1. Go Abroad
  2. College Study Abroad
  3. Study Abroad Programs
  4. January in Monteverde
Monteverde
Monteverde, Costa Rica

January in Monteverde

Study Program

Dates

-

3 weeks

Credit

3 semester hours

4.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your January in Monteverde program lasts three weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in one CIEE course taught at CIEE Monteverde. Enhance your experience with extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Spanish culture. Live and learn 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

Experience
  • students abroad monteverde binoculars bridge

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.

students fish with nets river monteverde

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.
cloud forest student group abroad

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
From CIEE

Costa Rica Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If you're considering Costa Rica study abroad, you're in for a treat! This paradise, known for its “pura vida” lifestyle, offers the perfect blend of adventure and academics. With stunning... keep reading

best costa rica study abroad programs
From CIEE

8 Best Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Dreaming of palm trees, pristine beaches, and endless adventure? Costa Rica study abroad might be exactly what you’ve been looking for! Known for its incredible biodiversity, "pura vida" lifestyle, and... keep reading

Photo for blog post
From CIEE

Looking ahead to 2019

By Karen Masters at CIEE

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

What People are Saying

  • "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

  • "I thought the program was a great experience. I learned a lot from the teachers and TA's and had a great cultural experience!"

    Madison M., Dickinson College

  • "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

  • "It gives you a different perspective which is a critical experience for a human being."

    Eloisa Noreen J., Gustavus Adolphus College

Housing

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.

ciee bedroom dorm monteverde
ciee monteverde dorm bathroom
ciee monteverde living room
ciee monteverde kitchen cooking food
Academics

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. 

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students take a 3-credit CIEE course.
 

Program Credit

Total credit: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits

Course Credit

CIEE course: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

The program is made up of three weeks of classes, designed to follow U.S. academic culture. Each course is a full semester in content, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lectures and discussions with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. Class attendance is strictly enforced for both classes and required co-curricular excursions that are scheduled on Saturdays. There is no time for weekend travel and students are strongly encouraged to spend evenings and Sundays taking part in extra-curricular activities to practice the language and learn about the local culture.
 

Class Format

Courses taught at CIEE Monteverde are for CIEE students only. Courses are taught Monday – Saturday and attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas. 

Grading

Assessment is based on the individual’s overall performance in the course, including quizzes, exams, essays, oral presentations, deliverables, plus participation in classes, including outings.  Students must check with their professors to find out exam and project presentation dates.  Under no circumstances will CIEE alter deadlines or exam dates for study abroad students who have made conflicting travel plans. The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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

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.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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.

See Scholarships

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

Staff

Our Staff

pablo-allen

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

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

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 Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

Apply Now

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.

Contact Us

You might also like

Monteverde
  • Monteverde, Costa Rica

Ecology + Sustainability

  • 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
  • Monteverde, Costa Rica

Semester Global Internship

  • Full-Time Internship

Your CIEE Semester Global Internship program in Monteverde lasts 12 weeks and features three key components.

monteverde-campus-aerial
  • Monteverde, Costa Rica

Semester in Monteverde

  • 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.

See All Programs
Request Info