SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA—The Cayuga Collection, based in Costa Rica, is looking for qualified interns to help perfect its delivery of higher-end hospitality that combines sustainability, community, and luxury.
While age doesn’t matter, attitude does. The Cayuga Collection 2013 eco-internship is possibly the best opportunity for anybody who regrets never having done an internship abroad. And yes, helping with recycling, composting, energy efficiency and community outreach are part of the internship, but so is testing out the softness of the bed linens, quality of the eco-friendly hotel room amenities, sampling as many meals as possible and even partaking in a spa service or two. While the selected intern(s) will not be paid or get university credit, they won’t have to pay for accommodation, meals, tours or services as they “test” out the company’s theory that ecotourism and sustainable tourism can also be luxurious.
“Our goal is to attract discerning interns who can help us ensure we deliver that perfect blend of sustainable hospitality and luxury,” says Hans Pfister, co-founder and president of the Cayuga Collection. “Every year, we welcome young interns who work hard on our sustainable programs, but now we need a well travelled person or couple who can put our blend of high end service and responsible tourism to the test to ensure we are truly the best in the business.”
Earth Day is Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is Earth Day, April 22, 2013, and the application process is short, online and to the point. The successful applicants (a maximum of two will be chosen) will be notified by May 2, 2013 and will work directly with Cayuga’s corporate team and the general managers at the hotels and lodges in Costa Rica for two weeks of their choice, based on availability, between April and November 2013.
Pfister says the value of the two week internship could be as high as $10,000; interns will be asked to write about their experience on Cayuga’s blog as they “work” through the challenge with duties that include:
Staying in the best categories of rooms, bungalows, casitas or villas at the hotels and lodges to explore opportunities for improvement;
Eating three daily meals at Cayuga’s restaurants, with a focus on including fresh local ingredients in the menu and developing new tropical specialty cocktails;
• Participating in community work such as beach cleanups, working at local schools and recycling centers, and volunteering with local charities;
• Engaging in conservation projects such as planting trees, tracking wild cats and improving conditions in national parks;
• Participating in tours and activities offered by Cayuga hotels and lodges, including rainforest and waterfall hikes, canopy tours, river rafting, horseback riding, mangrove kayaking and surf lessons;
• Experiencing spa and wellness services, such as volcanic mud scrubs; and
• Participating in cooking classes, typical dance classes, Spanish classes and other activities that allow interns to connect with the local culture.
Interns are asked to raise and donate a minimum of $750 (which is tax deductible) to put towards the Cayuga community initiative of their choice, through the company’s Equilibrium charity fund. The successful applicants will then put the money they raise into action during their internship.
Go to The Cayuga Collection.
