Costa Rica offers free healthcare to its citizens, but resources are limited and help is always needed. What medical volunteers are able to do on the project depends on a number of factors including local regulations, training, qualifications, how well you speak Spanish, your ability to show initiative and how long you spend on the project. Duties for unqualified volunteers will generally include:
- Distributing and sorting medication
- Assisting with rehabilitation exercises
- Helping with meals and bathing
- Making beds and cleaning
- Providing companionship to patients
Qualified professionals who can commit to 4 weeks and have advanced Spanish may also be able to:
- Shadowing doctors in the treatment of patients
- Helping sort medical supplies
- Helping in emergency situations
- Helping in health awareness workshops
This immersive experience gives students a deeper understanding of how healthcare operates in resource-limited settings and offers a meaningful cultural exchange between local and international medical communities. You’ll not only enhance your clinical awareness but also gain skills in adaptability, communication, and cultural sensitivity — all essential for a future career in medicine.
This is primarily an observational and support-based internship, designed to expose you to a variety of healthcare environments and enhance your cross-cultural communication and teamwork skills.
🕒 A Typical Day
Your internship is structured yet flexible, giving you plenty of time to learn, engage, and explore.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast with your host family. |
| 9:00 AM | Travel to your medical placement in San José. Join local staff and receive your daily duties. |
| 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Assist with patient care, health checks, or administrative tasks. |
| 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Lunch break at a nearby café or restaurant. |
| 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Continue work at your placement — assist in community outreach or observe procedures. |
| Evening | Return home for dinner and relaxation with your host family. |
You’ll typically work 3–5 hours per day, Monday to Friday, with weekends free to explore Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, beaches, and volcanoes.