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Locations: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Program Terms: 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	01/12/2027	04/11/2027
** 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:	On-campus residence hall
Click here for a definition of this term Classification:	Undergraduates Sophomore and Above	Minimum Age Requirement:	18 years of age by the time of departure
Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study:	Environmental Studies	Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction:	English
Program Contact in SAO:	Mr. Dave Kilough (David.Kilough@unt.edu)

Program Description:

Ecology + Sustainability

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Ecology + Sustainability program in Monteverde lasts 12 weeks and is designed for you to engage with the world's most pressing environmental challenges in a local context. You will enroll in a combination of sustainability- and discipline-focused CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, to develop your understanding of the ecological, social, economic, and political contexts of environmental sustainability in Monteverde. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability and the environment. Live and learn in Monteverde!

Unique Experiences

Experience the continental divide in Monteverde

and witness the breathtaking views of both the Caribbean slope and the Pacific Ocean

Enjoy night walks through the Cloud Forest

to discover the nocturnal wonders, from glowing fungi to elusive wildlife

Conduct your own research project in tropical ecology

in a highly biodiverse region while gaining practical experience in ecological research

Learn More About Monteverde

Your Destination

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 provides an inspiring environment for students. Whether you are majoring in environmental science, sustainability, ecology, conservation biology, or tourism management, Monteverde is an ideal destination to study abroad.

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

Featured Courses: Choose from a set of theoretical and practical Ecology and Sustainability courses that explore today's pressing environmental issues.
Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities and volunteer work on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and more while applying real-life solutions to challenges in the fields of energy, waste management, and conservation.
Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to connect with local leaders on environmental protection projects.

Activities

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

Samples of excursions and activities:

Enjoy a coffee tour at a sustainable farm, exploring eco-friendly production, its impact on local families, and tasting a fresh-brewed cup
Zipline through the lush Costa Rican canopy and learn about the role of ecotourism in the country's economy
Visit El Tigre Waterfalls, where you will hike amazing trails with the backdrop of seven waterfalls and horseback ride with stunning views

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.

rainforest waterfall visit ciee abroad costa rica

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

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.