At a glance
Travel to the Monteverde Cloud Forest on your Semester Abroad! During this Field Semester, engage in hands-on conservation projects while exploring diverse ecosystems, majestic volcanoes, serene beaches, and Costa Rican culture.
Study hard, play hard - your semester, your way!
- Live in the Cloud Forest among sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds
- Travel from the Caribbean to Pacific Coasts alongside like-minded students
- Get out of the classroom and into the field through our unique blended learning model
- Earn 15 credits over 15 weeks
- Open to all majors
- View sample itinerary
Start Dates:
Fall & Spring Terms
See DatesMinimum Duration:
Fifteen Weeks
Ages:
College student or recent graduate
Program Overview
Join our Transformative Study Abroad Program in Costa Rica
Field Semester: Sustainable Development & Environmental Studies
Experience thrilling excursions, integrate with the local community, gain conservation skills from hands-on fieldwork, and have the semester of a lifetime! Field Studies blend classroom learning with learning in the field, providing you with a uniquely engaging experience abroad.
Picture yourself with like-minded students in the middle of a pristine cloud forest, putting learning into practice by furthering conservation and sustainability efforts in one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth.
Sound like what you've been searching for? Get your FREE Field Guide now
Applications & Dates
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You’re encouraged to apply as early as possible to secure your place – it’s completely free!
- Fall 2025 starts on September 11, 2025
- Spring 2026 starts in January 2026.
Highlights
Spend your semester on an immersive experience in Costa Rica, focusing on sustainable development, conservation, ecotourism, and global stewardship. Through a combination of theory, fieldwork, and cultural immersion, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in global sustainability using Costa Rica as your campus!
Excursions
There’s so much to discover with Projects Abroad during your Semester Abroad in Costa Rica! We seamlessly integrate excursions into your curriculum, providing a holistic understanding of each subject area and an immersive study experience.
1
Visit Cahuita National Park
2
Journey through mangroves in the Gulf of Nicoya
3
Explore the markets and culture of Costa Rica’s capital city
4
Experience nighttime wildlife tours in Monteverde
5
Tour from the Caribbean to the Pacific Coast with incredible cultural activities along the way
6
Live and play in the Monteverde Cloud Forest alongside plants, animals and local community members
Food & Accommodation
Your Home in the Cloud Forest: Elida Trails & Eco-Lodge
Students will stay at the serene Elida Trails & Eco-Lodge, affectionately known as The Forest. This family-run eco-lodge is nestled within a private 23-acre forest reserve, just a short walk from the Monteverde Institute and a 5-minute stroll from the Children's Eternal Rainforest.
You'll be immersed in nature with access to exclusive hiking trails and beautifully maintained gardens. It's the perfect base for your Monteverde adventure!
Savor the Flavors of Monteverde and Costa Rica
Monteverde and Costa Rica offer a delicious blend of traditional dishes and fresh, local ingredients. In Monteverde, you can enjoy hearty gallo pinto (rice and beans), savory beef stew, fresh trout, local cheeses, and rich coffee.
Across Costa Rica, you'll find casado (a typical dish of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and meat), flavorful black bean soup, refreshing ceviche, tasty tamales, and an abundance of tropical fruits. There are plenty of plant-based options available, making it a great destination for vegans and vegetarians too.
What’s Included
Tuition for this program earning 15 credits is $23,550. This program fee includes the following:
- Shared student cabins and a short-term homestay with a local family
- Daily meals and snacks during programming
- Hosted excursions, cultural activities, and social events throughout your program
- Transportation during programming, unless otherwise noted
- Official Transcript with 15 credits
- Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation Insurance
- 24/7 On-site support
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Pre-departure admissions, travel, and visa support
Academics
This immersive 15-week holistic program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development in Costa Rica, fostering both academic knowledge and a sense of environmental stewardship. Through hands-on experiences, classroom instruction, and projects, students will develop the skills and perspectives needed to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems and biodiversity, not only in Costa Rica but also globally.
