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 Global Institute locations in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, London, Madrid, Yucatán, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, and Sydney.
Spring 2021 Note: Mobility will not be available. For regularly updated Covid-19 modifications and CIEE health and safety alerts, please visit our Health, Safety, and Security site.
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”.
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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.
2050: The year Costa Rica aspires to reach carbon neutrality
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
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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HOUSING
Campus accommodations: Students stay in the “bungalows” of the CIEE Global Institute campus, one student per room. Three simple, but hardy meals are served in the dining hall. The campus includes indoor and outdoor common areas for recreation and study and allows exclusive access to forest trails and gardens.
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Meals
All students receive three meals per day.
Monteverde, Costa Rica Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE Sustainability Center
where some classes are held
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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 shareholders of this sustainable and engaged community and their commitment to biodiversity protection.
The Monteverde Open Campus Block Program: STEM + Society 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 Global Institute locations in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, and Sydney.
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.
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 must take a maximum of 5 courses total.
Program Credit
- One block: 6-8 U.S. semester/9-12 quarter credits
- Two blocks: 12-16 U.S. semester/18-25 quarter credits
- Three blocks: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits
Course Credit
CIEE courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 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
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. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas
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.
Language of Instruction
English and/or Spanish
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Spring 2021 Term
Students may choose to study at only one Global Institute per semester. In Blocks I, II and III, students are onsite at a CIEE location. Health and safety conditions permitting, instruction will be live in the classroom for onsite students with some classes provided via online learning. Contingency plans are in place to allow for program completion in the event of any academic disruption.
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:
- Mobile students studying for three blocks who wish to complete a lab course (offered in London, Monteverde, and Yucatán) will be required to opt out of one course to remain within the program credit range.
Academic Projects
- For Spring 2021, 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 GI 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.
- To qualify for participation, students must be enrolled for at least one block in advance of the Academic Project to prepare for and finalize the project and supervisor. As a result, students participate in an Academic Project in either Block II or III.
Language Classes
- During course selection, students interested in a 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 not enrolled in three-credit language classes may add the non-credit “Survival Spanish” course to their course load during the on-site orientation.
Fall 2021 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
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
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
Spring 2020 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenLanguage, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society 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.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers more than $8 million in 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:
- 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 Global Institute 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 |
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| Spring Block III 2021 6 weeks | Deadline Passed | Mar 29, 2021 | May 8, 2021 |
$4,950
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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 = $3,533 ** Housing = $950 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $4,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $150 International Airfare = $650 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $140 Personal expenses = $175 Total Estimated Costs = $1,215Financial 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. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** Includes 3 meals per day † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
| Fall Block I 2021 6 weeks | May 1, 2021 | Aug 16, 2021 | Sep 25, 2021 |
$5,950
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 = $4,533 ** Housing = $950 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $5,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $150 International Airfare = $650 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $140 Personal expenses = $175 Other = $100 †† Total Estimated Costs = $1,315Financial 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. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** Includes 3 meals per day † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† Covid test fees for entry to the US |
| Fall Blocks I, II 2021 12 weeks | May 1, 2021 | Aug 16, 2021 | Nov 6, 2021 |
$10,900
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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 = $8,533 ** Housing = $1,900 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $10,900Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $300 International Airfare = $650 † Local Transportation = $200 Books & Supplies = $280 Visa Fees = $25 †† Personal expenses = $350 Other = $100 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $1,905Financial 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. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** Includes 3 meals per day † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† Visa is required for 2 blocks or more ††† Covid test fees for entry to the US |
| Fall Blocks I, II, III 2021 18 weeks | May 1, 2021 | Aug 16, 2021 | Dec 18, 2021 |
$15,850
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 = $12,533 ** Housing = $2,850 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $15,850Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $450 International Airfare = $650 † Local Transportation = $300 Books & Supplies = $420 Visa Fees = $50 †† Personal expenses = $525 Other = $100 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $2,495Financial 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. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** Includes 3 meals per day † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† Visa is required for 2 blocks or more ††† Covid test fees for entry to the US |
| Fall Block II 2021 6 weeks | May 1, 2021 | Sep 27, 2021 | Nov 6, 2021 |
$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 = $3,533 ** Housing = $950 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $4,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $150 International Airfare = $650 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $140 Personal expenses = $175 Other = $100 †† Total Estimated Costs = $1,315Financial 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. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** Includes 3 meals per day † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† Covid test fees for entry to the US |
| Fall Blocks II, III 2021 12 weeks | May 1, 2021 | Sep 27, 2021 | Dec 18, 2021 |
$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 = $7,533 ** Housing = $1,900 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $9,900Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $300 International Airfare = $650 † Local Transportation = $200 Books & Supplies = $280 Visa Fees = $25 †† Personal expenses = $350 Other = $100 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $1,905Financial 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. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** Includes 3 meals per day † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† Visa is required for 2 blocks or more ††† Covid test fees for entry to the US |
| Fall Block III 2021 6 weeks | May 1, 2021 | Nov 8, 2021 | Dec 18, 2021 |
$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 = $3,533 ** Housing = $950 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $4,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $150 International Airfare = $650 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $140 Personal expenses = $175 Other = $100 †† Total Estimated Costs = $1,315Financial 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. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** Includes 3 meals per day † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† Covid test fees for entry to the US |
| Spring Block I 2022 6 weeks | Nov 1, 2021 | Jan 3, 2022* | Feb 12, 2022* | |
| Spring Blocks I, II 2022 12 weeks | Nov 1, 2021 | Jan 3, 2022* | Mar 26, 2022* | |
| Spring Blocks I, II, III 2022 18 weeks | Nov 1, 2021 | Jan 3, 2022* | May 7, 2022* | |
| Spring Block II 2022 6 weeks | Nov 1, 2021 | Feb 14, 2022* | Mar 26, 2022* | |
| Spring Blocks II, III 2022 12 weeks | Nov 1, 2021 | Feb 14, 2022* | May 7, 2022* | |
| Spring Block III 2022 6 weeks | Nov 1, 2021 | Mar 28, 2022* | May 7, 2022* | |
| OC Academic Year 2021-2022 6 weeks | May 1, 2021 | Aug 16, 2021 | TBD |
*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
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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