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Study Abroad Programs in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Monteverde — a kaleidoscope of biodiversity from flora to fauna thrives in its cloud forests. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserves boasts 26,000 acres, 70,000 visitors a year, and one of the seven natural wonders of Costa Rica. The outdoors will be your classroom here by exploring the environment and learning about how the communities balance sustainability and tourism. Plus, you’ll have opportunities to intern or volunteer here along with your studies, which will be a shining jewel on your resume. Study abroad in Monteverde to experience an educational adventure every day!
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20 Monteverde, Costa Rica Study Abroad Programs

CIEE College Study Abroad

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CIEE Tropical Ecology + Conservation in Costa Rica

Explore the high biodiversity of the tropical cloud forest of Monteverde, where conservation initiatives, environmental education, ecotourism, and the local community live together to preserve this unique place threatened by climate change. Students interested in environmental and natural sciences will learn valuable skills through hands-on experience courses. The high biodiversity of the tropics comes with the ecological processes that shape tropical communities and affect how human activities harm the environment. Students may also learn Spanish and interact with the local community in their native language. During the last weeks of the program, students carry out independent research projects where they apply the knowledge gained through the program courses.

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CIEE High School Grads Abroad

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CIEE College First Year Abroad in Monteverde

Your First Year Abroad program in Monteverde lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (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 lush cloud forest region, alive with wildlife and adventure at every turn. Spend 12 weeks ziplining through misty treetops, exploring hanging bridges in the rainforest, and visiting local coffee farms to taste the freshest brews straight from the source. Whether you’re studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Monteverde is the perfect place to study abroad.

Projects Abroad

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Summer Abroad in Costa Rica

Spend Your Summer Abroad in Costa Rica's Cloud Forests! Embark on an unforgettable four-week journey of discovery in Costa Rica! This program combines hands-on conservation efforts with intensive Spanish language courses and cultural immersion, transforming Costa Rica into your classroom. Live alongside sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds in the breathtaking Cloud Forest, then journey to the Pacific Coast for an unforgettable experience. Get out of the classroom and into the field with like-minded students, all while earning 6 college credits in just 4 weeks. Open to all majors, this program is the perfect summer term adventure!

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A Guide to Studying Abroad in Monteverde

Popular Ways to Study in Monteverde

The majority of the study abroad programs in Monteverde involve hands-on learning. You could participate in sea turtle conservation, work at wildlife rescue centers, educate and empower the local community, and more. Bonus: You can also take español classes as part of your studies and practice it on a daily basis! 

Popular subjects to study. Many of the programs available in Monteverde focus on biological research, conservation, and agriculture. However, if you’re interested in Spanish, culture, design, or other liberal arts courses, you’re also looking in the right place! No matter what you decide, you’ll find courses that align with your interests and challenge you to help the locals on a personable basis. 

Short term and summer programs vs. long term programs (semester, trimester, year-long). You could choose to participate in short-term programs while studying in Monteverde, such as during the May term or summer, or through long-term programs during the fall, spring, or for a full academic year. Shorter programs are great for earning extra credits in a short amount of time. However, you’ll get the most out of your colones with a longer program because you’ll learn more about the country and become more fluent in Spanish. 

Attending universities vs. other program types. When looking into study abroad Monteverde programs, you’ll notice that you can take courses through your own university, universities in Monteverde, or through a third-party program provider. Talk to your academic advisor to help you decide which program will fulfill your credit requirements. You’ll want to make sure that the credits will transfer if you decide to go through a program outside your university.

Latest Program Reviews

Perfect and so unique

January 22, 2026by: Chiharu I.

Program: CIEE Tropical Ecology + Conservation in Costa Rica

9

The field trips are AMAZING. They are what make this program so so fun and exciting. The academics are rigorous, yet they also find a way to incorporate these incredible field trips while still making them academic. Each field trip was perfect and so unique to each other. They were timed incredibly, the food was great, everything was great. - Bungalows are very nice, beds are comfy - Hangout spaces are incredible, rec room, library, field. - Food is good - Nature is amazing - ALL staff are so nice and welcoming

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