Study Abroad in Monteverde

College Study Abroad

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study abroad in monteverde costa rica

Explore Monteverde, Costa Rica

Monteverde plays host to Costa Rica’s treasured Cloud Forest Reserve, where a staggering number of species – including pumas, monkeys, quetzal, and the endangered three-wattled bellbird – are readily on display, proving the perfect location for studies in sustainability, ecology, and conservation.

When you study abroad in Monteverde, you’ll experience one of the best places to study abroad for environmental science in a warm and tropical climate. With iconic wildlife, from scarlet macaws and tree frogs to howler monkeys and sloths, Monteverde is home to lush jungles and exotic wildlife, making this the perfect location for students interested in environmental health study abroad programs.

monteverde costa rica map
Study abroad residence hall in Monteverde
Study abroad zip lining 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:

  • Exploring the lush rainforest of Corcovado National Park
  • Traveling to Santa Rosa National Park, famous for its rare seasonally-dry forest
  • Visiting Carara National Park, home of the country’s largest population of scarlet macaws
  • Taking guided tours of organic coffee and pineapple plantations
  • Visiting Bocas del Toro Islands of Panama
  • Traveling down the Rio San Juan De Nicaragua to the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve
  • Hiking near Rincón de la Vieja Volcano

If you’re a student looking to enjoy an exciting study abroad program in sustainability, ecology, and environmental science, CIEE’s tours and excursions allow you to do just that! These tours and excursions help you learn Spanish in Costa Rica, explore Monteverde’s small, international community, and marvel at Monteverde’s biodiversity.

CIEE monteverde costa rica

WHERE STUDENTS STUDY

CIEE Monteverde
CIEE Monteverde is located in the beautiful city of San Luis in the Puntarenas Province surrounded by lush forests and the Pacific coast. Our center in Monteverde is fully equipped with classrooms, computers, and library facilities, as well as indoor and outdoor common areas to accommodate experiential and traditional learning. 

costa rica student volunteers

INTERNSHIPS & VOLUNTEERING

Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer. For students looking to intern in Monteverde, they 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

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 repellant, binoculars

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY IS MONTEVERDE COSTA RICA FAMOUS

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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.

WHAT IS MONTEVERDE COSTA RICA KNOWN FOR

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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.

CAN YOU STUDY ABROAD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

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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.

WHAT IS DIVERSITY IN MONTEVERDE LIKE

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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.

Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

environmental abroad programs monteverde costa rica

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:

  1. Search for and apply to your dream program
  2. Review all available funding opportunities
  3. Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application

environmental science study abroad program monteverde

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. 

VIEW OUR SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

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Monteverde Study Abroad Reviews

  • "I love this program. We travelled a lot and got to see a huge portion of the Pacific coast. It was a really rigorous program that helped me get some courses done for my degree."

    Madeline B., SUNY at Fredonia
  • "It was an amazing experience that I don't think many people at my school know about. It was great for people interested in academics, adventure, community, and nature."

    Elizabeth H., Macalester College
  • "Great experiences for a low cost with wonderful professors."

    Elizabeth W., University of Virginia
  • "CIEE does a great job of the organization of the program activities, as well as the education itself was very good quality."

    Bryan M., Tarrant County College District
  • "It gives you a different perspective which is a critical experience for a human being."

    Eloisa Noreen J., Gustavus Adolphus College