Summer Global Internship
Unique Experiences
LEARN FROM COSTA RICAN ECO-ENTREPENEURS
who are forward-thinking in their climate-smart practices that are developing green businesses in Monteverde
LIVE IN A RURAL MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY
surrounded by a tropical cloud forest and friendly Costa Ricans
PUT NEW SKILLS INTO PRACTICE
as you complete your internship program that gives you an in-depth look at sustainable development in the tropics
The Destination
Monteverde lies along the continental divide at the crest of the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain chain in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, which is blanketed by the cool and wet Cloud Forest extending 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 established 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 a stunning home to exotic flora, fauna, and wildlife and sustainability projects, including agriculture, energy production, water conservation, forest management, and biodiversity conservation.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Monteverde.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Visit natural destinations, such as national parks or reserves, to experience Costa Rica’s biodiversity and natural beauty.
- Rise with the sun for birding tours or farm chores and experiencing biodiversity after the sun goes down with a guided night hike in the forest.
- Explore indoor and outdoor areas with access to forest trails and gardens for recreation, self-exploration, and co-curricular activities.
- Visit local businesses involved with tourism and learn from residents about their opinions on the good, the bad, and all the rest of tourism development.
Program Blogs
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Study Abroad in Latin America: The Ultimate Guide
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HOUSING & MEALS
Housing
CIEE Monteverde offers dormitory housing to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home
Standard Housing: Whether on or off-campus, students live in dormitories surrounded by the Cloud Forest in double-, triple-, or quad rooms shared with other CIEE students. Rooms have shared or ensuite bathrooms, shared desks, and shared closets.
Meals
All students receive three simple but hearty meals per day. Accommodation for vegan and vegetarian diets is available.
Transportation
Commute time from housing location to internship will vary depending on the location of the internship provider.
Academics
As a global intern in Monteverde, you’ll work in a non-paying position within a range of opportunities across a diverse set of innovative businesses focused on sustainable practices, climate change mitigation, or conservation and take an integrated academic course. Internship opportunities will include research options on themes regarding conservation, carbon storage, climate change, and other related research-driven fields. Extra-curricular and cultural activities in and around the Monteverde region complement your internship and coursework.
Research opportunities may include monitoring long-term forest regeneration plots to assess carbon storage rates or how the effects of climate change can be measured. Furthermore, students can research the effectiveness of regenerative grazing to determine its importance in lowering the ecological footprint of livestock.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
These industries are representative of the sectors you'll choose from during your CIEE Study Abroad internship program.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Manufacturing
Study global supply chains, production technologies, and international business strategies in England, Singapore, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Summer 2025 Internships
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Company Industry
Education and Training
Job TypeEnvironmental/Sustainability
-
Company Industry
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Job TypeCommunication
-
Company Industry
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Job TypeEnvironmental/Sustainability
-
Company Industry
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Job TypeAgriculture
-
Company Industry
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Job TypeHealthcare
-
Company Industry
Hospitality and Tourism
Job TypeEnvironmental/Sustainability
-
Company Industry
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Job TypeScience
-
Company Industry
Education and Training
Job TypeEnvironmental/Sustainability
-
Company Industry
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Job TypeEnvironmental/Sustainability
-
Company Industry
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Job TypeBusiness - General
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Company Industry
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Job TypeEnvironmental/Sustainability
-
Company Industry
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Job TypeMarketing - Digital
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Course Information
Summer Session II 2024
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:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- CIEE Stem Scholarship
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.
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.
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 = $1,995**
Housing = $2,500***
Insurance = $200
Total Fees = $4,995Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $0†
International Airfare = $650
Local Transportation = $100
Books & Supplies = $50
Personal expenses = $170††
Total Costs = $970Financial 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.
*non-refundable
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†All meals are included
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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 = $4,453
Housing = $2,500
Insurance = $197
Total Fees = $7,450Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $0†
International Airfare = $650
Local Transportation = $100
Books & Supplies = $50
Personal expenses = $170
Total Costs = $970Financial 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.
*non-refundable
†All meals are included
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 an evolutionary ecologist interested in sexual selection, animal weapons, and phenotypic plasticity. Since rejoining CIEE...
Jessica Arias
Academic Director
Jessica has a PhD on Agricultural Science from the University of Costa Rica. She earned a BSc. in Ecotourism and an MSc. in Sustainable Development, with a concentration in Conservation of...
Jose Carlos Calderon
Student Life Manager
"Moncho" earned his BSc in Biology at the University of Costa Rica with a specialization in bats. He has worked for CIEE Monteverde for over 10 years as Assistant Instructor...
Get Started
1
Utilize the Internship Search Tool
Search our catalog of internship opportunities to view the placements that align best with your academic and professional goals.
2
Start a Program Application
You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!
3
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
4
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Email us if you have questions or need help applying to this program. Upon your acceptance, you'll speak with on-site CIEE staff about your internship goals. CIEE will reach out to companies that align with your goals, interests, and qualifications.
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