Study Abroad Programs in Monteverde, Costa Rica


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16 Monteverde, Costa Rica Study Abroad Programs
CIEE College Study Abroad
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Your Tropical Ecology + Conservation program in Monteverde lasts a full semester and features key components including: Three CIEE biology/ecology courses, one Spanish language course, and one independent research course. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities whil
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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-c
How to Study Abroad in Monteverde
Program Options
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.
Student Life
Life in Monteverde is exciting and adventurous! The biggest attraction in Monteverde is the Cloud Forest Reserve, where animal enthusiasts will rejoice — you might just spot the famous quetzal or golden toad here! You could also cross suspension bridges, zip line the canopies, bungee jump, ride horses, take a coffee tour, or explore bat caves on night walks. Plus, you could visit butterfly gardens or serpentariums (if you dare). Once you’ve gotten your fill of thrills, you could travel south to Punta Arenas to lounge on the glittering beaches.
After a long day, you can rest your head in a cozy setting with a host family. Most of the programs also offer homestay accommodations, which is the best way to learn about life in Monteverde from the locals, get the best tips on places to see and things to do, save money in the long run, try out local foods, and practice your Spanish in a comfortable environment.
Travel Tips
While Costa Rica is more affordable in the United States, especially with health care, it’s best to eat like a local while studying in Monteverde. Be sure to visit open-air farmers’ markets to buy all your grocery needs from meats to vegetables, where $15 per person can fill your fridge for a week. Take advantage of student discounts in the area and take the public buses. Program fees vary based on duration, tuition, and more, but you can budget, save, fundraise, or apply for scholarships to help cover the costs.
The weather in Monteverde includes a rainy season from May to December and a dry season from December to May. However, it can rain any day throughout the year, so bring a waterproof jacket, and some days are more humid and windy than others. The average temperature ranges from the 60s-80s, so it’s best to wear layers, and make sure you bring pants and sweaters for the chilly nights. Also, bring a good pair of closed-toe hiking shoes.
From musing over your studies with classmates in the Tree House Cafe to exploring hidden paths in the cloud forest, you’re on tico time in Monteverde! The academic life involving dancing, music, soccer games, and eating delicious cocina tipica food will be the time of your life. You’ll discover new things every day in one of the greenest countries on Earth when you study abroad in Monteverde.
Let’s keep this party going! Read our comprehensive guide on studying in Costa Rica.
Popular Providers
Latest Program Reviews
Structured Program for the Right Person
March 24, 2026by: Lily B.I think this is a great program for a specific type of person, who wants a little more of a specific program than many others, as well as providing more guidance. I was very drawn to it because of the specific ecology focus that I didn't see many other places.
Immersed in nature
March 22, 2026by: Lily K.Specifically the Monteverde site is super great! It’s a supper nice campus that is immersed in nature which I love. There are also a ton of resources around campus to make us feel at home. It’s also super amazing that we have food provided for us!
A Rainy Soccer Game in Monteverde
February 22, 2026by: Sophia D.Playing soccer in the rain with my program in Monteverde was one of my most memorable moments. It was simple but so fun, and it brought everyone together while we laughed, played, and enjoyed the moment.
Meeting the New Baby Cow on Campus
January 31, 2026by: Isabella V.It was a fun experience, something new and out of this world. One of my favorite moments was seeing the new baby cow on our campus. It was so cute and made the experience even more memorable.
Perfect and so unique
January 22, 2026by: Chiharu I.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
Staff were great
January 21, 2026by: Gabrielle G.I found that the program has an amazing campus and professors. The staff are some of the friendliest and great people I have ever met, and I trusted them to handle any problem I could possibly face here.
I loved the program.
January 18, 2026by: Josie M.The professors were the highlight of my experience along with the field trips. I really enjoyed classes and all the knowledge I gained during my time here. I personally think I am going to be doing another CIEE abroad experience before I graduate college next spring. I loved being here and I would do it all over again if it were possible.
Safe an immersive
October 30, 2025by: Natalia S.I would be likely to recommend CIEE abroad to a friend or peer because I think it is a secure way for people to travel due to the fact that most things are planned for students, and it is a great way to immerse yourself into another country.
Happy to recommend
May 08, 2025by: Sasha N.Program: CIEE Sustainability + the Environment in Costa Rica
I would be more than happy to recommend this particular study abroad program in Costa Rica to a friend. The staff in this location were very very supportive and kind and the care to make the program interesting and engaging was perceivable.
A great growth experience
May 07, 2025by: Hlib B.The ecology & conservation program would be a great growth experience for anybody interested in nature even tangibly. It was very well organized and the staff was very responsive to all the needs and accommodations
Friendly and knowledgable staff
May 07, 2025by: Abby B.I have had a great experience in Monteverde with CIEE. The housing and campus are comfortable and the staff are very friendly. I have learned so much in the classes and our professors are extremely knowledgeable.
So many perks
May 07, 2025by: Sarah B.There are so many perks that come with the education. The field trips are extremely fun and already paid for, the facilities and buildings are extremely nice, the food is great, it is super beautiful, it is a good balance of academics and free time. They offer a lot of opportunities like the van into town several times a week which is super helpful, as it is expensive to get a taxi into town. I would have rarely gone into town if transport wasn't provided. I met some really great people here that I feel I will be connected to after the program, including the professors who were extremely warm and kind. I feel like I had a large family during study abroad, the campus isolation can be hard at times, but it makes the community really close. It feels like all of the staff really care about your experience and well-being. This is the most fun and packed semester I've ever had.
Amazing
May 05, 2025by: Taylor L.I had the most amazing experience here in Monteverde with CIEE. Though it was definitely more remote (in terms of access to other towns/markets/etc.) than I expected, the wildlife more than made up for it.
Well planned and flexible
April 22, 2025by: Arika M.All the activities were thoroughly planned out and I learned a lot during my stay. The professors were willing to cater to our own interests in learning and dive deeper into topics that interested us specifically.
I keep coming back
April 22, 2025by: Kai H.Program: CIEE Sustainability + the Environment in Costa Rica
I have done 2 CIEE programs (one was Barcelona summer 2023 and now in Monteverde, Costa Rica) and both have been amazing: the staff are great, the organized trips are so amazing, the academics are good, etc
More Than I Expected
March 29, 2025by: Ella K.It was an amazing experience that I got even more out of than I expected! The campus is very beautiful and well maintained, I especially loved every field trip, I feel that I learned so much on these trips. I also liked the ability to independently travel off campus and the transportation to Santa Elena. I felt supported by the staff, and felt happy that many spent the time to get to know us. I felt very connected to the other students and I learned a lot about the topics I came here to learn about, and I gained a new perspective on everything and feel inspired by the support and encouragement given by my instructors. I liked the workload amount that allowed me to learn a lot but also allowed me time to experience the country. I liked the events that were put on for students such as the Halloween masquerade. I think it was a great experience and would recommend it to anyone! I'm sad that I have to leave and hope to return one day.
Valuable Life Experience
March 10, 2025by: Gillian E.Program: CIEE Sustainability + the Environment in Costa Rica
This was one of the most valuable experiences in terms of classes and life experiences as well. It was really well run and I felt like most things went smoothly which made the experience that much better.
Incredible Experience
March 07, 2025by: Georgiana F.I would be very likely to recommend this program to a friend because it truly has been an incredible experience. I've learned so much and made so many friends. I couldn't ask for a better study abroad program.
Life-Changing Experience
March 06, 2025by: Maeve M.Program: CIEE Sustainability + the Environment in Costa Rica
This was a life-changing experience for me. Despite my critiques about organization here. My experience here has been so extremely valuable and I would recommend it to anyone. I have learned so much in and outside of the classroom.
Made Me a Better Person
March 03, 2025by: Sophia S.Program: CIEE Sustainability + the Environment in Costa Rica
I would be extremely likely to recommend this program. I honestly feel like it was a life-changing experience that made me a better person. I really loved the classes, the location, the people, the campus, the food, the field trips, and the overall experience. I feel extremely lucky to have this opportunity.
Latest Interviews

