Study Abroad in Monteverde
College Study Abroad
Explore Monteverde with CIEE
Wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys, walk through the clouds on hanging bridges, and study sustainability where the rainforest becomes your classroom when you study abroad in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, zipline above the canopy, visit local coffee farms to learn about sustainable agriculture, or explore waterfall trails surrounded by lush biodiversity. With its focus on conservation, ecotourism, and environmental stewardship, Monteverde offers endless opportunities to connect with nature while experiencing Costa Rica’s welcoming culture and laid-back lifestyle. Monteverde study abroad is ideal for students seeking adventure, sustainability, and meaningful cultural immersion in one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
While abroad, choose from a variety of study abroad programs in Monteverde designed to support your academic goals in areas like sustainability, environmental studies, ecology, and Spanish language and culture. Beyond the classroom, you can also complete a full- or part-time internship in industries such as agriculture and natural resources, hospitality and tourism, and education, gaining valuable international work experience while immersed in a community deeply connected to conservation and sustainable living. By combining academics with hands-on learning, Monteverde study abroad gives you the opportunity to build career-ready skills while experiencing the natural beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica firsthand.
Top Activities in Monteverde with CIEE
Every CIEE semester program has frequent study tours and cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Monteverde, past study tours and excursions have included:
- Venturing deep into the vibrant, wildlife-rich, and lush rainforest of the La Selva Biological Station, in the Caribbean lowlands
- Traveling to the Guanacaste region, famous for its rare seasonally dry forest where golden landscapes and unique wildlife create an unforgettable adventure
- Visiting the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, world-renowned for its conservation history an amazing cloud forest
About CIEE Monteverde
Located in the beautiful town of San Luis in Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province, the CIEE Monteverde campus is surrounded by lush forests and beautiful coffee farms. The Center is fully equipped with three classrooms, a student lounge, a library, a student life office, an academic advising office, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
CIEE Monteverde boasts one of the most unique study centers in all CIEE, set on 60 hectares (nearly 150 acres!) of rainforest and farmland. Students can expect plenty of outdoor time and access to many common areas to promote experiential and traditional learning.
Academics in Monteverde
CIEE Monteverde
CIEE Monteverde is located in San Luis surrounded by lush forests and beautiful coffee farms.
Arizona State University (ASU)
Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Internships in Monteverde
Depending on your program of study and availability, you may be able to participate in an international internship while studying abroad in Monteverde. Set within Costa Rica’s lush cloud forest, Monteverde’s work environment is centered on sustainability, conservation, and ecotourism, with opportunities tied to environmental stewardship and community initiatives. The region’s small, multicultural setting offers a hands-on, immersive experience where collaboration and impact-driven work are key. You may find opportunities in industries such as:
- Agriculture, Food + Natural Resources
- Education + Training
- Hospitality + Tourism
Community Impact Initiative in Monteverde
CIEE’s Community Impact Initiative invites you to connect more deeply with Monteverde by becoming an active member of its community. You’ll work alongside local organizations on projects that reflect real, on-the-ground needs, building relationships, gaining cultural insight, and contributing to meaningful, lasting impact. Your experience may span key focus areas like Food Security, Community Development + Public Health, and Youth Development + Education initiatives.
In Monteverde, your service work may include:
- Supporting small-scale farming and food production efforts that provide fresh food to local families through the Monteverde Community Garden
- Assisting with programs that support students and address daily needs in a rural school setting at Altos de San Luis Primary School
Study Abroad Programs in Monteverde
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Frequently Asked Questions
Monteverde offers a distinctly unique study abroad experience away from the traditional city environment. Located in Costa Rica's famous cloud forest region, it's a place where students are surrounded by beautiful rainforests, facinating wildlife, and some of the most incredible conservation areas in the world. Instead of learning about sustainability and ecology only in a classroom, students experience these topics firsthand through coursework, excursions, and everyday life with the local community.
Monteverde is especially appealing for students interested in sustainability, environmental studies, ecology, conservation, and Spanish language and culture. The area's focus on environmental stewardship provides opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences that allow students leave with a deeper understanding of global environmental challenges while gaining valuable academic, professional, and intercultural skills.
