Where to Intern in the Caribbean

Internships give you real-life experience in your field. Often, internships are a requirement undergraduates need to complete to graduate. Instead of interning in your hometown or near your home campus, you should intern abroad! Why not in a tropical paradise in the Caribbean?

The first step to living this dream is to determine where to intern in the Caribbean. Once you have narrowed down the best places to intern in the Caribbean for you, then you will feel more confident in your search to find an internship.

The best countries to intern in the Caribbean include Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. There are so many opportunities available for students seeking internships! You can work in healthcare, marine conservation, reforestation, and so on. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in an exotic getaway to the Caribbean while earning internship credit and gaining valuable experience to put on your resume.

What makes these destinations the best?

The best countries to intern in the Caribbean have plenty of opportunities for students.

This list of where to intern in the Caribbean is based on the quality of the programs. This consisted of looking into excursions, hands-on learning opportunities, length of the programs, housing options, language learning opportunities, and more. The total number of internship programs available in a certain country in the Caribbean was also considered.

Safety and security were also taken into account when naming the best countries to intern in the Caribbean. Oftentimes, internships are not paid which can create a barrier for some students. This list kept affordability a priority when choosing the best places to intern in the Caribbean.

6 Places Where You Should Intern in the Caribbean

There are many countries where you can intern and volunteer in the Caribbean. This list is curated to provide some of the best options for students who want to intern abroad. It is not an exhaustive list, but it can inspire you and help you pick an internship program that works for you and your interests.

1. Cuba

Cuba is a great country to visit, explore, and complete an internship. It's right off the coast of Florida, and not too far from the United States. Cuba has been open to U.S. tourists for several years now. The most popular and most frequently visited city is the capital city, Havana.

In Cuba, you can practice your Spanish language skills by working at an internship that requires working in the Spanish language. Also, to improve your language skills in Cuba, you can immerse yourself in the rich culture by going on tours and taking Spanish language classes. You'll be well on your way to being fluent in Spanish!

Volunteering and/or interning in Cuba is perfect for adventure travelers, and those interested in causes such as community development, eco-tourism, grassroots organizations, and youth development. There are many programs available in Cuba that give students an experiential learning experience.

• Recommended program: Learn Spanish, Dance, & Culture by Corazon Cuba.

2. Costa Rica

Choose from an array of fields to intern in abroad in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is near the top of this list for many reasons. So many opportunities are available to students seeking an internship experience in various fields. Fields you can work in include business, culinary arts, education, environmental studies, health sciences, graphic design, hospitality, social work, and more.

Internships are available any time of the year, including the spring semester, fall semester, winter session, and, of course, summer session. The length of your stay abroad varies based on your needs and availability. Just keep in mind that it is most common for internships to last from two to six months in Costa Rica.

While earning academic credit, you can explore this tropical paradise like a tourist and a local. The longer you stay, the longer you have time to immerse yourself in the culture and learn more about yourself, the locals, and the world.

• Recommended program: Intern in Costa Rica with World Endeavors

3. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic offers many opportunities to intern abroad and/or volunteer your services. Popular assignments include working on public health initiatives, conducting marine research, collecting data on marine life, and pursuing conservation goals.

There are many NGO's in the Dominican Republic who need volunteers and/or interns to help their efforts to keep the coasts clean and liveable. There are also opportunities to spread and teach basic health information to locals in the Dominican Republic. You will be able to make a positive and lasting impact on the community you serve while abroad.

Not only will you get to positively influence a community, but you will also get to explore the gorgeous beaches, beautiful mountains, and stunning wildlife during your free time. Another positive is that internships in the Dominican Republic are affordable and accessible to college students who want to expand their worldview and help communities.

• Recommended program: Rustic Pathways: Programs in the Dominican Republic

Get matched with 5 internships in the Caribbean right now

4. Sint Maarten

Gain experience down in Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten is known for its gorgeous beaches and vacation spots that feel like total paradise. It's white sand beaches and the clear blue ocean waters are jaw-droppingly beautiful. So, why wouldn't you want to do a work or volunteer assignment here? You can take advantage of living on a tropical island as an intern, and maybe even take a divemaster class in your free time.

By the end of your internship in Sint Maarten, you will have the experience to put on your resume, like a certified scuba instructor. You will have fun stories to tell about your time abroad in Sint Maarten. Then during your free time, you can explore the island and live your best life by the beach. Also, you can visit other nearby islands and get to know other cultures and customs within the Caribbean!

• Recommended program: Caribbean: PADI Divemaster & Instructor by Broadreach

5. Jamaica

Are Jamaica’s sandy beaches calling you? Answer the call and go on a volunteer or internship program. Not only will this boost your resume, but you get to live in Jamaica for a bit! There are wildlife and marine conservation internships, childcare assignments, educational services, and more.

Jamaica is a great option for beach fans and adventurers who dream of living on a tropical island. While many tourist spots are worth seeing, it's exciting to venture out and experience more authentic experiences on the island. Living in Jamaica briefly will allow you to experience what it's like to live there.

Many internship programs in Jamaica range in length or amount of time spent abroad. It can be anywhere from one week to one month to six months. You just need to decide what you want out of this experience and customize it to fit your plans and goals.

• Recommended program: Affordable Remote Psychology Internships by Intern Abroad HQ

Explore ALL Internship Abroad Programs in the Caribbean on GoAbroad.com!

6. Haiti

Get to work in Haiti, there are great internships waiting for you.

Haiti provides interns with the chance to engage in meaningful work while learning about the challenges and strengths of a developing nation. Interns can contribute to initiatives that support community development, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and more. Haiti is particularly appealing to those interested in social justice, cultural immersion, and real-world experience in development work.

Several organizations and websites specialize in connecting interns with opportunities in Haiti. International non-profits, local NGOs, and even some government-sponsored programs often post internship opportunities online. It can also be helpful to reach out directly to organizations that align with your interests to inquire about potential internship opportunities.

• Recommended program: Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad by International Medical Aid

Gain work experience in paradise as an intern in the Caribbean!

You can work and have fun by taking an in internship in the Caribbean.

Interning in the Caribbean offers a unique blend of professional growth and cultural immersion. With opportunities ranging from environmental conservation to healthcare and tourism, this region presents diverse paths to enhance your skills and contribute meaningfully to local communities. This opportunity expands your resume but also provides unforgettable experiences in some of the world's most vibrant locales. As you prepare to embark on this journey, remember to embrace the local culture and learn from every interaction. An internship here is more than just work—it's a stepping stone to a globally aware and fulfilling career.