Study Abroad

Come Travel With Us!

Earn college credits while you see the world.

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Contact us at studyabroad@linnbenton.edu to be added to our email list or if you have any questions.

 

Summer 2026

 

Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture by living and studying in the lush rainforest of the Monteverde region. Students will be studying, learning, and living at the Monteverde Institute.  The Monteverde Institute was started with the purpose of being a public service, non-profit association dedicated to peace, justice, knowledge and the vision of a sustainable future. Join our faculty and learn more about the diverse geology and natural world of the cloud forest. 

Program Faculty Leads: Brian Keady and Liv Gifford

Trip Dates: June 19 - July 4, 2026 (dates may vary by a day or two)

What's Included?

  • Transportation
  • Lodging: Homestays
  • Cultural activities, day trips, overnight trips, guided forest tours, and more!

Costs

  • Expect to pay from $2,500 for the trip, plus tuition for the course.
  • Cost is dependent on the number of students attending the trip and college fundraising.
  • Final cost will be determined by the application deadline of January 16, 2026.
  • Not included:
    • Tuition and fees for the associated class.
    • Spending money during the trip.

Choice

  • Option #1
    • SPN 101 up to 203, or independent study 
    • Students may take one of the following classes, depending on their level: SPN 101, 102, 103, 201, 202, 203 or independent study Each course will provide in-class grammar and vocabulary instruction at the appropriate level for each student. Students will have many opportunities to practice Spanish during their stay. Cultural connections will be made through immersion experiences
    • Credits: 4 credits
  • Option #2
    • HE 199 Costa Rica: Introduction to Global Health 
    • Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture while studying the principles of global health, including health as a human right, social justice, and sustainability. Based at the Monteverde Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to peace and justice, this course is a blend of academic and experiential learning. Join our faculty to explore real-world public health challenges in a tropical cloud forest.
    • Credits: 4 credits

Timeline

  • January 16, 2026: Applications are due
  • May 2026: Orientation
  • June - July 2026: Trip

 

Attend an Info Session

Info sessions are currently scheduled for:

  • Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 3:00pm - 3:50pm on Zoom and in-person (Equity Center in 2nd floor Forum)
  • Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 12:00pm - 12:50pm on  Zoom
  • Monday, October 27, 2025 from 11:00am - 11:50am on Zoom

Please RSVP here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

We look at several key factors when selecting participants:

  • Academic Standing: You must be in good academic standing to participate.
  • Enrollment Status: Both degree-seeking students and non-degree students (like alumni) are eligible.
  • Program-Specific Criteria: Depending on the trip, faculty leads may have additional requirements related to your major or coursework.

Community members, faculty, staff, and board members are welcome to apply. Priority is given to qualified student applicants when space is limited.

LBCC approves different faculty-led trips that have varying fees and costs.

Each trip has an estimated cost related to the number of students who attend. The more students who register for the trip, the lower the cost.

Trip estimates usually don’t include airfare unless otherwise noted. Activities mentioned in trip itineraries, lodging, and some meals are covered by the trip cost.

You must also consider the cost of attendance to LBCC. Tuition and fees are not included in the trip cost.

Most forms of financial aid, including loans and grants, are available for you to use towards your travel abroad program.

Certain types of aid, including veteran’s benefits and tuition waivers, may only apply to a limited number of LBCC programs. We can help determine which benefits would apply.

If you have other scholarships that you use for your program, you should contact the LBCC Foundation regarding any restrictions.

Sort of! Some of the trips require enrollment in a class, club, or co-curricular, while others will not. Refer to each trip for more detailed information.

Most trips require participants to be currently enrolled as students. Refer to each trip for more detailed information.

Yes! We will assist you in getting the proper paperwork for getting a new passport or for renewing one. Passports can take up to 12 weeks to process, so contact us early if you know you will need to get a new passport issued.

The courses are chosen to work with most degrees. However, contact your advisor for specific information.

Trips will have a variety of lodging options. Examples include hotels, apartments with full kitchens, and host families. Refer to each trip for more detailed information.

Travel Abroad Scholarships

 

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