Sustainability + the Environment
Unique Experiences
EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES
and learn about how they impact communities and biodiversity
INTERN WITH A LOCAL LEADER
and apply the principles of conservation and sustainability to real-life situations
3,021
species of plants and trees
7
Natural Wonders of Costa Rica including the Monteverde Cloud Forest
6,700
inhabitants
The 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 a stunning home to exotic flora, fauna, and wildlife and sustainability projects including agriculture, energy production, water conservation, forest management, and biodiversity conservation.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
- Immersing yourself in the steamy jungle of the Lowland Rainforest.
- Rising 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.
- Meet local people and business owners to get a firsthand look at a range of environmental protection projects.
- Earn work experience as an intern in a local organization or company.
- Indoor and outdoor areas with access to forest trails and gardens for recreation, self-exploration and co-curricular activities.
- Optional weekend at a home stay where students can live with a local family in Monteverde and immerse themselves in the Costa Rican culture.
Program Blogs
Happy Earth Day: Today and Every Day
Happy Earth Day! Every April 22, this global event comes around to remind us how precious our planet is, what sustainable efforts we can make to protect Earth, and that... keep reading
Costa Rica vs. Argentina: Which is Better for Study Abroad?
Imagine yourself sipping mate in a bustling Buenos Aires café or lounging peacefully in a hammock overlooking Costa Rica's lush rainforests. These contrasting scenes represent just a glimpse of the... keep reading
Top 10 Study Abroad Volunteer Opportunities with CIEE
Have you ever wondered if you could volunteer abroad? Perhaps you're looking into study abroad programs that provide international volunteer opportunities. If you’re itching to study abroad and truly make... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Monteverde students live in on-campus residence halls surrounded by the Cloud Forest in triple or quad rooms shared with other CIEE students. Rooms have shared or ensuite bathrooms, shared desks, and shared closets.
Standard Housing: Includes a shared room with bunkbeds (occupancy: three to four students) on campus located under 15 minutes from the main campus area, where the dining hall and classrooms are located.
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. Accommodations for vegan and vegetarian diets are available.
Academics
This program is designed for energetic, outdoorsy students who are committed to fully immersing in academics, local culture, and nature. Successful students are those committed to working hard, playing hard, and expanding their comfort zone. Students participants learn in the classroom and field, and travel within Costa Rica to places that most visitors never see. You are rewarded with unique and life-changing experiences, new knowledge and skills, and inspiration to carry the sustainability movement forward.
There is a wet laboratory, an herbarium, plus organic gardens to support a wide array of STEM studies and internship 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
All students take a Spanish Language class, at an appropriate level (as determined by a placement evaluation) from the list below. Students will automatically be enrolled in a Language Course Placeholder. Students will take a language assessment on the first day of Spanish class, to ensure appropriate placement and success in language classes, from the list below.
Academic Projects
Biological and Physical Sciences
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Languages and Cultural Studies
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.
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
Monteverde provides an engaging work environment focused on sustainable agriculture, conservation, ecotourism, and community initiatives. Most jobs promote environmental stewardship and biodiversity while offering a unique experience within a small, multicultural community nestled in the Costa Rican cloud forest.
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.
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.
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
- Ritzmann Tropical and Marine Ecology Scholarships
- 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.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2025 16 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $19,950 | |
| Program Spring 2026 16 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
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 | $15,956 ** |
| Housing | $3,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $19,950 |
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 | $200 |
| Personal expenses | $230 †† |
| Total Costs | $1,130 |
*non-refundable fee
**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.
†round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
††$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.
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
Meals
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 CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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