Heredia, Costa Rica, known as the “City of Flowers,” is a vibrant and historic city just 20 minutes north of San José, offering a mix of colonial charm, modern convenience, and lush natural surroundings. As home to the National University of Costa Rica, Heredia has a dynamic student and professional community, making it an excellent place for both work and cultural immersion. The city’s central parks, bustling markets, and lively café scene provide plenty of opportunities to connect with locals and experience authentic Costa Rican life. Its proximity to cloud forests, volcanoes, and coffee plantations also makes it a great base for weekend adventures.
Heredia is a growing hub for business and innovation, with opportunities in sectors like eco-tourism, technology, and agriculture. Many multinational companies, including those in the tech and service industries, have established offices in the area, making it an ideal location for internships and professional development. Interns can gain hands-on experience while also enjoying the city’s relaxed atmosphere and access to Costa Rica’s stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re working with a local coffee farm, engaging in sustainability initiatives, or interning with a global company, Heredia offers the perfect blend of career growth and cultural exploration.
What is GlobalWorks?
GlobalWorks internships are personalized internship programs that bring you out of the country, and into the workplace. We connect academic study with real-world experiences by providing full-time international internship opportunities to UO students in various career fields. Working with local professional internship providers in locations around the world, we provide individualized placements for UO students. Students earn UO credits and life-changing work experience in a different culture. Immerse yourself in a new city, earn UO course credits, and gain professional experience with a GlobalWorks internship.
Internship Career Fields:
- Art + Design
- Business + Accounting
- Computer Science + Information Technology
- Education
- Environment + Sustainability
- Journalism + Communications
- NGO + Nonprofit
- Social Science
- STEM + Healthcare
Communication Disorders and Sciences Opportunity
For students majoring or minoring in Communication Disorders and Sciences, there is an opportunity to complete an internship at Lumo a private speech-language pathology practice where the lead speech-language pathologist works with young children, often on the autism spectrum, and their families. There is an occupational therapist at the practice, too, so co-treatments can be observed. At this site, students will have the opportunity to observe therapy sessions, and support session, too. Students also can spend internship time at a half-day program for disabled teens and adults. At this site, students support attendees' with their activity routines like dance class and crafts. Students can lead an activity during their internship getting learn how to design, prepare, and lead a group activity with individuals with a variety of ability levels.
Intermediate to Advanced Spanish is preferred for this internship.
Students can apply the eight credits earned through OGWI 488: Internship toward their CDS major or minor requirements.
Why Intern in Heredia?
Interning in Heredia provides students with direct access to Costa Rica’s strong emphasis on sustainability, biodiversity, and community-based education. It's a natural fit for students in environmental studies, public health, and education, with internships often centered around conservation, rural health initiatives, or bilingual learning programs. Surrounded by lush landscapes and close-knit communities, students experience life in a country known for its commitment to “pura vida” living. Heredia offers a grounded and purpose-driven experience for students looking to make an impact in sustainability and social equity.
