Requirements and Training
Internship on Environmental Programs in Costa Rica

Skills Required

Although knowing Spanish is not essential for this expedition, volunteers who have a little knowledge of Spanish find it beneficial as they are able to interact with the local community more freely. All volunteers should be physically fit as the environment is demanding due to the heat and humidity and the activities involve a lot of strenuous walking. Volunteers should also be enthusiastic and have a good sense of humour. It is important to be self-motivated throughout the project and all volunteers must be team players who are adaptable and willing to assist each other and the staff to complete the daily tasks. Volunteers must be aware that, because of the location of the expedition site, transport is only by motorised boats and canoes. For this reason, all volunteers must be strong swimmers, able to swim 200m fully clothed. Locals do not swim in the sea due to very strong rip tides that Tortuguero is known for, and we follow the example they set: people can wade but should not swim.

Training and Qualifications

GVI’s training is comprehensive and second to none, providing volunteers with amazing new skills and experience that are an asset to anyone’s CV. The first week is intense as it contains the majority of the training programme, which includes presentations, lectures, group study, talks, exams and lots of practical field experience. However, training is continuous and will be gained throughout the expedition, based on further practical experience in the field. The initial training provides volunteers with a baseline understanding of all aspects of the rainforest and coastline on which to build throughout your stay. Subjects you will cover in the training can include: conservation, tropical forest ecology, rainforest health and safety, surveying techniques (protocols), key species identification and biology and an internationally recognised first aid course.

Qualifications Received

All short term (12 weeks or less) GVI Internships contain an internationally recognised certification in Team Leading (BTEC Award Level 2). The short course is designed specifically for learners who wish to follow a short program of study directly related to their work experience or to an aspect of employment that they wish to move into. The program is recognised and approved by Edexcel, the UK’s largest awarding body.

GVI's experienced staff will teach you how to work with others within a leadership role. Upon completion, you will have accrued a broad understanding of the principles of leadership, how to work as leader of a team and understand key issues involved in leading a productive team. These invaluable skills can be perfected during the internship with direct, hands-on experience and in-house support of the BTEC trainers. The basic skills you learn will be transferable to any environment around the world, giving your CV a great boost.

There is also opportunity to take an internationally recognised course (BTEC Award Level 3) on Supervision of Biological Surveys (10 weeks only, additional fee applies). Our experienced BTEC staff will teach you how to supervise biological surveys. Upon completion, you should feel confident enough to independently plan and run survey teams in the field. These invaluable skills can only be perfected in the field with direct, hands-on experience. The basic skills you learn will be transferable to any environment around the world, giving your CV a great boost.