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CIEE Ecology + Sustainability in Monteverde, Costa Rica (Outgoing Program) Print  Save  Share
  • 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
Fall 2026 04/01/2026 ** Rolling Admission 08/17/2026 11/07/2026

** 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

Browse Program

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

about MONTEVERDE

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.

Excursions & 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.  

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 new culture, your academic program, and the city, plus practical information about living in your host city
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
  • Field trips and cultural activities
  • Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext Travel Protection
  • 24/7 emergency on-site support

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

GAIN Travel Grants - up to $2,000 toward travel costs guaranteed to all Pell-elgible students.

Gilman Go Global Grants - $2,500/semester and $1,000/summer, guaranteed to all Gilman applications.

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

Minority Serving Institutions (MIS) Grant - $2,000/semester and $500/summer, guaranteed to all students attending MSIs.

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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?

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