Courses

This program is designed for veterinary, pre vet students or anyone interested in starting their journey in wildlife medicine. Whether you need university credits, a recommendation letter, or simply want to spend an unforgettable time immersed in the Costa Rican jungle, this internship is for you.

Over the course of this period, you’ll take part in wetlabs, lectures, and educational field trips, while also gaining hands-on experience in wildlife care and rehabilitation. Beyond the academic and professional training, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wonders of Costa Rica, its culture, landscapes, and extraordinary biodiversity, making this both a learning experience and the adventure of a lifetime.

Our 42-acre campus is located just outside Manuel Antonio, one of the most beautiful and biodiverse beach towns in the world. Students live and learn in an inspiring environment that includes a beautiful pool, on-site restaurant with a professional chef, and shared bungalows with A/C the perfect blend of comfort and adventure in the rainforest.

Getting into veterinary school is highly competitive. Our Pre-Vet Internship is designed to give you the experience, skills, and recommendations to set you apart from other applicants. In 2 or 4 weeks, you’ll gain firsthand insight into wildlife and conservation medicine, shadow practicing veterinarians, and participate in real-world animal care.

Each participant receives a certificate of completion, and outstanding students may request a recommend

At our rescue center, students will

• Shadow veterinarians during emergency procedures and surgeries (including castration campaigns).
  • Learn proper restraint techniques for mammals, birds, and reptiles.
  • Perform physical exams and hands-on evaluations.
  • Identify and treat parasites.
  • Administer fluids, practice wound care, suturing, and learn healing stages.
  • Participate in necropsies and structured wet labs that build clinical skills.
  • Engage in patient rounds, topic discussions, and lectures with vets.

We know learning does not only come from lectures and workshops, therefore we make sure all of our students attend different trips

We know learning does not only come from lectures and workshops, therefore we make sure all of our students attend different trips

Students will take part in projects that directly protect Costa Rica’s ecosystems and native species:

• Sea Turtle Conservation – night patrols, egg relocation/management, hatchling releases, and beach cleanups.
• Macaw Conservation – learn about scarlet macaw reintroduction efforts in Manuel Antonio.
• Sustainable Beekeeping – explore a Costa Rican bee farm.
• Reptile Park Day – a full day discovering Costa Rica’s reptiles and their care.
• Wildlife Bridge Program – help construct a new bridge to prevent human–wildlife conflict.
• Wildlife Breeding Programs  

Students will also contribute to the well-being of local communities, connecting conservation medicine with human and domestic animal health:
• Spay, Neuter & Vaccination Clinics – assist vets in the coastal village of Damas, support vaccination campaigns, and participate in wet labs.
• Farm Animal Outreach – visit local farms to support underprivileged farmers, helping improve herd health and animal welfare.

Every week includes both academic field trips and cultural adventures. 

• Horseback riding through the forest
  • Nauyaca Waterfalls
  • Zip-lining in the rainforest canopy
  • Local markets and a traditional river barbecue
  • End-of-Session Catamaran Closing Ceremony
  • Mangrove Kayak Tour

Surf lessons

Open ocean kayak

• Tour of Manuel Antonio National Park – 1,680 acres of land and 136,000 acres of marine habitat, home to over 100 mammal species and nearly 200 bird species

Your home away from home will be our 42-acre rainforest campus:
• Bungalows: Shared bungalow-style housing with A/C, private baths, Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, and patios (max 4 students).
• Dining: On-site restaurant and professional chef with fresh, healthy meals.
• Pool & Grounds: A jungle-surrounded pool and campus trails for birdwatching and nature walks.
• Community Atmosphere: A layout that encourages collaboration and friendships among students and staff.

What’s Included

• Shared bungalow accommodations (max 4 students per bungalow).
  • Access to the pool, restaurant, and chef-prepared meals.
  • Meal plan: 3 meals/day 
• Academic materials and program instruction.
  • Excursions, outings, and field trips.

Not Included

• $50 application fee.
  • Flights to/from Costa Rica.
  • Ground transportation between San José and Manuel Antonio.
  • Extra transport (ATV rentals, taxis, etc.).

This program gives you:
• Field experience with wildlife, farm animals, and community medicine.
• Communication skills from working in teams and with local communities.
• Veterinary references and the possibility of recommendation letters.

By the end, you’ll not only be a stronger applicant but also have a deeper understanding of the veterinarian’s role in conservation and global health.

Summer 2026

• May 17 – May 30 (2 weeks)
• May 17 – June 13 (4 weeks) 
• June 14 – June 27 (2 weeks)
• June 14 – July 11 (4 weeks)
• July 12 – July 25 (2 weeks)
• July 12 – Aug 8 (4 weeks)

2-Week Program: $4,200       
4-Week Program: $6,200
+ 3% Credit Card fee  (25% non-refundable deposit required to reserve your space)