Study Abroad in Monteverde
College Study Abroad
Explore Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde plays host to Costa Rica’s treasured Cloud Forest Reserve, where a staggering number of species – including pumas, monkeys, quetzal, and the endangered three-wattled bellbird – are readily on display, proving the perfect location for studies in sustainability, ecology, and conservation.
When you study abroad in Monteverde, you’ll experience one of the best places to study abroad for environmental science in a warm and tropical climate. With iconic wildlife, from scarlet macaws and tree frogs to howler monkeys and sloths, Monteverde is home to lush jungles and exotic wildlife, making this the perfect location for students interested in environmental health study abroad programs.
While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Monteverde, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Monteverde
Every CIEE semester program has frequent study tours and cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Monteverde, past study tours and excursions have included:
- Exploring the lush rainforest of the La Selva Biological Station, in the Caribbean lowlands
- Traveling to the Guanacaste region, famous for its rare seasonally-dry forest
- Visiting the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, world-renowned for its conservation history an amazing cloud forest
- Taking guided tours of organic coffee and tree plantations
- Hiking close to the active Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
If you’re a student looking to enjoy an exciting study abroad program in sustainability, ecology, and environmental science, CIEE’s tours and excursions allow you to do just that! These tours and excursions help you learn Spanish in Costa Rica, explore Monteverde’s small, international community, and marvel at Monteverde’s biodiversity.
About the Center
Located in the beautiful town of San Luis in Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province, the CIEE Monteverde campus is surrounded by lush forests and the Pacific coast. The Center is fully equipped with four classrooms, a student lounge, a library, a student life office, an academic advising office, and complimentary WiFi, computers, and printer access.
CIEE Monteverde boasts one of the most unique Centers in all of CIEE, set on 60 hectares (nearly 150 acres!) of rainforest and farmland. Students can expect plenty of outdoor time and access to many common areas to promote experiential and traditional learning.
Where Students Study
CIEE Monteverde
CIEE Monteverde is located in San Luis surrounded by lush forests and the Pacific coast.
Internships & Volunteering
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer. For students looking to intern in Monteverde, they may have the opportunity to intern with a local leader and apply the principles of conservation and sustainability to real-life situations.
For students interested in volunteering in Costa Rica, they may have opportunities to volunteer at local environmental organizations, farms, schools, and more.
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 Monteverde
- 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
Currency
Costa Rican Colón
Spoken Languages
Spanish
Available Transportation
Car, van
Famous Local
Jonathan Moya – footballer who plays as a forward for Liga Deportiva Alajuelense
Climate
Warm year-round with temperatures between 63°F and 81°F
Local Attraction
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – nearly 9,000 acres of forest featuring hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects, arachnids, and plants
Did You Know?
Costa Rica is home to more than 9,000 species of plants
Airport
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Social Norms
Removing floral or fauna from beaches and tropical areas is both shunned upon and illegal
What to Pack
Backpack, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellant, binoculars
Frequently Asked Questions
Known as one of the top destinations for ecotourism, Monteverde, Costa Rica is famous for its lush forests, biodiversity, and impressive Cloud Forest. Nestled in the Puntarenas Province, Monteverde is home to over 100 species of mammals, 160 species of reptiles and amphibians, and over 400 species of birds.
Monteverde is primarily known for its Cloud Forest, but has a variety of other attractions from coffee and eco tours to zip lining and bungee jumping. Monteverde is a great study abroad destination for students looking for an adventurous program centered around environmental science.
Yes! Students can absolutely study abroad for environmental science in Monteverde through one of CIEE’s semester, summer, or year-long study abroad programs in Costa Rica. To get started, students should explore CIEE’s program offerings, start an application, and connect with their study abroad office.
A Costa Rican reserve, Monteverde’s Cloud Forest draws roughly 70,000 visitors each year to Latin America due to it’s unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife. This destination presents a low-hanging misty fog that hovers over the forest, providing essential moisture to the wildlife below.
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Monteverde.
For more detailed information on diversity in Monteverde, visit our Diversity in Monteverde page.
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Monteverde 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!
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Monteverde. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Monteverde to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
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