Why Study Abroad in Costa Rica

I was on the fence about studying abroad. Spending $10,000–$20,000 or more to travel to Europe didn’t seem justifiable to me. But when I discovered that doing an internship in Latin America would cost no more than $8,000—including the plane ticket and meals—I decided to take the plunge.

After receiving scholarships from SAGE, the School of Business, and the Gilman Scholarship, I almost regretted not choosing a more expensive program than the $7,000 Monteverde program with CIEE. But having completed it, I’m so glad I chose Monteverde, Costa Rica. The low cost didn’t affect the quality of the experience at all.

Monteverde offers things no other CIEE program does. One standout feature is that meals are included—getting to enjoy local Costa Rican cuisine at every meal without extra cost was amazing. The campus itself is nestled in the cloud rainforest, offering sights and immersion in nature that you simply won’t find in other CIEE locations, which are usually based in big cities.

 

Being in a more remote location didn’t limit my ability to connect with other students—if anything, it enhanced it. Unlike programs that rely heavily on homestays, Monteverde has more of a campus vibe, making meaningful connections with fellow students inevitable. Even though it’s remote, a nearby town offers plenty to explore, including a bar that many students enjoyed late into the night.

But the best part of the experience was the friendships I made and the time we spent together—hanging out in the lounge, watching movies, and playing games (it’s not a dry campus wink). The program also included several staff-led trips to the beach, local Monteverde businesses, hiking, horseback riding, and more—all covered in the program cost.

 

So, I wholeheartedly recommend Monteverde as one of the most affordable study abroad options. It offers unique opportunities to experience the cloud forest, local food, and culture, all while building unforgettable friendships with other students.