Internship in Educational Psychology in Costa Rica

Instructor

Adriana Apuy Rojas

Location

Costa Rica

Course Description

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Academic Internship Program for Education (Educational Psychology Focus) provides undergraduate students in Education, Educational Psychology, and Human Services with structured, supervised field experience in educational and community settings. The program bridges theory and practice by allowing students to apply psychological, developmental, and learning theories studied in the Educational Psychology course to authentic educational contexts.

Through observation, participation, and guided reflection, students develop professional competencies in culturally responsive education, inclusive practices, socio-emotional learning, and ethical decision-making, particularly within the Costa Rican educational and socio-cultural context.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

 The main learning objectives of the program are: 

  • Analyze educational systems in Costa Rican schools and organizations.
  • Participate in projects and responsibilities to apply educational methodologies under professional supervision and academic mentorship.
  • Integrate the principles of education and psychology through active observation and participation in educational models in practice.
  • Develop transversal competencies — intercultural communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and professional ethics — in multicultural educational environments.

Student Outcomes

 By the end of the internship, students will be able to:

  • Apply major educational psychology theories (developmental, behavioral, constructivist, socio-cultural, and socio-cognitive) in real educational settings.
  • Observe and analyze cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral development in children and adolescents.
  • Design and support inclusive and differentiated educational practices grounded in UDL/PIAR principles.
  • Integrate cultural, family, and community perspectives into educational practice.
  • Demonstrate ethical conduct, cultural humility, and professional responsibility in educational environments.
  • Engage in reflective practice to connect internship experiences with academic learning and professional growth.