Summer Intern + Study Abroad

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Summer Intern + Study Abroad

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Select a Term...

Tentative Dates

Jun 30 - Aug 9, 2026

6 weeks

Costs

$5,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

6-7 semester hours

9-10.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

February 15, 2026

Request Information

Your ��ý Summer Intern and Study Abroad program in Monteverde lasts 6 weeks and features three key components: A part-time internship with an international organization (15-20 hours per week), an internship seminar, and a 3-credit academic course taught by ��ý faculty or online through ��ý’s global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while building career skills, expanding your professional network, and immersing yourself in Costa Rican culture. Live, learn, and work in Monteverde!

Unique Experiences

Engage in environmental advocacy

by promoting awareness and education about climate change

Produce educational campaigns on health issues

at a non-profit organization

Plan and monitor reforestation efforts

at a startup NGO

Your Intern and Study Abroad Destination in Monteverde

Monteverde is a charming and eco-friendly destination, renowned for its lush cloud forests, abundant wildlife, sustainable tourism, thrilling zip-line adventures, “pura vida” lifestyle, and scenic hiking trails offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Monteverde is the perfect place to study or intern abroad.

monteverde costa rica student volunteer farming field

Program Highlights

Internship Placements: ��ý offers the largest inventory of internship placements that align with your career aspirations.
Elective Courses: Choose from in-person courses at ��ý Monteverde or online courses delivered by ��ý’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
Workshops: Enhance your resume and interview skills while immersing yourself in Costa Rican business culture through an internship and workshops that build practical skills, foster cultural competence, and expand your network.
Company Visits: Visit a digitally native company, a consulting firm, or a local non-profit foundation to gain an in-depth understanding of the work environment in Monteverde.

rainforest waterfall visit ciee abroad costa rica

Excursions & Activities

��ý’s excursions and cultural activities in Monteverde will open doors for you to explore Costa Rica's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of past excursions and activities:

Hike under the dripping boughs of the Cloud Forest to observe colorful plants and animals
Explore the waterfalls nestled in the heart of the cloud forest
Visit local coffee farms to learn from residents about their opinions on the pros and cons of ecotourism development

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at ��ý's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Program Blogs

From ��ý

My Experience Hiking the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at ��ý

By: Lesleigh Taylor If you ever find yourself in the heart of Monteverde, a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve should be at the top of your list. Nestled... keep reading

From ��ý

Happy Earth Day: Today and Every Day

By College Study Abroad at ��ý

Happy Earth Day! Every April 22, this global event comes around to remind us how precious our planet is, what sustainable efforts we can make to protect Earth, and that... keep reading

top spanish summer study abroad programs

From ��ý

Top 5 Spanish Study Abroad Programs for the Summer

By College Study Abroad at ��ý

Summer school hasn’t always sounded the most appealing. But you’re probably thinking about it the old way: Stuck in a boring classroom while wishing you were doing anything else. Think... keep reading

Housing & Meals

Housing

��ý Monteverde students live in on-campus residence halls surrounded by the cloud forest in triple or quad rooms shared with other ��ý students. Rooms have shared or ensuite bathrooms, shared desks, and shared closets.    

Standard Housing: Shared room with bunkbeds (occupancy: three to four students) on campus located under 15 minutes from the main campus area, where the dining hall and classrooms are located.

Meals

All students receive three meals per day. Accommodation for vegan and vegetarian diets are available. 

Transportation

Commute time from housing location to internship will vary depending on location of the internship provider.

Residence Hall

Shared room

Residence Hall

Common area

Residence hall

Bungalow exterior

Meals

Gallo pinto, traditional rice and beans dish

Academics

��ý Monteverde: Study in the beautiful town of San Luis in Costa Rica’s Puntarenas Province, surrounded by lush forests and beautiful coffee farms. ��ý Monteverde is fully equipped with three classrooms, a student lounge, a library, a student life office, and an academic advising office.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by ��ý in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 6-week sessions that fit within the ��ý academic calendar.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for ��ý courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and ��ý staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Intern + Study Abroad in Monteverde students take the required 3-credit part-time Internship with the embedded internship seminar plus one additional course for a total of 6-7 semester credits, choosing from:

