About the Program

The Monteverde program, based at the Monteverde Institute (MVI), offers students an unparalleled opportunity to study in one of the most biodiverse regions on earth. Founded in 1986, MVI is a leader in sustainability and community engagement, located within the Monteverde Cloud Forest—a vital part of the Bellbird Biological Corridor and home to thousands of species across eight distinct ecological zones. Students will gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship while deepening their knowledge of Spanish and Costa Rican culture. In addition, those studying statistics and data science will collaborate with researchers and community organizations on real-world data projects, applying their skills to support conservation and local initiatives.

Start and End Dates

May–June 2027*

*Exact dates have not been finalized for summer 2027

Prerequisites

This program is open to all — no prior knowledge of Spanish is required, but an intermediate level may be needed for certain internships and the course on Costa Rican culture. For questions, contact Therese Tardio, program director.

Statistics & Data Science students should contact Peter Freeman.

Course Information

All students will earn 18 units of academic credit:

• one Spanish language class
• one additional class — a course on Costa Rican culture (taught in Spanish), Tropical Ecology or Statistics & Data Science

Students will also participate in an internship or community engagement project* Students will be paired with local non-profits and/or researchers and have the opportunity to choose from a variety of projects that may focus on:

• reforestation, water monitoring, camera-trapping, community health, medicinal plants, gender equity or permaculture
• SDS students will work on data analytics projects

*In order to receive academic credit for the internship, students will need to enroll in a mini course in Fall 1 upon their return to campus.

Extracurricular Activities

As part of the program fee, students will engage in a variety of additional excursions and co-curricular activities to enrich their studies. These include visits to local farms, a sustainable fishery on the Pacific coast, an organic coffee farm and guided tours of numerous local ecological sites.

Travel & Transportation

Students are responsible for their airfare to/from Costa Rica. The program fee includes transit between San José’s international airport and Monteverde, as well as transportation for all required excursions.

Accomodation

After arriving in Costa Rica, students will take part in an excursion and stay at a local eco-lodge with meals included. In Monteverde, all students will live with host families, who provide meals as part of the immersive homestay experience. This offers a valuable opportunity to practice Spanish at any level while gaining first-hand insight into Costa Rican culture.

Program Cost

$9,850*

*The program cost for summer 2027 has not been finalized. The number above is from summer 2026.

The program fee covers tuition, learning materials, housing and meals, entry fees and transportation for all required excursions. It also includes travel between San José’s international airport and Monteverde on the designated arrival and departure days.

Airfare to/from Costa Rica and incidental expenses are not included in the program fee.

Scholarships & Funding

As a CMU student, you are eligible for both CMU and external scholarships to assist with the cost of your study abroad program. These scholarships can be applied toward expenses such as tuition, room and board, airfare or books. All LCAL declared majors and minors in good academic standing with CMU are guaranteed a departmental scholarship.

→ Learn more about scholarships and funding for study abroad.