mountains in costa rica with sunset and jungle

Study Abroad in Costa Rica

Click to scroll down and read more

costa rica study abroad

Explore Costa Rica and join in on rural site visits, Spanish classes, and a homestay.

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.

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
  • Monteverde, Costa Rica
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

Gain new skills and abilities while living in one of the few ecosystems of a Tropical Cloud Forest.

Program Interests
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Small City
Monteverde
  • Monteverde, Costa Rica
  • Study Program

Grab your hiking boots and get ready to spend January in this progressive mountain community.

Program Interests
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Small City
sunset monteverde costa rica
  • Monteverde, Costa Rica
  • Study Program

Monteverde the place to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most astonishing biodiversity.

Program Interests
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Small City
study abroad monteverde backpacking jungle bridge
  • Study Program

Your classroom? Cloud forest treetops, sandy beaches, lush rain forests

Program Interests
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Small City
monteverde birds flying
  • 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.

Program Interests
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Small City
red bridge monteverde rain forest
  • Study Program

Dig into today’s pressing environmental issues while living on the edge of the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Program Interests
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Small City
mountains sunset monteverde costa rica
  • Monteverde, Costa Rica
  • Study Program
  • Multi-Location Offering
  • Part-Time Internship

Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Monteverde, then study in two other countries in one term.

Program Interests
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Small City

Study Abroad in Costa Rica Reviews

  • "Great experience; Trips were extremely fun and informative; Staff was really nice and helpful; Also, Costa Rica is a beautiful country with great people."

    Fayoni O., George Washington University

  • "I felt CIEE did a very good job responding well to pandemic restrictions and safety, while still maintaining many parts of the normal study abroad experience. I also appreciate the fact that they employ all or mostly academics, program coordinators, and staff from the country of study."

    Sylvie M., Indiana University-Bloomington

  • "I've studied abroad many times and the support and personal care CIEE has provided me ranks it as my best experience abroad."

    Emily F., Western Kentucky University

  • "The process of applying to arriving on campus was simple. CIEE provided aid through the entire process, making the transition more enjoyable!"

    Caela F., Ursinus College

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.

Discover More in Monteverde

@ciee_monteverde on Instagram