The Clean Wave Internship Program
Where Education Meets Experience in Costa Rica
Turn your education into real-world, international experience
The Clean Wave Internship Program connects academic learning with hands-on impact. Students and recent graduates gain professional experience supporting marine conservation, community engagement, and nonprofit operations in Costa Rica.
This is more than a study abroad opportunity. It is a professional experience that helps you apply your knowledge, expand your skills, and build a resume that demonstrates initiative, collaboration, and leadership in an international setting.
Our partnership with Wonder Away makes it possible
PartnershiP
Our collaboration with Wonder Away allows interns to experience Costa Rica fully, both professionally and personally.
They provide housing, coordination, and support so you can focus on learning, exploring, and contributing to coastal conservation.
This partnership ensures that every intern gains not only professional experience but also a deep connection to the country they are helping to protect.
Your Pathways to Meaningful Internship Experiences
Interns work closely with Clean Wave staff and local partners, learning how teamwork and shared purpose drive success.
An Experience That Sets You Apart
The Clean Wave Internship offers something few programs can match: meaningful, real-world experience in an international nonprofit environment.
Interns contribute directly to conservation and community projects while gaining professional insight into how environmental organizations operate and collaborate.
This opportunity strengthens graduate school applications and resumes, equipping students with skills, confidence, and global perspective that distinguish them from their peers. It is a rare chance to connect academic learning with impact that lasts.
Internship
Opportunities:
- Marine and coastal conservation projects
- Coral reef restoration
- Endangered species monitoring
- Nonprofit management and operations
- Communications and media creation
- Fundraising and partnership development
- Event coordination and outreach
- Research, reporting, and education
- Technology & web development
Additional
Opportunities:
- Unique trips and tours all over Costa Rica
- PADI Scuba Certifications: Open Water through Divemaster
- Instructor Certifications: Yoga, Surfing, Sailing & Boating, Freedive, Stand Up Paddle (SUP)
The Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for students who:
- Take initiative and lead through collaboration
- Are adaptable and motivated
- Communicate clearly and work well in teams
- Are curious about sustainability and nonprofit work
- Want to connect education with action
- Are passionate about our oceans
Fields of Study That Fit
This internship welcomes students from many disciplines who want to apply their education to real impact.
- Environmental science, ecology, or biology
- Business, economics, or management
- Communications or media studies
- International relations or development
- Education
- Tourism or hospitality management
- Anthropology
We are willing to work with you for your capstone or thesis project.
Program Details
This is more than another internship
this is immersion, impact, and growth that shapes your future.
Your trips empower local youth.
When you volunteer & dive with us, a portion of the funds go towards vocational experience and training for local youth.
This means you’ll be working alongside Costa Rican’s gaining their own certifications, advancing their careers, and learning skills in ecotourism, scuba diving, and environmental fields.
Shape an internship that fits your goals
Start your journey with us, we’ll connect soon to explore what’s next.
