Information for term January in Monteverde
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenGrab your hiking boots and get ready to spend January in the progressive mountain community of San Luis de Monteverde, where the region's breathtaking natural scenery will surround and astound you! Designed for students from all fields of study, this program is an ideal fit for those eager to develop healthy and sustainable lifestyle habits to protect the environment.
When class is in session, your coursework will be delivered in English at CIEE Monteverde.
Outside the classroom, you'll participate in immersive activities that complement classroom learning and increase intercultural understanding, including visiting natural protected areas like Rincon de la Vieja National Park, or the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, ziplining over one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, enjoying the magic of waterfalls deep in the forest and more.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Learn how eco-tourism
can bring more than new people to a community. As a student, you’ll explore the environmental, economic, and social impacts of this powerful force, and come away a more enlightened traveler in the process!
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LIVE IN A RURAL MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY
surrounded by friendly Costa Ricans who will teach you how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, while you gain new professional skills
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Visit the cloud forest
where mosses and orchids dripping with mist decorate the boughs of gnarly trees and brightly colored birds dart through the fog for fruits. This resource is critical not only for the economy of Monteverde but also for the hundreds of plants and animals that call this wet world home.
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FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL, ON THE TOP OF THE TILARAN MOUNTAINS
4,600 -
species of birds
400 -
annual tourists
250K
Location & Culture
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Your Destination
Located in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, Monteverde lies along the continental divide at the crest of the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain chain, which is blanketed by a cool, wet cloud forest extending down into the Atlantic lowlands. The cloud forest provides a striking contrast to the deciduous forest on the Pacific side.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was founded in 1972 to protect the entire ridge above Monteverde and down into the Peñas Blancas Valley. As a result of its unique history and geography, Monteverde is home to exotic flora, fauna, wildlife, and sustainability projects, including agriculture, energy production, water conservation, forest management, and biodiversity conservation.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Monteverde.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
Excursions and activities may include:
- Hiking under the dripping boughs of the cloud forest to observe colorful plants and animals. Insiders will tell you how these protected areas both conserve biodiversity and contribute to the economy.
- Visiting local businesses involved with tourism to learn from residents about their opinions on the pros and cons of tourism development.
- Taking a day trip to a local, sustainable farm to enjoy a meal of 100% organically grown food direct from the fields.
- Exploring and experiencing the power of renewable energies – including solar, wind, and hydropower – operating at large and small scales to gain insight into how and why Costa Rica is an international leader in the carbon-neutral movement.
- Exploring indoor and outdoor areas that access forest trails and gardens for recreation, self-exploration, and co-curricular activities.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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Housing
Dorms: Whether on or off-campus, students live in dormitories surrounded by the Monteverde Cloud Forest in double, triple, or quad rooms shared with other CIEE students. Rooms feature shared or en-suite bathrooms, shared desks, and shared closets.
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MEALS
All students receive three meals per day. Accommodation for vegan and vegetarian diets is possible.
Monteverde, Costa Rica Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE Monteverde
where some classes and laboratories are held and where some students are housed
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B
Monteverde
Located in the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range, Monteverde is home to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve which contains over 26,000 acres of tropical plants and animals.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
The January in Monteverde program is an intensive introduction to environmental issues facing many tropical, developing nations. Emphasis is on how to protect the environment using different tools and strategies. Courses are taught by qualified instructors of CIEE Monteverde.
CIEE Monteverde is located in an area that includes forest and farms against a backdrop of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Facilities include classrooms, residence halls, and recreational areas in a natural setting. There are wet and dry laboratories, an herbarium, plus organic gardens to support a wide array of STEM studies and research opportunities. An extensive trail system through forest and fields, links classrooms to a botanical garden, animal stables, and coffee and vegetable production areas.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Additional Requirements
Two college-level courses in the natural sciences, environmental studies, sustainability, or agriculture
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Program Requirements
All students take a 3-credit CIEE course.
Program Credit
Total credit: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits
Course Credit
CIEE course: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Academic Culture
The program is made up of three weeks of classes, designed to follow U.S. academic culture. Each course is a full semester in content, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lectures and discussions with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. Class attendance is strictly enforced for both classes and required co-curricular excursions that are scheduled on Saturdays. There is no time for weekend travel and students are strongly encouraged to spend evenings and Sundays taking part in extra-curricular activities to practice the language and learn about the local culture.
Class Format
Courses taught at CIEE Monteverde are for CIEE students only. Courses are taught Monday – Saturday and attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.
Grading
Assessment is based on the individual’s overall performance in the course, including quizzes, exams, essays, oral presentations, deliverables, plus participation in classes, including outings. Students must check with their professors to find out exam and project presentation dates. Under no circumstances will CIEE alter deadlines or exam dates for study abroad students who have made conflicting travel plans. The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Language of Instruction
English
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
January 2024 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenCommunication, Journalism, and Media
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE 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 CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Dates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2024 | Nov 1, 2023 | Dec 27, 2024 | Jan 17, 2024 |
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 CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500. January 2020 programs in Latin America are not eligible for CIEE Scholarships and Grants.
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Pablo Allen, PhD.
Center Director
Pablo earned a BSc. and MSc. in Biology from the University of Costa Rica and completed his PhD. in Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida. Pablo has many years of experience in study abroad and was previously CIEE Monteverde’s Academic Director.
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Jessica Arias
Academic Director
Jessica is a PhD candidate on Agricultural Science from the University of Costa Rica. She earned a BSc. in Ecotourism and a MSc. in Sustainable Development, with a concentration in Conservation of Biological Resources from the University of Costa Rica. Jessica was an instructor at CIEE Monteverde for several years before she joined the team as Academic Director recently.
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Jose Carlos Calderon
Student Life Manager
"Moncho" earned his BSc in Biology at the University of Costa Rica with a specialization in bats. He has worked for CIEE Monteverde for over 10 years as Assistant Instructor in the Tropical Ecology and Conservation program and since 2021 has been leading the Student Life team that supports the students 24/7.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
2
CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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