Yes, Monteverde is considered a very safe destination for international students and study abroad participants. Like any city, students should exercise common safety precautions, but Monteverde is generally considered a very safe and comfortable destination for studying abroad.
In the event of an emergency, remember that CIEE staff are available 24/7 and can be reached at 1-800-40-STUDY (1-800-407-8839).
Read More: Student Safety Tips
The cost of studying abroad in Monteverde varies depending on your specific program, housing selection, and length of stay. Program fees typically include tuition, housing, cultural activities, onsite support, and other benefits. Be sure to review your specific CIEE program page for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.
In addition to program costs, students should budget for personal expenses such as meals, transportation, entertainment, and travel.
Read More: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Known as one of the top destinations for ecotourism, Monteverde, Costa Rica is famous for its lush forests, biodiversity, and impressive Cloud Forest. Nestled in the Puntarenas Province, Monteverde is home to over 100 species of mammals, 160 species of reptiles and amphibians, and over 400 species of birds.
Monteverde is primarily known for its Cloud Forest, but has a variety of other attractions from coffee and eco tours to zip lining and bungee jumping. Monteverde is a great study abroad destination for students looking for an adventurous program centered around environmental science.
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Monteverde.
For more detailed information on diversity in Monteverde, visit our Diversity in Monteverde page.
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Monteverde with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Yes! Students can absolutely study abroad for environmental science in Monteverde through one of CIEE’s semester, summer, or year-long study abroad programs in Costa Rica. To get started, students should explore CIEE’s program offerings, start an application, and connect with their study abroad office.
A Costa Rican reserve, Monteverde’s Cloud Forest draws roughly 70,000 visitors each year to Latin America due to it’s unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife. This destination presents a low-hanging misty fog that hovers over the forest, providing essential moisture to the wildlife below.
No, you don’t need to know Spanish to study abroad in Monteverde. CIEE courses are offered in English, and English is commonly used in academic settings and major urban areas.
That said, learning some basic Spanish phrases can make daily life easier and help you connect more with the local culture and community, but it’s not required to thrive during your time abroad.
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Monteverde. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Monteverde to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
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How to Study Abroad in Monteverde
Step #1: Select a Timeframe
CIEE offers a variety of ways to study abroad in Monteverde, including semester-long sessions, summer study abroad, and J-term, with program lengths ranging from four weeks to 18 weeks. With flexible options, it’s important to select a timeframe that makes sense with your personal and academic schedule.
Step #2: Choose a Program You Love
After determining your timeframe, find a program that meets your academic and career goals. Students can choose from subjects like mathematics, business, and language courses, along with classes focused on local culture, history, and more. Choosing a program you’re passionate about will help you make the most of your Monteverde study abroad experience!
Step #3: Verify Your Eligibility
Make sure you’re eligible to participate in CIEE’s Monteverde study abroad offerings. Every program has its own requirements, but typically include a minimum GPA and often other course and credit requirements, too.
Step #4: Create Your Budget
While studying abroad in Monteverde can be an affordable study abroad option, it’s always a smart idea to budget for other expenses, like incurred travel expenses, gifts, and food.
CIEE also offers millions in study abroad scholarships and grants each year based on several factors including financial need, academic merit, and other considerations, to allow you to make a study abroad dream a reality!
Step #5: Apply!
Now that you’ve found your program, you’re ready to apply! The application process is quite simple, but if you have any questions, we’re always here to help. Just contact us!
Safety at CIEE Monteverde
At CIEE, your health, safety, and well-being are always a top priority, so you can focus on making the most of your study abroad experience. From trained on-site staff who are local community experts to 24/7 support for students and families at 1-800-40-STUDY (1-800-407-8839), we’re here whenever you need us. Every program location is carefully reviewed for health, safety, and academic quality. Our global teams continuously monitor local conditions and stay connected with trusted partners, government officials, and U.S. embassies around the world. With guidance, resources, and real people ready to help every step of the way, you can feel confident living, learning, and exploring abroad with CIEE.
Student Housing in Monteverde
CIEE Monteverde offers a variety of housing options for you to choose from. Our Monteverde housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, and restaurants. Available housing options vary by program.
CIEE Monteverde Staff
Pablo Allen
Center Director