January in Monteverde
Unique Experiences
Learn how eco-tourism
has environmental, social, and economic impacts on a community
Live in a rural mountain community
surrounded by friendly Costa Ricans who will teach you how to live a more sustainable lifestyle
Visit the Cloud Forest
where mosses and orchids dripping with mist decorate the boughs of gnarly trees
Your Destination
Monteverde is Costa Rica’s lush mountain town, celebrated for its cool, misty winter climate and deep-rooted cultural and ecological heritage. January is the perfect time to experience the cloud forest in full bloom while exploring local traditions, vibrant markets, and breathtaking natural reserves like the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Whether you are majoring in environmental science, sustainability, biology, liberal arts, or Spanish, Monteverde is the perfect place to study abroad on winter break.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses that align with your academic major.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Monteverde will open doors for you to explore Costa Rica's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Take a day trip to a local, sustainable farm to enjoy a meal of 100% organically grown food direct from the fields
- Hike under the dripping boughs of the Cloud Forest to observe colorful plants and animals
- Exploring indoor and outdoor areas that access forest trails and gardens for recreation, self-exploration, and co-curricular activities
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Costa Rica Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide
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Looking ahead to 2019
A group of lucky students will start the New Year in Costa Rica, as participants in the CIEE January Term in Monteverde. Here are some of the special things that... keep reading
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
CIEE Monteverde: Study in the beautiful town of San Luis in Costa Rica’s Puntarenas Province, surrounded by lush forests and beautiful coffee farms. CIEE Monteverde is fully equipped with three classrooms, a student lounge, a library, a student life office, and an academic advising office.
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 | Fees & Housing $3,950 |
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.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $2,570 ** |
| Housing | $1,000 *** |
| Insurance | $80 |
| Total Fees | $3,950 |
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.
| International Airfare | $700 † |
| Local Transportation | $50 |
| Personal expenses | $137 †† |
| Total Costs | $887 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***includes all meals
†round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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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