Friends Peace Center. The Friends Peace Center (Centro de Amigos Para la Paz--CAP) was founded to promote understanding of international peace, social justice and ecological issues. In keeping with Quaker ideals, CAP seeks constructive, non-violent solutions to personal, community, national and international problems such as an organized response to CAFTA, an organized response to use of depleted uranium in Iraq, Nicaraguan Youth Outreach Program, and a Pacifict Gallery Project. Monya Lemery met with Isabel MacDonald, director, to discuss current and on-going projects. There are some exciting urban renewal projects going on that may interest students in urban planning majors. As well, this is a fantastic site for a flexible student interested in peace work and gaining experience working at a very small NGO in Latin America.
The Organization for Tropical Studies: Las Cruces Biological Reserve and Wilson Botanical Garden: Weblink for IE3 Position Description for Las Cruces Biological Reserve. Monya Lemery took the 6-hour bus ride from the capital to the southern town of San Vito, then a short taxi ride to the Reserve. The scenery and tranquility of the reserve was impressionable. Greenery everywhere with the constant chatter of the innumerable species of birds in the background. For any student interested in botany, horticulture, forestry or birds, this would be pure heaven. Las Cruces Biological Reserve and Wilson Botanical Garden is home to over 2000 native plant species and 3000 species of plants from around the world. There are approximately 400 species of birds. This is the most important botanical garden in all of Central America. There is on-going research in such key fields as fragmentation, ecosystem restoration, and landscape ecology, as well as studies of birds, bats and reptiles. There are plenty of options for the interested intern to gain hands-on experience here.