Information for term Open Campus Block
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenMonteverde has been at the forefront of field study in environmental protection since the 1960s, when it began attracting scientists to marvel at its biodiversity. As a result, Monteverde is the ideal place to study ecology, conservation, sustainability, and agriculture, and explore ways to protect its future, live more sustainably, and educate others to do the same. And CIEE’s campus on the edge of cloud forest offers unparalleled opportunities for students to take full advantage of all that Monteverde offers. The 150-acre campus includes tropical forests and gardens full of wildlife, an organic vegetable garden, animal stables, plus modern classrooms, laboratories, and cozy accommodations. Classrooms are tucked in the forest, and the lessons are in the experience!
Come to Monteverde and customize your study abroad term on the Open Campus Block program. Take one, two, or three six-week blocks, select your courses from a wide range of subject areas. Stay in Monteverde the entire time or spend other blocks at our Open Campus Block locations in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Sydney, and Yucatán.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Learn from Costa Rican farmers
who maintain crops, improve their soils, and have high productivity with natural and climate-smart practices
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Live in a rural mountain community
surrounded by a tropical cloud forest and friendly Costa Ricans
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See close up
how alternative energy makes Costa Rica largely independent of fossil fuels
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The historic moment when Costa Rica abolished its army, and became known as the “Switzerland of Central America”.
1948 -
Literacy for Costa Rica is highest in Latin America
98% -
The year Costa Rica aspires to reach carbon neutrality
2050
Location & Culture
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The Destination
Located in northwestern 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 top above Monteverde and down into the Peñas Blancas Valley. As a result of its unique history and geography, Monteverde is a stunning home to exotic flora, fauna, and 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
Ample activities and day-trips will be offered to immerse yourself in Monteverde’s history and natural beauty of the cloud forest. Excursions can include:
- Attend several all-day excursions natural destinations, such as National Parks or Reserves to experience Costa Rica’s biodiversity
- Rise with the sun for birding tours or farm chores
- Experience biodiversity after the sun goes down, with a guided night hike in the forest
Projects
- Volunteering. Give back and create a deeper connection to Monteverde. Students have opportunities to volunteer at local environmental organizations, farms, schools, and more. As long as the local health and safety regulations permit, in-person volunteering will be offered.
- Internships. Build new skills and intercultural competencies through the CIEE academic Internship, and become an active member of the Costa Rican professional environment.
- Research. Pursue a research project of your own design, incorporating independent, local field work.
- Service-learning projects. Combine course-based learning with practical, relevant project experience to meet a community-defined need.
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 Cloud Forest with other CIEE students and less than 10 minutes walking from the classrooms. Students live in double, triple, or quad rooms shared with other CIEE students of their same cohort with en-suite bathrooms, shared desks, and closets. Indoor and outdoor areas for recreation and study, with access to forest trails and gardens.
Homestay (1 weekend): students live with a Spanish-speaking family and get immersed in the Monteverde culture. Each student has an individual room and laundry if necessary. -
Meals
All students receive three meals per day. Accommodations for vegan and vegetarian diets are available.
Monteverde, Costa Rica Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE Sustainability Center
where some classes are held
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B
Monteverde Biological Station
where some classes and laboratories are held and where some students are housed
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
Since 1989, CIEE Monteverde has been shaping the way field science, conservation, and sustainability is taught. Working closely with the local community, we maintain strong partnerships with Costa Rica’s biologists, conservationists, farmers, educators, engineers, and local families. In turn, students gain deep insight to the drivers and stakeholders of this sustainable and engaged community and their commitment to biodiversity protection.
The Monteverde Open Campus Block Program offers courses in biology, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental engineering, sustainable agriculture, and environmental education, in English. Spanish language classes are also offered. There are no required courses and no prerequisites to participate, although upper-level courses will require previous coursework in related topics. Students enroll in one, two, or three six-week blocks, taking two courses during each block. This program gives students the flexibility to stay in Monteverde the entire time or spend other blocks at our Open Campus Block locations in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. Students can choose from a variety of disciplines within seven different tracks: Art and Architecture; Business; Communications, Journalism, and New Media; Global and Community Health; International Relations and Political Science; Language, Literature, and Culture; or STEM and Society.
Students have access to a range of complementary co-curricular, personal, and professional development activities. Throughout the program, students will explore connections between culture, conservation, and a more sustainable future. The goals of the curriculum are to promote cultural self-awareness, scientific and cultural literacy, and the ability to bridge cultural gaps. Through interactive activities and exercises, students are encouraged to consider issues of culture, identity, values, beliefs and assumptions. Ultimately, students develop discipline-specific competencies so they can effectively incorporate new experiences into their general understanding of the natural environment, as well as local human culture.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
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
- Students are required to enroll in two courses each block. Students attending the program for all three blocks in a semester may select one block in which to enroll in only one course.
- Students studying for three blocks who enroll in at least one lab course will be required to opt out of one course to remain within the program credit range.
PROGRAM CREDIT
- One block: 6-7 U.S semester/9-10.5quarter credits
- Two blocks: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits
- Three blocks: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits
Course Credit
CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- Language courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
- Lab courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
- CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 internship placement hours
- CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours
- CIEE Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 90 service 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
Each six-week course is a full semester in content, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture, norms, and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Lab courses have additional contact hours for laboratory-based learning. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation, active learning, and continuous assessment. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends between blocks.
