Enjoy pura vida—the simple things in life—with the laid-back and optimistic Costa Rican people, who are passionate about the natural beauty of their country. Monteverde is one of the richest wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics, attracting biologists from all over the world. Imagine waking up to the calls of howler monkeys and mist rolling in before you trek into the cloud forest each day for class or fieldwork. With the increasing threats to natural habitats earth-wide, spending time studying and researching existing ecological treasures is more important than ever. In Monteverde, you will arrive a student and return home with the skills and portfolio of a scientist.
Planning Steps to Study Abroad
Mapping Your Study Abroad Journey
Preparing to study abroad takes up to a year, and the best way to avoid missing out is to start right now. Deadlines for program applications, travel documents, course approvals, and scholarship applications arrive quickly. Check our interactive timeline to pinpoint your next step for this term and keep your plans on schedule.
Questions about study abroad?
Get Application Support
Connect with our advising team to get your questions answered and start planning your study abroad experience! Here are some of the advising options available:
- Interactive workshops to set goals, explore academic and funding resources, and prepare your application.
- Drop-in advising to speak with region-specific advisors.
- Individual virtual sessions for specialized guidance focused on your target region.
- Don't forget to meet with advisors at your home UC campus for academic planning, major credit petitions, and campus financial aid.
Funding and Affordability
Paying for Study Abroad
Your UC financial aid, grants, and scholarships travel with you, and some programs cost less than a term on campus. Explore the Making Study Abroad Affordable Guide (written by UC students who've done it) for budgeting tips, estimating your expenses, and making your global experience fit your financial plan.
Academic Planning for Study Abroad
Stay on Track to Graduate
Studying abroad integrates into your degree when you plan ahead. Discover how UC credit transfers, explore courses that satisfy major or general education requirements, and read student tips on planning what courses to take abroad. Connect with your campus advisor early to build a schedule that aligns with your graduation timeline.
Family and Support
Involve Your Support Network
Bringing your family into your study abroad plans early helps everyone feel confident and prepared. Share key details about health, safety, finances, and academic credit using our family and support network guide. For advice on starting informative and constructive conversations, check out our tips for talking with your family and friends about your global goals.
There's no way to highlight all the skills and shifts in character I've adopted as a result of studying abroad in such a biodiverse and welcoming country. The opportunity to study abroad will allow you the time and encouragement for optimal learning and growth. You will inevitably return to the US with more knowledge than you thought possible.
