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CIEE Summer Sustainability/Environment  in Monteverde, CR

by: CIEE College Study Abroad

4.7 (10)VerifiedSince 1947

Your Summer Sustainability + The Environment program in Monteverde lasts 6 weeks (or up to 12 weeks). You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Costa Rican culture. Live and learn in Monteverde! 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 is the perfect place to study abroad.

Program Highlights

Learn from Costa Rican farmers who maintain crops, improve their soils, and have high productivity with natural and climate-smart practices.

Live in a rural mountain community surrounded by a tropical cloud forest and friendly Costa Ricans.

See up close how alternative energy makes Costa Rica largely independent of fossil fuels.

Explore indoor and outdoor areas with access to forest trails and gardens for recreation, self-exploration, and co-curricular activities.

Optional weekend at a homestay where students can live with a local family in Monteverde and immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Monteverde, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027Terms Available:
  • Summer
Age Requirement: All Ages
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Agriculture
  • Biology
  • Communications
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Hospitality
  • Marketing, Advertising, & PR
  • Sustainable Development
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
See all program details
Last Updated: Apr 07, 2026

Awards

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist -	Student VideoTop Rated Notable Mentions 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.7

Total Reviews

10

A beautiful location

June 21, 2023by: Helen F.
5

I would recommend this campus because it is green and lush and beautiful. The library is a great place to relax and learn and let your mind be creative. The kitchen staff are the kindest people. The front desk people are supportive and patient.

This program is great

January 29, 2020by: Raven T.
5

This program is a great package deal since virtually everything is included. I would recommend it over trying to plan your own trip because the food, the lodging, and the wonderful field trips were all expertly chosen by locals. All the staff are friendly and helpful whenever anything is needed.

Great staff, planning, experiential learning,…

January 24, 2020by: Jessica P.
4

Great staff, planning, experiential learning, immersion, location here in Monteverde, commitment to sustainability principles and care from instructors. Schedule allows us to take advantage of class and free time and get to know the area. Academic while being holistic.

I would recommend CIEE

January 18, 2020by: Franchesca C. - United States
4

I would recommend CIEE study abroad to a friend or peer because the experience helped me grow as an individual. I also enjoyed my summer with wonderful students, inspiring professors, all while obtaining college credit.

My experience was jam packed…

January 15, 2020by: Allison I. - United States
5

My experience was jam packed with lectures, excursions, but also so much adventure and outings. Although we had a lot of time focused on lectures/projects, I was still able to fit in plenty of time to do fun activities. I love the staff here, and they do such a great job putting everything together to make it smooth sailing for everyone. I really appreciate the balance of guidance and freedom, and I honestly wouldn't want this experience any different in any way.

Great staff

April 28, 2019by: Imani V. - United States
4

Great staff, planning, experiential learning, immersion, location here in Monteverde, commitment to sustainability principles and care from instructors. Schedule allows us to take advantage of class and free time and get to know the area. Academic while being holistic.

Everything is included

April 28, 2019by: Jamya R. - United States
5

This program is a great package deal since virtually everything is included. I would recommend it over trying to plan your own trip because the food, the lodging, and the wonderful field trips were all expertly chosen by locals. All the staff are friendly and helpful whenever anything is needed.

Fun program

April 28, 2019by: Sara E. - United States
5

My experience was jam-packed with lectures, excursions, but also so much adventure and outings. Although we had a lot of time focused on lectures/projects, I was still able to fit in plenty of time to do fun activities. I love the staff here, and they do such a great job putting everything together to make it smooth sailing for everyone. I really appreciate the balance of guidance and freedom, and I honestly wouldn't want this experience any different in any way.

Life changing

February 16, 2017by: MTVkitty - United States
5

This program focused on policy. It was exactly what I had hoped for and the experience life changing. The program sheaf were wonderful and supportive as well as knowledgeable. Their passion for what they do is evident. Because of Costa Rica, I found my direction. The people and culture were amazing!

amazed how big the trees are here

Summer 2016 semester

December 20, 2016by: Tori Buzz - United States
5

I have not travelled outside the United States before and Costa Rica was the best place to begin. Not only was did I feel safe, I enjoyed every moment I was there. The staff was truly amazing and I could not have asked for anything better. They really cared about the students and made sure we were learning and having fun at the same time. The course itself was a bit challenging but learning the material was fun and very informative. I learned a lot about subject we were studying and was able to bring that knowledge home with me and live a more sustainable lifestyle. I am happy that I study abroad and wouldn't change anything about it.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Monteverde, Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Agriculture
  • Biology
  • Communications
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Hospitality
  • Marketing, Advertising, & PR
  • Sustainable Development
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Terms Available:
  • Summer

Age Requirement

Open to All Ages

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • American

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Some Program Activity Costs
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Emergency Support
  • Medical / Accident Insurance
  • Travel Insurance
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Academic Credit
  • Internship Placement

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • University Freshman (1st Year)
    • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
    • University Junior (3rd Year)
    • University Senior (4th Year)
    • University 5th Year or More

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application
    CIEE College Study Abroad

    CIEE College Study Abroad

    4.7Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    Your Summer Sustainability + The Environment program in Monteverde lasts 6 weeks (or up to 12 weeks). You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Costa Rican culture. Live and learn in Monteverde! 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 emp...

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