Monteverde
Monteverde, Costa Rica

January in Monteverde

Study Program

Dates

-

3 weeks

Credit

3 semester hours

4.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Overview

Grab your hiking boots and get ready to spend January in the progressive mountain community of San Luis de Monteverde, where the region's breathtaking natural scenery will surround and astound you! Designed for students from all fields of study, this program is an ideal fit for those eager to develop healthy and sustainable lifestyle habits to protect the environment. 

When class is in session, your coursework will be delivered in English at 슬롯머신 Monteverde. 

Outside the classroom, you'll participate in immersive activities that complement classroom learning and increase intercultural understanding, including visiting natural protected areas like Rincon de la Vieja National Park, or the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, ziplining over one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, enjoying the magic of waterfalls deep in the forest and more.

Unique Experiences

LEARN HOW ECO-TOURISM

can bring more than new people to a community. As a student, you슬롯사이트ll explore the environmental, economic, and social impacts of this powerful force, and come away a more enlightened traveler in the process!

LIVE IN A RURAL MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY

surrounded by friendly Costa Ricans who will teach you how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, while you gain new professional skills

VISIT THE CLOUD FOREST

where mosses and orchids dripping with mist decorate the boughs of gnarly trees and brightly colored birds dart through the fog for fruits. This resource is critical not only for the economy of Monteverde but also for the hundreds of plants and animals that call this wet world home.

4,600

FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL, ON THE TOP OF THE TILARAN MOUNTAINS

400

SPECIES OF BIRDS

250K

ANNUAL TOURISTS

Experience
  • cloud forest studetns take photo together
  • students abroad monteverde binoculars bridge

Your Destination

Located in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, Monteverde lies along the continental divide at the crest of the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain chain, which is blanketed by a cool, wet cloud forest extending down into the Atlantic lowlands. The cloud forest provides a striking contrast to the deciduous forest on the Pacific side.   

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was founded in 1972 to protect the entire ridge above Monteverde and down into the Peñas Blancas Valley. As a result of its unique history and geography, Monteverde is home to exotic flora, fauna, wildlife, and sustainability projects, including agriculture, energy production, water conservation, forest management, and biodiversity conservation. 

The Culture

cloud forest student group abroad

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

Excursions and activities may include:슬롯사이트 

  • Hiking under the dripping boughs of the cloud forest to observe colorful plants and animals. Insiders will tell you how these protected areas both conserve biodiversity and contribute to the economy. 
  • Visiting local businesses involved with tourism to learn from residents about their opinions on the pros and cons of tourism development. 
  • Taking a day trip to a local, sustainable farm to enjoy a meal of 100% organically grown food direct from the fields.슬롯사이트 
  • Exploring and experiencing the power of renewable energies 슬롯사이트 including solar, wind, and hydropower 슬롯사이트 operating at large and small scales to gain insight into how and why Costa Rica is an international leader in the carbon-neutral movement. 
  • Exploring indoor and outdoor areas that access forest trails and gardens for recreation, self-exploration, and co-curricular activities.

Program Blogs

From 슬롯머신

Costa Rica Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide

By College Study Abroad at 슬롯머신

If you're considering Costa Rica study abroad, you're in for a treat! This paradise, known for its 슬롯사이트pura vida슬롯사이트 lifestyle, offers the perfect blend of adventure and academics. With stunning... keep reading

From 슬롯머신

8 Best Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

By College Study Abroad at 슬롯머신

Dreaming of palm trees, pristine beaches, and endless adventure? Costa Rica study abroad might be exactly what you슬롯사이트ve been looking for! Known for its incredible biodiversity, "pura vida" lifestyle, and... keep reading

From 슬롯머신

Looking ahead to 2019

By Karen Masters at 슬롯머신

A group of lucky students will start the New Year in Costa Rica, as participants in the 슬롯머신 January Term in Monteverde. Here are some of the special things that... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "I've studied abroad many times and the support and personal care 슬롯머신 has provided me ranks it as my best experience abroad."

    Emily F., Western Kentucky University

  • "I thought the program was a great experience. I learned a lot from the teachers and TA's and had a great cultural experience!"

    Madison M., Dickinson College

  • "The process of applying to arriving on campus was simple. 슬롯머신 provided aid through the entire process making the transition more enjoyable!"

    Caela F., Ursinus College

  • "It gives you a different perspective which is a critical experience for a human being."

    Eloisa Noreen J., Gustavus Adolphus College

Housing
Academics

Academics

The January in Monteverde program is an intensive introduction to environmental issues facing many tropical, developing nations. 슬롯사이트Emphasis is on how to protect the environment using different tools and strategies. 슬롯사이트Courses are taught by qualified instructors of 슬롯머신 Monteverde. 

슬롯머신 Monteverde슬롯사이트is located in an area that includes forest and farms against a backdrop of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. 슬롯사이트Facilities include classrooms, residence halls, and recreational areas in a natural setting. 슬롯사이트There are wet and dry laboratories, an herbarium, plus organic gardens to support a wide array of STEM studies and research opportunities. 슬롯사이트An extensive trail system through forest and fields, links classrooms to a botanical garden, animal stables, and coffee and vegetable production areas.

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 슬롯머신 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 슬롯머신 staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students take a 3-credit 슬롯머신 course.
 

Program Credit

Total credit: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits

Course Credit

슬롯머신 course: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 슬롯머신 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 슬롯머신 staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

The program is made up of three weeks of classes, designed to follow U.S. academic culture. Each course is a full semester in content, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lectures and discussions with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. Class attendance is strictly enforced for both classes and required co-curricular excursions that are scheduled on Saturdays.슬롯사이트There is no time for weekend travel and students are strongly encouraged to spend evenings and Sundays taking part in extra-curricular activities to practice the language and learn about the local culture.
 

Class Format

Courses taught at 슬롯머신 Monteverde are for 슬롯머신 students only.슬롯사이트Courses are taught Monday 슬롯사이트 Saturday and attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.슬롯사이트

Grading

Assessment is based on the individual슬롯사이트s overall performance in the course, including quizzes, exams, essays, oral presentations, deliverables, plus participation in classes, including outings. 슬롯사이트Students must check with their professors to find out exam and project presentation dates. 슬롯사이트Under no circumstances will 슬롯머신 alter deadlines or exam dates for study abroad students who have made conflicting travel plans. The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 슬롯머신 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 슬롯머신 staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 슬롯머신 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 슬롯머신 staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 슬롯머신 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 슬롯머신's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple 슬롯머신 sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

슬롯머신 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:

  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants

To be considered, submit the 슬롯머신 Scholarships & Grants application within your 슬롯머신 program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with 슬롯머신, 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 January 2026 3 weeks Start Date End Date

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 슬롯머신's 슬롯 게임 of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500. January 2020 programs in Latin America are not eligible for 슬롯머신 Scholarships and Grants.

Program Fees

슬롯머신 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 슬롯머신 iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

슬롯머신 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

슬롯머신 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 José. He is an evolutionary ecologist interested in sexual selection, animal weapons, and phenotypic plasticity. Since rejoining 슬롯머신 in...

Jessica Arias

Academic Director

Jessica has a Ph.D. on Agricultural Science from the University of Costa Rica. She earned a bachelor슬롯사이트s degree in Ecotourism and a master's degree in슬롯사이트Sustainable 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 슬롯머신 Monteverde for more than 10 years as...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here슬롯사이트s 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