Study Abroad in Costa Rica
The Department of Modern Languages is pleased to offer a summer study abroad and experiential learning program in collaboration with the Monteverde Institute in Monteverde, Costa Rica
The Department of Modern Languages will partner with the Monteverde Institute in the Puntarenas region of Costa Rica to offer a summer study abroad and experiential learning program in summer 2023. The Monteverde Institute (MVI) is a world-renowned center of study founded in 1986 and dedicated to sustainable environmental practices and community engagement. Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, and moreover lauded as a model for its progressive environmental practices. The program’s site, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, is part of the Bellbird Biological Corridor and incorporates eight different biological zones, home to thousands of species of flora and fauna. This program offers an invaluable opportunity for students to learn first-hand about sustainability and environmental stewardship, while also learning Spanish and about Costa Rican culture.
Program
All students will take a Spanish class, engage in an internship or community engagement project, and take one additional class, either a course on Costa Rican culture or a Tropical Ecology class. For the internships/community engagement projects, 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; permaculture; in order to receive additional credit for the internship, students can take mini in Fall 1 upon return to campus. Students will live with Costa Rican families in homestays, and will also participate in several additional excursions.
Prerequisite
No prior knowledge of Spanish is required, but an intermediate level may be needed for certain internships. Accepted students will participate in a course (82-289, units variable) during mini-4 prior to the program. For questions, contact the program director.
Cost & Scholarships
Total program cost is $7,500
Cost includes: Tuition and materials; entry fees and transport to excursions that are part of the required curriculum; homestay with Costa Rican families (room & board); transport to and from the Daniel Oduber airport in Liberia, Costa Rica and the program site on the designated travel days for arrival and departure.
Not included: Airfare to and from Costa Rica, incidental expenses. Students must arrive to and leave from Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica.
Visit our Payment Page to learn about payment options for Modern Languages study abroad programs.
Study Abroad Scholarships
Our department, along with the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, offers study abroad scholarships for students to study for a semester, full-year, or summer overseas. Scholarships can be put towards tuition, room and board, airfare and/or book expenses when participating in any accredited study abroad program. Students are encouraged to talk to program director to look for additional scholarships. Learn more about scholarships.
Accomodation & Travel
Accommodation
Upon arrival in Costa Rica, students will participate in an excursion, and stay at a local, environmentally-friendly lodge, with meals provided. Once in Monteverde, all students will be placed with local families as part of their immersive experience, with meals during the homestay provided by the families. This experience offers an invaluable way to further practice Spanish skills – at any level, and to gain first-hand insight into Costa Rican culture. Homestays are within walking distance of the Monteverde Institute.
Students are responsible for their airfare to and from the Liberia Airport in Costa Rica. Transit between the airport and the program site in Monteverde, as well as transport to required excursions, is included in the program fee.