Wake up to the sound of howler monkeys at our unique biological station, on the doorstep of the 57,000-acre Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. After exploring the ecology of the cloud forest, you’ll expand your horizons – and your classroom – beyond treetops to beaches, waterfalls, coral reefs, and more, for over seven weeks of travel and close study of ecosystems throughout Costa Rica and along the coast of Panama. Day by day, you’ll build your Spanish language skills and see what it means to live in rural Costa Rica.

What is unique about this program?

• Gain hands-on experience through an independent research project

• Participate in two 2.5 week field trips, including a trip to Panama to observe marine diversity in the coral reefs off the Bocas del Toro Islands

• Live in a biological station surrounded by the Monteverde Cloud Forest

• Get to known rural Costa Rica during a one-month homestay with a local family

• Study Spanish at nine different levels with no more than four students per instructor

What is unique about Monteverde, Costa Rica?

You’re in for the ecological education of a lifetime. Take courses and do research in a spectacular cloud forest 4,600 feet above sea level in Monteverde at CIEE’s Study Center. You’ll come to understand the practical biological problems associated with agricultural development, ecotourism, and grassroots conservation efforts in developing countries.

Through rigorous coursework, and unique field opportunities including two extensive field trips throughout Costa Rica’s varied ecosystems, and the Panamanian coast, studying abroad in Monteverde, acquaints you with practical biological problems associated with agricultural development, eco-tourism, and grassroots conservation efforts in developing countries.

How do I choose among programs?

• See the Office of Global Learning’s “Selecting a Program” page for information on program types and considerations
• Use the search features on the Experience Cornell  Opportunities page to filter for programs approved by your college, and by particular subject areas
• Go to the “Get Advice” page for information on drop-in advising hours, scheduling an advising appointment, returned student contacts, and college advisors for study abroad
• Find out about upcoming events, check out FAQs, and read stories from returned study abroad students

How do I apply?

Applying to study abroad is a two-step process. You may complete both steps simultaneously, but the Cornell approval process must be complete before your program advisor in the Office of Global Learning can submit any approval or nomination to the program.

1. For Cornell Approval, click on the "Apply" button on this webpage. Applications are approved by the Office of Global Learning on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this page.
2. For Program Admission, complete an external application directly on the program’s webpage, using the link in the “Snapshot” section. (Note: This deadline may be in advance of the general Cornell deadline for approval. Many programs fill by rolling admission.