January in Monteverde
Unique Experiences
LEARN HOW ECO-TOURISM
can bring more than new people to a community. As a student, you’ll explore the environmental, economic, and social impacts of this powerful force, and come away a more enlightened traveler in the process!
LIVE IN A RURAL MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY
surrounded by friendly Costa Ricans who will teach you how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, while you gain new professional skills
VISIT THE CLOUD FOREST
where mosses and orchids dripping with mist decorate the boughs of gnarly trees and brightly colored birds dart through the fog for fruits. This resource is critical not only for the economy of Monteverde but also for the hundreds of plants and animals that call this wet world home.
4,600
FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL, ON THE TOP OF THE TILARAN MOUNTAINS
400
SPECIES OF BIRDS
250K
ANNUAL TOURISTS
Your Destination
Located in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, Monteverde lies along the continental divide at the crest of the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain chain, which is blanketed by a cool, wet cloud forest extending down into the Atlantic lowlands. The cloud forest provides a striking contrast to the deciduous forest on the Pacific side.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was founded in 1972 to protect the entire ridge above Monteverde and down into the Peñas Blancas Valley. As a result of its unique history and geography, Monteverde is home to exotic flora, fauna, wildlife, and sustainability projects, including agriculture, energy production, water conservation, forest management, and biodiversity conservation.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
Excursions and activities may include:
- Hiking under the dripping boughs of the cloud forest to observe colorful plants and animals. Insiders will tell you how these protected areas both conserve biodiversity and contribute to the economy.
- Visiting local businesses involved with tourism to learn from residents about their opinions on the pros and cons of tourism development.
- Taking a day trip to a local, sustainable farm to enjoy a meal of 100% organically grown food direct from the fields.
- Exploring and experiencing the power of renewable energies – including solar, wind, and hydropower – operating at large and small scales to gain insight into how and why Costa Rica is an international leader in the carbon-neutral movement.
- Exploring indoor and outdoor areas that access forest trails and gardens for recreation, self-exploration, and co-curricular activities.
Program Blogs
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HOUSING & MEALS
HOUSING
Dorms: Whether on or off-campus, students live in dormitories surrounded by the Monteverde Cloud Forest in double, triple, or quad rooms shared with other CIEE students. Rooms feature shared or en-suite bathrooms, shared desks, and shared closets.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
MEALS
All students receive three meals per day. Accommodation for vegan and vegetarian diets is possible.
Academics
The January in Monteverde program is an intensive introduction to environmental issues facing many tropical, developing nations. Emphasis is on how to protect the environment using different tools and strategies. Courses are taught by qualified instructors of CIEE Monteverde.
CIEE Monteverde is located in an area that includes forest and farms against a backdrop of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Facilities include classrooms, residence halls, and recreational areas in a natural setting. There are wet and dry laboratories, an herbarium, plus organic gardens to support a wide array of STEM studies and research opportunities. An extensive trail system through forest and fields, links classrooms to a botanical garden, animal stables, and coffee and vegetable production areas.
Course Information
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program January 2026 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date |
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500. January 2020 programs in Latin America are not eligible for CIEE Scholarships and Grants.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Pablo Allen
Center Director
Pablo is a native Costa Rican, born and raised in San José. He is an evolutionary ecologist interested in sexual selection, animal weapons, and phenotypic plasticity. Since rejoining CIEE in...
Jessica Arias
Academic Director
Jessica has a Ph.D. on Agricultural Science from the University of Costa Rica. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Ecotourism and a master's degree in Sustainable Development, with a concentration in...
Jose Carlos Calderon
Student Life Manager
"Moncho" earned his bachelor's degree in Biology at the University of Costa Rica with a specialization in bats. He has worked for CIEE Monteverde for more than 10 years as...
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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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.