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 is your classroom – study abroad in Monteverde, Costa Rica, and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems. Hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, zipline above the canopy, visit a local coffee farm to learn about sustainable agriculture, or walk through a waterfall gallery in the heart of the cloudforest. With endless outdoor adventures and immersive, real-world learning, Monteverde study abroad offers a transformational experience for students passionate about ecology, sustainability, and a meaningful connection with nature.
On a Monteverde study abroad program, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Monteverde, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study broad experience.
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
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Full-Time Internship
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
Pocket Guide to Monteverde
Currency
Costa Rican Colón
Spoken Languages
Spanish
Available Transportation
Car, van
Famous Local
Jonathan Moya – footballer who plays as a forward for Liga Deportiva Alajuelense
Climate
Warm year-round with temperatures between 63°F and 81°F
Local Attraction
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – nearly 9,000 acres of forest featuring hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects, arachnids, and plants
Did You Know?
Costa Rica is home to more than 9,000 species of plants
Airport
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Social Norms
Removing floral or fauna from beaches and tropical areas is both shunned upon and illegal
What to Pack
Backpack, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and rain gear
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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!
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.
Monteverde Study Abroad Blog
Costa Rica Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide
If you're considering Costa Rica study abroad, you're in for a treat! This paradise, known for its “pura vida” lifestyle, offers the perfect blend of adventure and academics. With stunning... keep reading
Spain vs. Costa Rica Study Abroad
So, you're ready to pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable study abroad adventure, but you’re torn between the passionate rhythms of Spain and the pristine beaches of Costa... keep reading
8 Best Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
Dreaming of palm trees, pristine beaches, and endless adventure? Costa Rica study abroad might be exactly what you’ve been looking for! Known for its incredible biodiversity, "pura vida" lifestyle, and... keep reading
