CIEE-Monteverde: Ecology and Sustainability
Program Details
| Program Location |
Monteverde, Costa Rica
|
| Sponsor |
CIEE |
| Program Type |
Co-sponsored |
| Course # |
SA 31006
|
| Duration |
Semester
|
| Upcoming Program Dates |
| Spring 2026 |
01/12/26 to 04/11/26
|
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
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 sustainability- and discipline-focused CIEE courses 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!
Monteverde is Costa Rica’s 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.
For more program information, please visit the
program website.
This program is sponsored by:
CIEE.
Eligibility
The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.
GPA Requirement:
2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none
Purdue Credit
Direct Credit
available from the following:
[
College of Agriculture] [
College of Liberal Arts] [
College of Science]
Specifically from:
BIO (SCI)
Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.
Academic Program
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.
Choose from standard academic class, directed independent research, an internship, or service learning project to round out your semester.
For more information, visit the CIEE website.
Please note that while CIEE offers the opportunity to take online coursework through ASU Online, Purdue students are not permitted to enroll in these options during the program and must take their coursework directly through CIEE.
Excursions
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Monteverde will open doors for you to explore Costa Rica’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- 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
Activities and excursions are subject to change.
Housing
CIEE Monteverde students live in on-campus residence halls surrounded by the Cloud Forest in triple or quad rooms shared with other CIEE students. Rooms have shared or en-suite bathrooms, shared desks, and shared closets.
All students receive three meals per day. Accommodation for vegan and vegetarian diets is possible.
Estimated Program Costs
Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss. Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location. This will vary by program. Program fee include tuition, orientation, advising and support, cultural activities, and excursions.
Housing fee includes housing and three meals per day.
Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are
for: Spring 2026
|
Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue
and Co-sponsor
|
| Program Fee |
$10,756.00
|
| Study Abroad Fee |
$914.10 |
| Housing |
$4,000.00 |
| Insurance |
$194.00 |
|
Approximate additional costs per semester
|
| To be paid by the student.
|
| Round-trip Airfare |
$700.00 |
| Local Transportation |
$240.00 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses |
$0.00 -
$210.00 |
| Travel Documents (passport, photos) |
$175.00 |
Financial Aid
Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should
NOTE: Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad. Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.
Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.
Application Deadlines
For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline. Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.
As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.
| Program Application Deadline
|
| Fall Semester Programs |
Mar 1 |
| Spring Semester Programs |
Sep 15 |
Returnees Information
Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted. If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.
Resources
The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.
For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383
or email
studyabroad@purdue.edu.
