Information for term Summer Sustainability + The Environment
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenLive on the edge of the world-famous Costa Rican cloud forest in Monteverde, where you'll learn about sustainable economic development, environmental engineering, and other science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-related topics. Since the 1960s, the San Luis de Monteverde region of Costa Rica has been at the forefront of field study in environmental protection and began attracting scientists that marveled at its incredible biodiversity.
See firsthand why there is no better place than CIEE Monteverde for students to study ecology, conservation, sustainable practices, the consequences of climate change, conservation in the tropics, and more. During this summer Open Campus Block program, you can choose to spend one six-week block (or up to two) exploring ways to protect the environment and live more sustainably.
Build Your Summer Adventure
Select one or two six-week blocks at any CIEE Open Campus Block location. Stay in Monteverde for both blocks or go mobile and spend your second block in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, or Yucatan.
Follow our Travels:
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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 UP CLOSE
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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Your Destination
Monteverde lies along the continental divide at the crest of the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain chain in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, which is blanketed by a cool, wet cloud forest extending 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 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
Excursions and activities may include:
- Immersing yourself in the steamy jungle of the Lowland Rainforest.
- Natural destinations, such as national parks or reserves, to experience Costa Rica’s biodiversity and natural beauty.
- Rising with the sun for birding tours or farm chores and experiencing biodiversity after the sun goes down with a guided night hike in the forest.
- Exploring indoor and outdoor areas with access to forest trails and gardens for recreation, self-exploration, and co-curricular activities.
- Optional weekend at a homestay where students can live with a local family in Monteverde and immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture.
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 in double, triple, or quad rooms shared with other CIEE students. Rooms have 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.
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GETTING AROUND
Students either walk or pay for transport by taxi in the Monteverde area.
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
Getting Around
CIEE Monteverde provides transportation to town once or twice a week or students may take a taxi.
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C
MONTEVERDE BIOLOGICAL STATION
where some classes and laboratories are held and where some students are housed
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
Students take two credit-bearing courses during each block of attendance. Students can also enroll in an optional Survival Spanish course (non-credit) during a single block. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s wide variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering. Courses are taught by knowledgeable and well-trained Costa Rican instructors who are experts on Monteverde’s academic resources.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Recommendations
It is recommended that students participating in this program have completed 2 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 must enroll in two credit-bearing CIEE courses per block.
Program Credit
- One block: 6-7 U.S semester/9-10.5 quarter credits
- Two blocks: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: typically, 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
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 course is a full semester in content, covered in a six-week block, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. Courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the weekends in between blocks.
Class Format
Courses are typically for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled for Monday-Friday and meet two, three, or four times per week. 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 with our learning management system, Canvas.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded based on attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.
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.
Language Classes
- During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory language course will be required to take a language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes.
- Students can also enroll in an optional Survival Spanish course (non-credit) during a single block.
Summer 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenSummer Block I
Summer Block II
Summer 2022 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenSummer Session II
Summer Session III
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
- Ritzmann Tropical and Marine Ecology Scholarships
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- CIEE Stem Scholarship
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.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Block I 2023 6 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | May 15, 2023 | Jun 24, 2023 |
$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 = $3,813 ** Housing = $640 *** Insurance = $197 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 = $0 International Airfare = $650 Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $140 Visa Fees = $0 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 Local government registration/entrance fees = $0 Personal expenses = $150 Round trip airfare between locations = $0 Other = $0 Domestic Airfare = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $1,040Financial 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 three meals a day |
| Summer Blocks I, II 2023 12 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | May 15, 2023 | Aug 5, 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 = $8,123 ** Housing = $1,280 *** Insurance = $197 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 = $0 International Airfare = $650 Local Transportation = $300 Books & Supplies = $420 Visa Fees = $0 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 Local government registration/entrance fees = $0 Personal expenses = $300 Other = $0 Domestic Airfare = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $1,670Financial 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 three meals a day |
| Summer Block II 2023 6 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | Jun 26, 2023 | Aug 5, 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 = $3,813 ** Housing = $640 *** Insurance = $197 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 = $0 International Airfare = $650 Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $140 Visa Fees = $0 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 Local government registration/entrance fees = $0 Personal expenses = $150 Other = $0 Domestic Airfare = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $1,040Financial 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 three meals a day |
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.
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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