Kesa Ferguson
Academic Programs International
My brother was my primary inspiration to go abroad; seeing his transformative experience in China showed me how much a global perspective can change a...

Megan Styborski
CEA
I knew I wanted to study abroad before I even reached college. My older cousin spent a semester in Italy when I was in high school, and I knew from th...

Mackenzie Casten
University Studies Abroad Consortium
I have always been intrigued by other cultures, and knew before I even graduated high school that I wanted to study abroad. I love learning new things...

Sarah Merrifield
University Studies Abroad Consortium
My love for the Spanish language, desire to connect with other cultures, and passion for travel.

Leah Miller
Greenheart Travel
I wanted to learn about a different culture. I am deeply interested in history, so the idea of cultures completely different from my own fascinated me...

Christy Morgan
Intercultura Costa Rica
I love to travel and I knew that immersion would be the best way for me to learn Spanish. I was able to practice with my homestay family and with all ...

Brittany Beene
CIS Abroad
One thing that inspired me to travel abroad is the importance of being a woman of color and being abroad. I truly feel that my experience could inspir...

Aliyah Blackmore
(CLOSED) Sol Education Abroad
Studying or traveling abroad for an extended period of time has always been a desire, as I am a young female who has had and continues to develop a wo...

Michael Martinez
(DEAD URL) SPI Study Abroad
In school I felt like I wasn’t utilizing Spanish to the fullest of my ability. I felt like the Spanish I learned every year would only slip away durin...

Carly Kovatch
(CLOSED) Sol Education Abroad
I applied to study internationally for a couple of reasons. First of all, traveling is my absolute passion. I am so intrigued by different cultures an...

McKinley Cole
(CLOSED) Sol Education Abroad
I chose to apply for an international program because I wanted to enrich my college experience beyond my campus. I wanted to be fully immersed in anot...

Logan Price
(DEAD URL) SPI Study Abroad
I chose to study abroad to widen my cultural understanding of the world and its people. Most of my life, I grew up and was never allowed the opportuni...

Brad Miner
Academic Programs International
I chose API because they had everything that I was looking for: pre-departure assistance, in-country resident directors, host families, excursions, an...

Leanne Shinkle
(DEAD URL) SPI Study Abroad
I chose to study abroad because before traveling with SPI I had never been outside of the country. I wanted to do it because I love Spanish and learni...

Kendra Maxfield
WorldStrides
I decided to apply to go abroad because I needed a change of pace. I was exhausted with the college routine in Minnesota and I needed to experience so...

Sheri Bechard
CEA
I wanted to travel and see the world, just like many other students my age, but it was not about just putting stamps in my passport or knocking must-s...

Matt Lawson
(CLOSED) Sol Education Abroad
I have lived in Kentucky my entire life. As much as I love where I have grown, I've always had this desire to experience the world in all its natural ...

Margo Bailey
(CLOSED) Sol Education Abroad
I chose to study abroad because I was a travel-lover searching for a sense of independence. I had traveled plenty of times with my family, but by atte...

Danielle Lockard
WorldStrides
Choosing which study abroad program was the best fit for me didn’t happen overnight. It took a lot of research and comparing to finally reach a decis...

Carter Harris
WorldStrides
ISA offered the most educational and experiential options. My thought was that if I was going to study abroad, I was going to make the most of my expe...
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