BIO 201: Tropical Ecosystems & Biodiversity | 3 credits
Explore the dynamics of Costa Rica's complex tropical ecosystems and their global ecological significance. This course delves into its rich biodiversity, examining conservation challenges and the various efforts to preserve vital habitats. Students will gain hands-on experience in wildlife tracking, data collection, and species identification within tropical ecosystems.
ENV 202: Conservation, Resource Management & Ecotourism | 3 credits
Explore sustainable development principles through the lens of Costa Rica's vibrant ecosystems, focusing on ecotourism's role in conservation and resource management. This course scrutinizes ecotourism's effects on natural habitats and local societies, aiming to balance environmental protection with economic progress. By examining ecotourism case studies, students will assess their impacts and formulate strategies that support conservation efforts and efficient resource management for sustainable community development.
SUS 202: Political Ecology & Sustainable Business Practices | 3 credits
This course examines the nexus between environmental policies and sustainable business practices, emphasizing the role of ecofriendly innovations and technologies. Students will evaluate various business models that prioritize sustainability and contribute positively to conservation efforts. The course also covers environmental justice, corporate social responsibility, and the challenges and opportunities in implementing sustainable business strategies.
ETH 201: Global Stewardship & Environmental Ethics | 3 credits
Engage in an in-depth exploration of global stewardship and environmental ethics, discussing the moral and ethical responsibilities towards our planet. This course covers leading environmental ethical theories and their practical applications, enabling students to analyze and propose ethical solutions to global environmental challenges. The focus is on local actions within an international context, fostering a sense of global stewardship.
SPA 202: Spanish Language & Cultural Immersion | 3 credits
This course offers a deep dive into Costa Rican culture and society, coupled with the acquisition of practical Spanish language skills. Students will explore cultural norms, traditions, and social dynamics of Costa Rica while improving proficiency in Spanish. The course emphasizes respectful cultural engagement, critical thinking about societal issues, and the development of language skills through immersive experiences. Students will be assessed on Spanish ability and placed in the appropriate course level. No Spanish language experience is required.
Fields of interest:
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Business
- Communications
- Economics
- Education
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Fine Arts
- Foreign Language
- Forestry Management
- Geography
- Geology
- International Relations
- Law & Human Rights
- Marketing
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Spanish Language
- Wildlife Biology
- Any other related fields (open to all majors!)
Eligibility
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Currently enrolled in university or recently graduated
- ***No Spanish language experience or prerequisites required***
The Projects Abroad Model
For over three decades, Projects Abroad has been the world's trailblazer in meaningful and impactful international projects. Leveraging our rich legacy in real-world impact, we are pioneering a new chapter in global education, blending our extensive experience with a transformative educational approach.
Hands-on Impact through Fieldwork
We prioritize creating tangible change from the moment you arrive. Distinct from traditional academic programs limited to classroom settings, our approach is deeply rooted in fieldwork and hands-on impact. Here, you're not merely an observer - you're a contributor to meaningful community projects right from the start. Whether you’re collecting data, engaging community stakeholders, or getting your hands dirty in reforestation initiatives, you’ll not only develop a multifaceted approach to sustainability but positively contribute in the process.
Travel and Adventure as a Learning Tool
On your Field Semester, travel is not merely an additional feature - it's an integral component of your educational journey. Our courses are thoughtfully designed to include touring and exploration, enabling you to experience diverse ecosystems and cultures firsthand. This immersive travel experience is seamlessly integrated into your curriculum, providing a holistic understanding of each subject area. We also strongly encourage you to travel independently to experience all that Costa Rica and studying abroad has to offer!
Holistic Education for All Majors
We’re revolutionizing learning by employing assessments as tools for real-world impact, catering to all academic majors. The era when such programs were solely for Natural Science Majors is over. Whether your focus is sciences, humanities, or business (or anything else!), our programs are specifically designed to develop you into a globally conscious citizen, fully aware of your role in an interconnected world, regardless of your major.
Request More Info
If you have questions before submitting your application, please contact us on the form below and one of our Admissions Advisors will be in touch!
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