Study Abroad in Costa Rica
Explore Costa Rica and join in on rural site visits, Spanish classes, and a homestay.
When you study abroad in Costa Rica, you can explore the incredible nature and unparalleled biodiversity of this Central American country. A biologist’s paradise, Monteverde, Costa Rica is home to over 2,500 species of plants, 60 species of amphibians, 100 species of mammals, and 450 bird species.
Live in a biological paradise surrounded by the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and explore Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems through extensive travel and field study. Gain hands-on experience through an independent research project and participate in field trips, including a visit to Panama to observe marine diversity in the coral reefs off the Bocas del Toro Islands.
While abroad, students may enhance their academic experience by completing a full- or part-time internship in Costa Rica. This unique opportunity allows students to gain real-world international work experience, expand their professional networks, and develop valuable skills that complement their studies. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, manufacturing, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Whether you want to learn Spanish, go camping, hiking, snorkeling, or live in a homestay with a local family, study abroad in Costa Rica and experience something new every day.
New Programs Coming Soon!
- Engineering, Technology, and Science – Coming Fall 2025
- Semester in Monteverde – Coming Fall 2025
- Intern + Study Abroad – Coming Summer 2025
Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Gain new skills and abilities while living in a rare example of a Tropical Cloud Forest ecosystem.
- Small City
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
Grab your hiking boots and get ready to spend January in this progressive mountain community.
- Small City
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
Dig into today’s pressing environmental issues while living on the edge of the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest.
- ASU Courses
- Small City
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
Your classroom? Cloud forest treetops, sandy beaches, lush rain forests
- Small City
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Monteverde the place to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most astonishing biodiversity.
- Small City
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
Wake up to the sound of howler monkeys at a unique biological station, on the doorstep of the 57,000-acre Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
- Small City
- Study Program
Grab your hiking boots and get ready to spend your summer in the progressive mountain community of San Luis de Monteverde, where the region's breathtaking natural scenery will surround and astound you!
- Small City
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Monteverde, then study in two other countries in one term.
- ASU Courses
- Small City
Costa Rica Study Abroad Blog
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8 Best Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
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
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Olá! ¡Hola! Torn between learning Portuguese vs. Spanish while studying abroad? You're not alone. These two languages are like siblings – similar in some ways, totally different in others. Whether... keep reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Bordered by the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is best known for its beaches, biodiversity, and spectacular national parks, making it one of the best study abroad destinations for adventurous, nature-oriented students. When you study abroad in Costa Rica, you’ll experience lush jungles, exciting outdoor activities, Spanish language, and so much more!
One of the best places to study abroad in Costa Rica, Monteverde is a good place to study abroad for students interested in environmentalism and conservation. With one of the world’s most impressive coastlines, homestay and internship opportunities, and Spanish language immersion, Costa Rica is a good place to study abroad for students looking for adventure in Latin America.
With tropical, warm weather year-round, students studying abroad in Costa Rica should consider packing any of the following items: raincoat, sunglasses, casual clothing, comfortable shoes, flip flops, hiking boots, a reusable water bottle, hats, and swimwear. We encourage students to pack items that will make them most comfortable while studying abroad.
The cost of studying abroad in Cost Rica varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Costa Rica study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
CIEE offers several Costa Rica Summer study abroad programs, including:
- Summer Sustainability + The Environment
- Summer Tropical Ecology + Conservation
- Summer Global Internship
Check out our full list of Costa Rica study abroad programs.
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Costa Rica with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
