Study Abroad in Monteverde
College Study Abroad
Explore Monteverde, Costa Rica
When you study abroad in Monteverde, Costa Rica, you'll find yourself immersed in a lush paradise of biodiversity and environmental conservation. Explore the enchanting Cloud Forest Reserve, teeming with exotic wildlife, and participate in hands-on learning experiences that highlight the importance of sustainability and ecosystem health – all while studying in Monteverde on a CIEE program. It's no surprise that Monteverde's unique blend of natural beauty and commitment to environmental stewardship creates an ideal setting for students to deepen their understanding of the world and encourage a lifelong passion for conservation.
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
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.
Where You'll Study in Monteverde
CIEE Monteverde
CIEE Monteverde is located in San Luis surrounded by lush forests and beautiful coffee farms.
Internships & Volunteering in Monteverde
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer work. Students looking to intern abroad in Monteverde may have the opportunity to intern with a local leader and apply the principles of conservation and sustainability to real-life situations.
For students interested in volunteering in Costa Rica, they may have opportunities to volunteer at local environmental organizations, farms, schools, and more.
Study Abroad Programs in Monteverde
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Explore Monteverde through a local lens as you tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges during your semester abroad.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Full-Time Internship
Your CIEE Semester Global Internship program in Monteverde lasts 12 weeks and features three key components.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to spend your semester in Costa Rica! Set in in the stunning Monteverde region, known for its lush cloud forests and rich biodiversity.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend your summer earning academic credits toward your degree while simultaneously gaining practical real-world work experience in one of Monteverde’s top industries, including agriculture, education, tourism, and manufacturing.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Gain new skills and abilities while living in a rare example of a Tropical Cloud Forest ecosystem.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
Grab your hiking boots and get ready to spend January in this progressive mountain community.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
Dig into today’s pressing environmental issues while living on the edge of the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
Your classroom? Cloud forest treetops, sandy beaches, lush rain forests
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Monteverde the place to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most astonishing biodiversity.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
Wake up to the sound of howler monkeys at a unique biological station, on the doorstep of the 57,000-acre Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
Designed for STEM majors, enroll in engineering, technology, and science courses that align with your degree while exploring all Monteverde has to offer.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
Grab your hiking boots and get ready to spend your summer in the progressive mountain community of San Luis de Monteverde, where the region's breathtaking natural scenery will surround and astound you!
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Your CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad program in Monteverde lasts 12 weeks and features three key components: A part-time internship with an international organization (15-20 hours per week), an internship seminar, and two academic courses (six credits) taught by CIEE faculty or online through CIEE’s global academic partner, ASU.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Monteverde, then study in two other countries in one term.
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.
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