Founded in 1994, Outward Bound Costa Rica School offers a range of experiential education programs promising challenging physical activities across Costa Rica and Panama with a focus on personal development, leadership, and cultural immersion.

Participants include mostly high school and college-age young people from diverse international backgrounds. We also offer special courses for adults, educators, social/business groups and families. Courses are 7-85 days.

June-August is the organization’s high season, during which time approximately 200 students (average age: 16) participate in courses ranging from 10-30 days. Outward Bound Costa Rica seeks a – paid – intern to work here on the main base outside of San Jose, Costa Rica and support operations during this busy time.

About the Role

Duration of Contract: Late May/Early June through August, 2015 (Dates are flexible, depending on applicant’s school schedule)

The following description of duties is not inclusive of all tasks for which the Communication Intern will be responsible:

1. Oversee Student Arrivals/Departures

Outward Bound Costa Rica personally meets and transports all students to and from the airport to our main base. Due to the fact that all students make individual travel arrangements, this necessitates multiple airport runs per arrival and departure day. The Communications Intern will be primarily responsible for ensuring that these days run smoothly. This includes creating and verifying travel reports, traveling to the airport with drivers, personally greeting all students at the arrivals area and ensuring parents are informed about all students’ safe arrival. This responsibility will necessitate several very early mornings, multiple long days spent at the airport, mostly on Saturdays. A cheerful morning demeanor and positive attitude are essential. Spanish proficiency is very useful and strongly preferred.

2. Manage Program Evaluation and Assist with Enrollment Duties

The Communications Intern will be in charge of issuing, collecting, and compiling all participant evaluations. This will require proficiency in Microsoft Office, organization skills and an interest in market research. In addition to program evaluation efforts, the intern will support our Enrollment Manager in various high season duties, including but not limited to: processing payments, preparing paperwork for our programming team, and inputing student travel information into our system. For many of these duties, the intern will be using Salesforce (a CRM platform), though prior experience with this program is not necessary.

3. Assist with Public Relations and Marketing Projects

There are a variety of ongoing projects which the Communications Intern will lead and/or participate in throughout the duration of his/her experience. These include: organizing and uploading student photos, writing blog posts and student updates,writing and issuing press releases, conducting media relations, and other projects as assigned. Strong writing and copy editing skills are essential.

4. Support Instructors with Student Supervision

Our main base serves as the hub for all Outward Bound Costa Rica courses. At times, students will be on base for transition days, medical issues and/or behavior problems. The Communications Intern may be asked to supervise and engage students in productive activities during these times. An ability to uphold organizational values and professionalism is vital.

Salary/Benefits:

• Salary of US$1,000 for internship period.
• Room and board (shared room in the in dorm setting and certain meals in the communal kitchen), utilities, laundry facilities, and use of international phone.
• Basic insurance coverage for duration of internship.
• Opportunity to participate in Outward Bound Costa Rica course phase (selected by the Director)
• Use of Manuel Antonio beach base when not working and when approved by the Program Director.
• Use of Outward Bound Costa Rica gear for personal recreation and/or on course per approval by the Program Director. Intern will be responsible for reimbursing any borrowed gear that is lost or damaged during personal recreation time.

NOTE: Airfare to and from Costa Rica is NOT included.

How to apply