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CIEE Open Campus Block in Monteverde, Costa Rica (Outgoing Program) Print  Save  Share
  • Locations: Monteverde, Costa Rica
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: CIEE 
  • Restrictions: UNT applicants only
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2027 10/15/2026 ** Rolling Admission 01/06/2027 05/10/2027

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete Pre-Departure / Post-Decision Phase materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Academic Level: Undergraduate Program Type: Affiliated
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5 Click here for a definition of this term Housing Options: Homestay w/Family
Click here for a definition of this term Program Features: Low Cost Program, Research/Independent Project Opportunities, Service Learning Opportunities, Volunteer Opportunities Click here for a definition of this term Classification: Freshman, Junior, Senior, Sophomore
Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years of age by the time of departure Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Communication Studies, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Hospitality Management, Journalism, Marketing, Mathematics, Physics, Zoology
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Spanish Program Contact in SAO: Mr. Dave Kilough (David.Kilough@unt.edu)
Program Description:

CIEE College Study Abroad

Open Campus Block

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Open Campus Block in Monteverde immerses you in a highland region celebrated for its cloud forests, incredible biodiversity, and commitment to environmental conservation, while allowing you to design an experience that aligns with your academic interests and personal goals. You'll enroll in CIEE courses and online courses taught through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. During your time in the region, co-curricular and extracurricular experiences might include walking across hanging bridges high in the forest canopy, ziplining above dense greenery, and heading out on guided night hikes to spot wildlife unique to the region. Monteverde brings you into close connection with nature, offering an environment shaped by conservation, discovery, and hands-on exploration.

Unique Experiences

See close up

how alternative energy makes Costa Rica largely independent of fossil fuels

Live in a rural mountain community

surrounded by friendly Costa Ricans who will teach you how to live a more sustainable lifestyle

Explore beyond measure

as you discover Costa Rica's unique and world-renowned cloud forest and other fascinating natural habitats such as the tropical dry forest

Learn More About Monteverde

Your Destination

Monteverde is Costa Rica's eco-paradise in the clouds, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. Spend 6-, 12-, or 18-weeks surrounded by lush cloud forests, vibrant biodiversity, and innovative conservation efforts. Explore sustainable living practices, local culture, and breathtaking natural reserves. Whether you're studying environmental science, sustainability, biology, liberal arts, Spanish, or health sciences, Monteverde is the perfect place to study abroad.

Your Destination
Housing

Housing

CIEE Monteverde 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.

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

  • Unmatched Flexibility: Spend one, two, or three consecutive 6-week blocks in the same host city or travel between cities for a comparative cultural experience.
  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE's global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
  • Community Impact Initiative: Get involved with local organizations through service opportunities that address real community needs while building cross-cultural connections and hands-on experience.
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit academic project that aligns with your goals, qualifications, resume, and availability of placements.

Activities

CIEE's excursions and cultural activities in Monteverde will open doors for you to explore Costa Rica's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.?

Samples of past excursions and activities:

  • Rise with the sun for birding tours or farm chores and experience biodiversity after the sun goes down with a guided hike in the forest
  • Explore natural destinations, such as national parks or reserves, to experience Costa Rica's biodiversity and natural beauty
  • Visit local coffee farms to learn from residents about their opinions on the pros and cons of ecotourism development

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and 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.

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.

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

Internships

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.

Industry options include:

  • Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
  • Education and Training
  • Hospitality and Tourism

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

What's Included

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
  • Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
  • Orientation – an introduction to your academic program, plus practical information about living in your host city
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
  • Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
  • Excursions and/or Study Tours
  • Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext Travel Protection
  • 24/7 emergency on-site support

Why CIEE

  • 200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
  • $8 million in scholarships offered each year
  • 1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
  • Study tours and cultural activities included
  • Internships and volunteering opportunities
  • Rigorous academics
  • Cultural immersion
  • iNext Travel Protection included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.

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