��ý courses
ASU online courses

Program Credit

Total credit: 6-7 U.S. semester/9-10.5 quarter credits

Course Credit

��ý Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours
��ý Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 hours of in-person and asynchronous online learning activities and 100-120 hours at the internship placement
ASU Online Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours

Academic Culture

As an intern in Monteverde, you’ll work in a non-paying position within a range of opportunities across a diverse set of innovative businesses focused on sustainable practices, climate change mitigation, or conservation and take an integrated academic course. Internship opportunities will include research options on themes regarding conservation, carbon storage, climate change, and other related research-driven fields. Extracurricular and cultural activities in and around the Monteverde region complement your internship and coursework.

��ý courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time. In addition to lectures, ��ý courses often incorporate local co-curricular activities, providing students with firsthand exposure to the rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. These experiences not only enhance academic learning but also foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the local context.

Attendance is considered mandatory in ��ý courses. This emphasizes the importance of active participation and engagement in the learning process, encouraging students to fully commit to their academic pursuits.

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

Each ��ý course is a full semester in content, covered in a six-week block, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. Courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. These courses typically meet three times per week.

The embedded internship course is taught with a mix of in-person sessions and online asynchronous sessions. Class and/or work hours may be scheduled Monday through Friday, and attendance is strictly enforced. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city during the work week.

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 6-weeks long in the summer, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other ��ý courses begin or end.

Grading

��ý reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. For ��ý-administered courses, students’ grades are based on attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. The embedded internship course will be assessed in assignments and activities, completion of 100-120 internship hours, and feedback from the internship supervisor.

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for ��ý students.

Language of Instruction

English

Course Information

��ý proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

��ý and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the ��ý Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between ��ý and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at ��ý's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple ��ý sites.

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with ��ý Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

Monteverde provides an engaging work environment focused on sustainable agriculture, conservation, ecotourism, and community initiatives. Most jobs promote environmental stewardship and biodiversity while offering a unique experience within a small, multicultural community nestled in the Costa Rican cloud forest.

A female intern picks crops from a field

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

A female intern listens to instructions from her teacher

Manufacturing

Study global supply chains, production technologies, and international business strategies in England, Singapore, and more.

Two female interns work on an engineering project

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Find Internship Options

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of ��ý fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between ��ý and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

Scholarships & Grants

��ý offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
��ý Gilman Go Global Grant
MSI Grant
��ý STEM Scholarship
Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the ��ý Scholarships & Grants application within your ��ý program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with ��ý, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program	Application Due	Start Date	End Date	Fees & Housing
Program Summer 2026 6 weeks	February 15, 2026	Start Date June 30, 2026 ^*	End Date August 9, 2026 ^*	Fees & Housing $5,950

^*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via ��ý's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

��ý offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and ��ý iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation	$300 ^*
Educational Costs	$3,625 ^**
Housing	$1,825 ^***
Insurance	$200
Total Fees	$5,950

Financial Aid

��ý offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

^*non-refundable

^**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

^***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

��ý iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Our Staff

Pablo Allen

Center Director

Pablo is a native Costa Rican, born and raised in San José. He is an evolutionary ecologist interested in sexual selection, animal weapons, and phenotypic plasticity. Since rejoining ��ý in...

Jessica Arias

Academic Director

Jessica has a Ph.D. on Agricultural Science from the University of Costa Rica. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Ecotourism and a master's degree in Sustainable Development, with a concentration in...

Jose Carlos Calderon

Student Life Manager

"Moncho" earned his bachelor's degree in Biology at the University of Costa Rica with a specialization in bats. He has worked for ��ý Monteverde for more than 10 years as...

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

Utilize the Internship Search Tool

Search our catalog of internship opportunities to view the placements that align best with your academic and professional goals.

Explore Now

Start a Program Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

Contact ��ý

We're here to help! Email us if you have questions or need help applying to this program. Upon your acceptance, you'll speak with on-site ��ý staff about your internship goals. ��ý will reach out to companies that align with your goals, interests, and qualifications.

Email ��ý