Internship small business education

Name: Internship small business education
Start: 2026-02-06
End: 2026-12-31
Location: San Ramon, Costa Rica

Code: 0f491f28-0360-11f1-8b4c-fa163ef8d720 Copied

Costa Rica International Permanent

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

Integrated Learning Experiences’ (INLEX) mission is to strengthen human resources through volunteer programs, educational travel and internship opportunities in Latin America and the world. In addition to this, INLEX provides opportunities for students and professionals to further gain experience in their field of choice by matching participants with the best opening available.We do this because we believe in the principle that every amount of help can make a difference.Many years and happy people later, we continue working with key partner projects to develop strong communities. When you apply to one of our programs you are making a step towards more sustainable communities, local programs and authentic experiences.
INLEX was founded by former Peace Corps staff in Guatemala in 2005 who wanted to provide flexible volunteer programs in Central America. This flexibility allows our participants the option to commit for as long as they want in the area they are best suited to support; creating a positive impact and a rewarding experience.
INLEX was founded by former Peace Corps staff in Guatemala in 2005 who wanted to provide flexible volunteer programs in Central America. This flexibility allows our participants the option to commit for as long as they want in the area they are best suited to support; creating a positive impact and a rewarding experience.

We do this because we believe in the principle that every amount of help can make a difference.Many years and happy people later, we continue working with key partner projects to develop strong communities. When you apply to one of our programs you are making a step towards more sustainable communities, local programs and authentic experiences.
Integrated Learning Experiences’ (INLEX) mission is to strengthen human resources through volunteer programs, educational travel and internship opportunities in Latin America and the world. In addition to this, INLEX provides opportunities for students and professionals to further gain experience in their field of choice by matching participants with the best opening available.
We work towards:
-Sustainability in the projects and communities that we work in.
-Programs that promote cultural exchange.
-Safe and affordable volunteer and intern programs.
Strengthening and empowering communities.
-Authentic experiences.
-Facilitating education.

💼 What the programme involves

Interns joining the small business program will be helping entrepreneurs manage their business plans, loans and advise them on key decisions for better growth. Interns can also help in workshops that range from basic financial literacy, marketing, accounting, data analysis, and more. Depending on the intern's profile, skills and interests he/she can be assigned to different areas. Interns must speak basic Spanish at minimum and must have a background in finance, economics, accounting, marketing, or related fields. Intensive Spanish lessons are also available in Costa Rica before starting the internship.

Possible tasks:

-Financial literacy workshops. -Guiding individual small business owners -Loan management training. -Helping small entrepreneurs establish the right tools for their future business. -Helping small entrepreneurs make feasibility studies. -Smart use of technology and training in ready available financial tools.

🏠 Accommodation on site

Host family accommodation with two meals per day or shared hostel accommodation with access to a kitchen (depending on availability and request)

📍 About the location

This gem of a country has something for almost every traveler, from surfing and scuba diving to hiking and exploring charming towns. The terrain and ecosystems are incredibly varied and home to 6% of the Earth's biodiversity. Mountains rise from the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea to form the spine of Costa Rica and define hundreds of micro-climates. Over 25% of the country is protected in an extensive national park and preserve system.The military was outlawed after the civil war in 1948. The absence of the military over the past 60 years has created a pacifist attitude that carries over into almost all aspects of life. Ticos (Costa Ricans) are known for being friendly, polite almost to a fault, and warm. Even though Ticos enjoy a higher standard of living than most other Central Americans, their country still has economic issues. Around 23% of Costa Ricans live under the poverty line and the economy's main sectors are tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.

⚠️ Requirements

Interns must speak basic Spanish at minimum and must have a background in finance, economics, accounting, marketing, or related fields. Intensive Spanish lessons are also available in Costa Rica before starting the internship.

🤝 Meeting point

Before booking a flight please make sure to get it for the right date and place. Free pickup is included most Sundays from 8am-10pm. If a participant can’t make it on specified dates, a $75 fee is added to the program to cover extra transportation and private orientation. Please ask for a list of available start dates.
Airport pickup is included in San Jose airport,(Juan Santa Maria airport Code: SJO) and nearby hotels. Alternatively, participants can meet with coordinators in your host community.
Please note that if you arrive later(planned or by delay) than 10 pm you might be asked to pay for a hostel/hotel for the first night.

ℹ️ Additional information

Visas : People with passports from the EU, USA, UK, Australia, and many other countries entering Costa Rica will be issued a 180-day tourist visa on arrival.

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.