More Than Worth It

I chose to intern in San José, Costa Rica for 8 weeks during my summer break, and the experience was incredibly worth the cost. I was placed at a small micro-credit lending organization that makes loans to low-income women all over the country. I cannot emphasize enough how welcoming and helpful my coworkers were. From day one they made me feel like an important part of their team and allowed me to take part in their projects and day-to-day business. Having to speak Spanish 8 hours a day in a business setting, improved my command of the language and more importantly, gave me the confidence to speak in groups and under pressure. I even had the opportunity to visit some of the clients, ask them questions, develop business plans, and handle their products. It was truly a worthwhile learning experience that boosted my resume in a big way.

One of the the most memorable stories I can share from my internship is when I got the chance to go with one of the credit assessors to a very poor neighborhood called a "precario" made of tiny houses stacked on top of each other. There, I got to meet firsthand some of the families that were benefiting from the loans we helped them get. We were able to speak about their small businesses and hear about the challenges they faced. All were extremely welcoming and willing to talk. One family even let us try the hydroponic lettuce they grew. This trip was very eye-opening as well as great professional experience.

Máximo Nivel did a great job placing me in a home near the office, and within walking distance of my internship. San José has so much to see and do that I was never bored on the weekends, even if I didn't travel to one of the amazing beaches or cloud forests that are never more than a few hours away. One of the reasons I chose to intern through Máximo is because it was the only program I found that did not include excursions in the price. They work with a travel agency to give you those options, and offer plenty of cultural activities, but I was glad to find a program that did not include all those extra costs.

Besides the natural beauty of Costa Rica, what really made my experience there memorable were the people I met. My coworkers, and mostly everyone I encountered was so friendly and helpful. I did not expect to be welcomed in so quickly and treated like a member of the team, but my time working at the micro-credit firm, Fundacion Mujer, was enjoyable from day one.

My Spanish classes were excellent and extremely helpful. I had never had a one-on-one class with a native speaker, and going 5 days a week forced me to constantly improve. Máximo Nivel gave me enough freedom to explore the city and country without feeling like I was being babysat, but they offer plenty of support and help to those who maybe feel a bit less comfortable abroad.

I loved living in San Jose, San Pedro specifically, because there is so much to do there. With universities nearby, live music, museums, and outdoor spaces, I was never bored. I felt so at home and safe there, and I miss it every day.

Overall, I would definitely recommend the internship program to anyone who wants to get international work experience and improve their Spanish in one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The entire staff was very helpful and friendly and I was completely satisfied with my time in Costa Rica.