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Programs : Brochure

CIEE Summer Sustainability + The Environment in Monteverde, Costa Rica (Outgoing Program) Print 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: Sophomore Program Type: study abroad
GPA Requirement: 2.5 Housing: Homestay
Fields of Study: Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Communication Studies, Ecology & Systematics, Economics, Environmental Science, General Engineering, Geography, Geology, Marketing, Sustainability, Tourism, Zoology Language of Instruction: English, Spanish
Program Description:

CIEE College Study Abroad

Summer Sustainability + The Environment

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Summer Sustainability + The Environment program in Monteverde lasts 6 weeks (or up to 12 weeks). You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Costa Rican culture. Live and learn in Monteverde!

Unique Experiences

Learn from Costa Rican farmers

who maintain crops and have high productivity with natural and climate-smart practices

Live in a rural mountain community

surrounded by a tropical cloud forest and friendly Costa Ricas

See up close

how alternative energy makes Costa Rica largely independent of fossil fuels

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 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

  • Diversity Your Experience: Spend 1 or 2 consecutive 6-week blocks of your summer in the same host city or travel to different cities per block for increased mobility and cultural immersion.
  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses or online courses delivered by CIEE's global partner, ASU.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.

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 experiencing biodiversity after the sun goes down with a guided night hike
  • Visit natural destinations, such as national parks or reserves, to experience Costa Rica's biodiversity and natural beauty
  • Explore indoor and outdoor areas with access to forest trails and gardens for recreation, self-exploration, and co-curricular activities

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 6-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

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

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.

Contact Us



Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Summer I 2027 03/25/2027 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Summer II 2027 03/25/2027 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Summer 2027 03/25/2027 ** Rolling Admission 05/19/2027 08/09/2027

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.