How can I get a job or internship at the U.S. Embassy in San José or find a job in Costa Rica?
The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica hires locally only a very small number of administrative personnel, and openings are fairly infrequent. Employees hired locally are paid local salary rates and are covered by Costa Rican labor laws. See the Embassy of Costa Rica’s work permits page for information on getting a work permit to get a job on the local market. If you are a U.S. citizen and are interested in a career or internship in the U.S. Foreign Service, you can find complete information on the U.S. State Department website at www.state.gov/www/careers/index.html. The Department’s internship program offers the possibility of working in many different countries, including Costa Rica. There are some Americans who teach English in the many private language schools in Costa Rica. Wages are low by U.S. standards. If you have an elementary or secondary education certification, there are several private English-medium schools in Costa Rica that hire locally and from abroad.
