Ecology + Sustainability
Your Ecology + Sustainability program in Monteverde lasts 12 weeks and is designed for you to engage with the world's most pressing environmental challenges in a local context. You will enroll in a combination of sustainability- and discipline-focused CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, to develop your understanding of the ecological, social, economic, and political contexts of environmental sustainability in Monteverde. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability and the environment. Live and learn in Monteverde!
Unique Experiences
EXPERIENCE THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE IN MONTEVERDE
AND WITNESS THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF BOTH THE CARIBBEAN SLOPE AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN
ENJOY NIGHT WALKS THROUGH THE CLOUD FOREST
TO DISCOVER THE NOCTURNAL WONDERS, FROM GLOWING FUNGI TO ELUSIVE WILDLIFE
CONDUCT YOUR OWN RESEARCH PROJECT IN TROPICAL ECOLOGY
IN A HIGHLY BIODIVERSE REGION WHILE GAINING PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Your Destination
Monteverde is Costa Rica’s renowned ecological haven, celebrated for its rich biodiversity, pioneering conservation efforts, and commitment to sustainability. The town seamlessly integrates scientific research with eco-tourism, featuring iconic landmarks like the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Butterfly Gardens, and the stunning hanging bridges. With a tropical highland climate, diverse ecosystems, and a strong emphasis on reforestation and renewable energy, Monteverde provides an inspiring environment for students. Whether you are majoring in environmental science, sustainability, ecology, conservation biology, or tourism management, Monteverde is an ideal destination to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of theoretical and practical Ecology and Sustainability courses that explore today's pressing environmental issues.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities and volunteer work on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and more while applying real-life solutions to challenges in the fields of energy, waste management, and conservation.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to connect with local leaders on environmental protection projects.
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, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Enjoy a coffee tour at a sustainable farm, exploring eco-friendly production, its impact on local families, and tasting a fresh-brewed cup
- Zipline through the lush Costa Rican canopy and learn about the role of ecotourism in the country's economy
- Visit El Tigre Waterfalls, where you will hike amazing trails with the backdrop of seven waterfalls and horseback ride with stunning views
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are 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.
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Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Monteverde offers a comfortable home away from home. 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
Shared room with bunkbeds (three to four students) on-campus located under 15 minutes from the main campus area, where the dining hall and classrooms are located.
Meals
All students receive three meals per day. Accommodations for vegan and vegetarian diets are available.
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.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Ecology + Sustainability program offers a rich curriculum that investigates the vital links between ecology, sustainability, and environmental policy. Students will explore diverse topics like energy solutions, ecosystem resilience, and the role of social justice in environmental action. With a focus on both theoretical and practical application, these courses provide students with the essential knowledge and multidisciplinary insights to confront the urgent environmental challenges facing our world today.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | ASU Courses (online) |
|---|---|
Principles of Ecology Global Change and The Environment Global Environmental Policy Sustainable Tourism | Systems Thinking Sustainable Ecosystems Basic Energy Science |
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
- Principles of Ecology
- Global Change and the Environment
- Global Environmental Policy
- Sustainable Tourism
- Nature Photography, Social Media, and Environmental Engagement
- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
- Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
- Animal Behavior (Lab Course)
- Coffee Cultivation, Commerce and Culture
- Internship Seminar
- Service-Learning Project
- Directed Independent Research
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.
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 Spring 2026 13 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.
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
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
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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