This experience has been curated for veterinary, biology, zoology, and conservation students ready to gain hands-on experience in the jungles and beaches of Costa Rica. Working in wildlife and conservation fields can be demanding — physically, mentally, and emotionally — so this program doesn't just offer valuable field experience, it equips you with the practical tools and resilience skills to build a long, sustainable career in conservation.

• You're a student or recent grad in veterinary science, biology, zoology, wildlife management, or a related field, and you want real field experience beyond the classroom

• You're drawn to conservation work but aren't sure how to break in — we offer mentorship, industry connections, and a clearer career roadmap

• You care about the whole picture — not just the science, but your own well-being as a future conservationist in a field that can be emotionally taxing, because let’s face it, we can’t save the world without taking care of ourselves
  

Every day is a mix of field work, guided learning, and space to breathe. Here's what you'll be getting your hands into — and your head around.

Sea Turtle Conservation

Monitor nesting females, map and protect nests, and witness hatchlings emerge. Learn the research techniques behind one of Costa Rica's most active marine turtle programs.

Predator and Prey

Learn field tracking techniques, including how to set camera traps, alongside researchers studying the Osa's 5 apex predators and their prey.

Rewilding and Reforestation

Work hands-on with the campus's reforestation program. Understand biological corridors, habitat connectivity, and why rewilding the Osa is critical to Corcovado's future.

Wildlife Spotting

Guided jungle walks through primary and secondary forest — spotting species, learning to read the landscape, and understanding the ecosystem you're working to protect.

Career workshops

Practical sessions on how to actually get into conservation — CVs, networking, volunteer pathways, grants, and honest conversations about building a sustainable career in this field.

Wellbeing and resilience

Workshops on mindfulness, emotional sustainability, and responsible use of social media — the skills rarely taught in wildlife programs but essential for long-term career health. Daily guided meditations and somatic movement practices that can be applied day to day to help you manage stress and build resilience.

Dawn - Wake up to howler monkeys

The Osa's resident howler monkeys provide a more reliable alarm than any phone. Morning coffee chatting with local staff about their current projects and a hearty Tico breakfast set the tone for the day.

Morning - Turtle module session

Learn about the campus's groundbreaking sea turtle research and data collection techniques.

Midday - Lunch and free time

A delicious lunch followed by a few hours to explore — take a hike on the nearby trails, climb the canopy tower, swim, or simply get to know your fellow participants. The campus is a destination in itself.

Afternoon - Career Workshop

A guided session led by Dr. Sheridan and Jeremiah, our student leader, on breaking into conservation careers — with real, practical advice from people who've done it. Honest, useful, and nothing like a university lecture. Followed by a guided somatic movement session to help us release tension and relax.

Evening - Dinner with the group

Shared meals are where a lot of the real connection happens. Stories from the field, plans for tomorrow, and the kind of conversations that lead to long-term friendships and collaborations.

Night - Sea turtle nest monitoring

Headlamps on. Down to the beach in the dark to walk the nesting grounds, log new nests, record emerging hatchlings, and observe nesting females. Then back to fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

Inclusions:

• Accommodation in a 4 bedroom same sex dorm (see photos, it is super comfy!)

• 3 hearty meals a day, shared with fellow conservationists, veterinarians and biologists

• Lectures and wildlife modules

• Daily mindfulness and meditation practices

• Career panel with world-renown conservationists

• Guided hikes and local tours

• Transport from Puerto Jimenez airport to the Conservation Campus

Exclusions:

• Flights to Costa Rica, and connection to Puerto Jimenez

• Travel insurance - Travel insurance is mandatory to attend (Worlds Nomads, Allianz and Travel Guard all offer well priced insurance for adventurers)

• Snacks, additional tours, money for souvenirs etc

Travel Logistics:

• June 6th is arrival day at the campus, and June 13th is departure day (but you can extend your stay! Ask us how)

• You will first fly into San Jose airport, the capital city of Costa Rica

• You then transfer to the domestic terminal next door to a SANSA flight to Puerto Jimenez. They run multiple flights per day. There are also options to take a bus, but it will take you a lot longer and we would suggest arriving the night before in San Jose to do this option.

• We will pick you up from the Puerto Jimenez airport.

Are you interested in extending your trip? We have so many amazing contacts in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico if you’d like to turn this trip into an even bigger adventure! We can help you plan an extended holiday, or for those who would like to intern/gain further conservation or veterinary experiences we have lots to offer, including:

• Assisting at a dog rescue while learning to surf in Troncones, Mexico

• Rescuing wildlife in the jungle of Costa Rica (positions for veterinarians, conservationists, biologists and zoologists available)

• Monitoring sea turtles in Costa Rica

• Practicing your spay/neuter skills while learning spanish in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

• Have another idea? We can help you make it a reality