Monteverde
Monteverde, Costa Rica

Ecology + Sustainability

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

13 weeks

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

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 日博体育 courses and courses taught online through 日博体育'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!

Check out our Ecology + Sustainability Courses

Unique Experiences鈥

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

Experience
  • Monteverde
  • Monteverde girls at waterfall

Your Destination鈥

Monteverde is Costa Rica鈥檚 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. 

stem monteverde forest

Program Highlights鈥

  • 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. 
rainforest waterfall visit ciee abroad costa rica

Excursions & Activities鈥

日博体育鈥檚 excursions and cultural activities in Monteverde will open doors for you to explore Costa Rica鈥檚 rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Samples of excursions and activities:鈥&苍产蝉辫;

  • 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 are subject to change at 日博体育's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Program Blogs

From 日博体育

My Experience Hiking the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at 日博体育

By: Lesleigh Taylor If you ever find yourself in the heart of Monteverde, a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve should be at the top of your list. Nestled... keep reading

From 日博体育

Happy Earth Day: Today and Every Day

By College Study Abroad at 日博体育

Happy Earth Day! Every April 22, this global event comes around to remind us how precious our planet is, what sustainable efforts we can make to protect Earth, and that... keep reading

From 日博体育

Top 5 Spanish Study Abroad Programs for the Summer

By College Study Abroad at 日博体育

Summer school hasn鈥檛 always sounded the most appealing. But you鈥檙e probably thinking about it the old way: Stuck in a boring classroom while wishing you were doing anything else. Think... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

日博体育 Monteverde: Study in the beautiful town of San Luis in Costa Rica鈥檚 Puntarenas Province, surrounded by lush forests and beautiful coffee farms. 日博体育 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 日博体育 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 日博体育 academic calendar.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 日博体育 courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 日博体育 staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Monteverde Ecology + Sustainability students enroll in 4 courses for a total of 12-14 credits per semester. At least one course in the area of ecology or sustainability is required. Students select from:鈥&苍产蝉辫;

  • 日博体育 courses鈥&苍产蝉辫;
  • Up to two ASU online courses (max 8 total credits)鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Program Credit

Total Credit: 12-14 U.S. semester credits/quarter credits.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Course Credit

  • 日博体育 Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours鈥&苍产蝉辫;
  • 日博体育 Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours)鈥&苍产蝉辫;
  • 日博体育 Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours)鈥&苍产蝉辫;
  • 日博体育 Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 seminar hours (15 seminar hours, 90 service hours)鈥&苍产蝉辫;
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 日博体育 courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 日博体育 staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in 日博体育 classes.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

日博体育 courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time. Attendance is mandatory for 日博体育 courses. 

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You鈥檒l receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Class Format

日博体育 classes are for 日博体育 students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

ASU online courses meet in 鈥渟essions鈥 that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other 日博体育 courses begin or end.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. In 日博体育 courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. 鈥淧ass/fail鈥 or 鈥淎udit鈥 is not allowed for 日博体育 students.  

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 日博体育 courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 日博体育 staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

贰苍驳濒颈蝉丑鈥

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 日博体育 courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 日博体育 staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Featured Courses鈥&苍产蝉辫;

The Ecology + Sustainability program offers a rich curriculum that investigates the vital links between ecology, sustainability, and environmental policy. Students will explore diverse topics like energy solutions, ecosystem resilience, and the role of social justice in environmental action. With a focus on both theoretical and practical application, these courses provide students with the essential knowledge and multidisciplinary insights to confront the urgent environmental challenges facing our world today. 

日博体育 Courses (in-person)ASU Courses (online) 

Principles of Ecology 

Global Change and The Environment 

Global Environmental Policy 

Sustainable Tourism

Systems Thinking 

Sustainable Ecosystems 

Basic Energy Science  

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
English
3
English
3

Biological and Physical Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
English
4

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
English
3

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3

Agriculture

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
English
3

日博体育 proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

日博体育 and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the 日博体育 Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options
Program Options

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 日博体育 and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at 日博体育's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple 日博体育 sites.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with 日博体育 Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

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.  

A female intern picks crops from a field

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

A female intern listens to instructions from her teacher

Manufacturing

Study global supply chains, production technologies, and international business strategies in England, Singapore, and more.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of 日博体育 fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 日博体育 and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

日博体育 offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • 日博体育 Gilman Go Global Grant
  • Fall 25 or Spring 26 Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship

To be considered, submit the 日博体育 Scholarships & Grants application within your 日博体育 program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with 日博体育, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2026 13 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via 日博体育's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

日博体育 offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 日博体育 iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

日博体育 offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

日博体育 iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Pablo Allen

Center Director

Pablo is a native Costa Rican, born and raised in San Jos茅. He is an evolutionary ecologist interested in sexual selection, animal weapons, and phenotypic plasticity. Since rejoining 日博体育 in...

Jessica Arias

Academic Director

Jessica has a Ph.D. on Agricultural Science from the University of Costa Rica. She earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Ecotourism and a master's degree in鈥疭ustainable Development, with a concentration in...

Jose Carlos Calderon

Student Life Manager

"Moncho" earned his bachelor's degree in Biology at the University of Costa Rica with a specialization in bats. He has worked for 日博体育 Monteverde for more than 10 years as...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here鈥檚 what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info

Get Started

Here鈥檚 what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact 日博体育

We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

4

Interested in an optional internship?

After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with 日博体育 staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. 日博体育 will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!