Class Format
Students take classes with other CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday with possible weekend work and excursions. Regular class attendance and participation is expected and required. Students play an active role in their own education. Group projects and interaction with fellow students and professors is expected. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas. Some courses may be facilitated as a Hybrid course by an instructor from a location that is separate from your own. In a Hybrid course, you will learn either face-to-face or online, depending on your location.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of classroom participation, attendance, projects, and written and oral reports. Final grade will be composed of exams, papers, homework assignments, projects, attendance, and a final exam.
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 and/or Spanish
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
Course Notes
- Courses are listed below by block and track; course list subject to change. Courses are in English unless otherwise noted. “GI” denotes courses that are offered at multiple CIEE locations.
- Use the Course Comparison Tools to compare classes offered across all Open Campus Block programs for each block:
- Students studying for three blocks who wish to complete a lab course will be required to opt out of one course to remain within the program credit range.
- Many CIEE courses are available in multiple CIEE locations. To help ensure you are able to enroll in the courses you need, some courses may be facilitated as a Hybrid course by an instructor from a location that is separate from your own. In a Hybrid course, you will learn either face-to-face or online, depending on your location. However, regardless of your location, you will apply what you learn from the instructor and course materials in your location. Hybrid courses can be identified in the course list as those whose course codes end in “CIEE” – open the syllabus to see the instruction location, if known.
Hybrid Courses
Some CIEE courses are offered in hybrid format to make them available at multiple program locations and increase your course choices. A hybrid class is taught synchronously in a classroom in one location, and students in the program at other CIEE locations join live online. All students have the same instructor and meet as one class. Co-curricular activities are tailored to each student’s location to promote local, experiential and intercultural learning for all. The Course Comparison Tool shows the location of instruction for all classes and from what program locations the course can be taken. Hybrid courses can be identified in the course list as those whose course codes end in “CIEE”. Otherwise the courses are offered at the one indicated location only.
Academic Projects
- Academic Projects will be offered onsite (either in-person or remotely) or remotely at another Open Campus location, dependent on availability and in compliance with local health and safety regulations.
- Academic Project placement will be designed based on the student’s project learning goals, qualifications, resume, and availability of placements in location or within the Open Campus Block network either in-person or remotely. The process is highly individualized and goal oriented. Students enrolled in an Academic Project will receive additional academic support that informs and enhances the placement experience.
- Students applying for an Academic Project are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process.
Language Classes
- During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory Spanish language course will be instructed to take an online Spanish language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes.
- Students may add the non-credit “Survival Spanish” course to their course load during the on-site orientation.
Fall 2022 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenBusiness Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
Global and Community Health Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
Business Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
Global and Community Health Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
Business Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
Global and Community Health Track
International Relations and Political Science Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
Spring 2022 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenArt and Architecture Track
Business Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
Global and Community Health Track
International Relations and Political Science Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
Art and Architecture Track
Business Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
Global and Community Health Track
International Relations and Political Science Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
Business Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
Global and Community Health Track
International Relations and Political Science Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
Spring 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenBusiness Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
Business Track
Global and Community Health Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
International Relations and Political Science Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
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.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE 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
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- McDermott Health Sciences, Nursing, and Public Health Merit Scholarships
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & 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.
In blocks I and II, courses and formal activities end on the last Thursday of the block, and in block III, on the last Friday. Students are free to use the time between blocks as they choose, either remaining in their location or using the time for their own travel pursuits. Students changing locations must check into their new Open Campus Network center by the first Monday of the block for local orientation, with classes starting on the first Wednesday of each block. In all cases, students are provided with continuous accommodation, and should speak with CIEE staff for more details.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Block I 2023 6 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Jan 2, 2023 | Feb 11, 2023 |
$4,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $3,233 Housing = $1,250 Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $4,950Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. |
| Spring Blocks I, II 2023 12 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Jan 2, 2023 | Mar 25, 2023 |
$9,900
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $6,933 Housing = $2,500 Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $9,900Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. |
| Spring Blocks I, II, III 2023 18 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Jan 2, 2023 | May 6, 2023 |
$14,850
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $10,633 Housing = $3,750 Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $14,850Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. |
| Spring Block II 2023 6 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Feb 13, 2023 | Mar 25, 2023 |
$4,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $3,233 Housing = $1,250 Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $4,950Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. |
| Spring Blocks II, III 2023 12 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Feb 13, 2023 | May 6, 2023 |
$9,900
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $6,933 Housing = $2,500 Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $9,900Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. |
| Spring Block III 2023 6 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Mar 27, 2023 | May 6, 2023 |
$4,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $3,233 Housing = $1,250 Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $4,950Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. |
| Fall Block I 2023 6 weeks | May 1, 2023 | Aug 15, 2023* | Sep 24, 2023* | |
| Fall Blocks I, II 2023 12 weeks | May 1, 2023 | Aug 15, 2023* | Nov 5, 2023* | |
| Fall Blocks I, II, III 2023 18 weeks | May 1, 2023 | Aug 15, 2023* | Dec 17, 2023* | |
| Fall Block II 2023 6 weeks | May 1, 2023 | Sep 26, 2023* | Nov 5, 2023* | |
| Fall Blocks II, III 2023 12 weeks | May 1, 2023 | Sep 26, 2023* | Dec 17, 2023* | |
| Fall Block III 2023 6 weeks | May 1, 2023 | Nov 7, 2023* | Dec 17, 2023* |
*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 CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Pablo Allen, PhD.
Academic/Center Director
Pablo earned a BSc. and MSc. in Biology from the University of Costa Rica, and earned a PhD. in Entomology from the University of Florida.
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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