Study Abroad in Costa Rica
Explore Costa Rica with CIEE
When you study abroad in Costa Rica, you can explore the incredible nature and unparalleled biodiversity of this Central American country. A biologist’s paradise, Monteverde, Costa Rica is home to over 2,500 species of plants, 60 species of amphibians, 100 species of mammals, and 450 bird species.
Live in a biological paradise surrounded by the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and explore Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems through extensive travel and field study. Gain hands-on experience through an independent research project and participate in field trips, including a visit to Panama to observe marine diversity in the coral reefs off the Bocas del Toro Islands.
While abroad, students may enhance their academic experience by completing a full- or part-time internship in Costa Rica. This unique opportunity allows students to gain real-world international work experience, expand their professional networks, and develop valuable skills that complement their studies. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, manufacturing, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Whether you want to learn Spanish, go camping, hiking, snorkeling, or live in a homestay with a local family, study abroad in Costa Rica and experience something new every day.
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
- 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.
Costa Rica Study Abroad Blog
My Experience Hiking the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
By: Lesleigh Taylor If you ever find yourself in the heart of Monteverde, a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve should be at the top of your list. Nestled... keep reading
Happy Earth Day: Today and Every Day
Happy Earth Day! Every April 22, this global event comes around to remind us how precious our planet is, what sustainable efforts we can make to protect Earth, and that... keep reading
Top 5 Spanish Study Abroad Programs for the Summer
Summer school hasn’t always sounded the most appealing. But you’re probably thinking about it the old way: Stuck in a boring classroom while wishing you were doing anything else. Think... keep reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Bordered by the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is best known for its beaches, biodiversity, and spectacular national parks, making it one of the best study abroad destinations for adventurous, nature-oriented students. When you study abroad in Costa Rica, you’ll experience lush jungles, exciting outdoor activities, Spanish language, and so much more!
One of the best places to study abroad in Costa Rica, Monteverde is a good place to study abroad for students interested in environmentalism and conservation. With one of the world’s most impressive coastlines, homestay and internship opportunities, and Spanish language immersion, Costa Rica is a good place to study abroad for students looking for adventure in Latin America.
With tropical, warm weather year-round, students studying abroad in Costa Rica should consider packing any of the following items: raincoat, sunglasses, casual clothing, comfortable shoes, flip flops, hiking boots, a reusable water bottle, hats, and swimwear. We encourage students to pack items that will make them most comfortable while studying abroad.
The cost of studying abroad in Cost Rica varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Costa Rica study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
CIEE offers several Costa Rica Summer study abroad programs, including:
- Summer Sustainability + The Environment
- Summer Tropical Ecology + Conservation
- Summer Global Internship
Check out our full list of Costa Rica study abroad programs.
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Costa Rica 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!
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