Information for term Summer Tropical Ecology + Conservation
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenWake up to the sound of howler monkeys at our unique biological station, on the doorstep of the 57,000-acre Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Your classroom? Cloud forest treetops, sandy beaches, lush rain forests – all ideal for rigorous study of the incredibly diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica. Your summer adventure includes travel throughout the country, a strong boost for your Spanish language skills, a chance to carry out your own independent research project, and a satisfying taste of life in rural Costa Rica.
Unique Experiences
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Camp and hike
through rain forests, dry forests, mangroves, beaches and more, as you explore protected natural areas.
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Put new skills into practice
as you complete an independent research project that gives you an in-depth look at a favorite creature or plant, on a topic that fascinates you.
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Live like a local
during a three-week homestay.
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species of plants and trees in Monteverde Preserve
3,021 -
species of amphibians
161 -
inhabitants
6,750
Location & Culture
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Your Destination
The small community of Monteverde sits atop the Continental Divide in the Tilarán mountains in northwestern Costa Rica. Here, the treasure is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – home to a staggering number of species that includes pumas, monkeys, quetzal, and the endangered three-wattled bird. From this amazing home base, you’ll also travel to the coast and other parts of the country.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Explore a lush lowland rain forest in Corcovado National Park, where inhabitants include white-crowned parrots, two-toed sloths, coatimundi, white-faced monkeys, and more.
- Explore a dry forest recognized for its study of regeneration in Santa Rose National Park.
- Visit Carara National Park, near the Pacific coast, home of the country’s largest groups of scarlet macaws.
- See towering Arenal volcano. Dormant for some time, the surrounding park is home to some 850 species of birds and more.
RESEARCH
Put your skills to work on an independent research project in tropic ecology or conservation, from observation to a presentation of your findings. At every step, you’ll be guided by an expert faculty advisor. Past projects have explored beetle habitats, hummingbird habits, and the prey of cane toads.
View Student Research
Daily Life
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Biological Station
For two months, students live next door to the Monteverde Cloud Forest at a biological station where they attend classes and sleep four to a room. Rooms have bunks, a private bath, and hot showers. All meals are provided – family-style. Two teaching assistants are stationed here for guidance and academics, and other staff members plan activities and keep students informed of community events. Field lodging - Students camp or stay in cabins during the field trips with instructors.
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MEALS
All meals are provided.
Monteverde, Costa Rica Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE MONTEVERDE
Monteverde
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B
Getting Around
Students either walk or pay for transport by taxi.
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Program Details
Click to OpenWhat you need to know
The program detailsThis intensive eight-week program immerses students in tropical biology and ecology and allows them to conduct independent research in a specific area. Spanish classes and a three-week homestay help students build their Spanish language skills. Science courses are taught in English by highly qualified faculty, with guest lectures from resident and visiting biologists.
Before the start of the program, students must complete one semester of college-level biology. One semester of college-level ecology, environmental science, or a second biology course, and some college-level Spanish is recommended.
Facilities: The Summer Tropical Ecology and Conservation participants live and take classes in the Monteverde Biological Station, located on the edge of the famed Monteverde Cloud Forest. The station has classrooms, a library, Wi-Fi, computers for shared use, a dining hall, and dormitories (rooms with bunks for up to 4 and suite bathrooms). There are extensive trails through the private forest reserve, plus native plant gardens and greenhouse, wide vistas of the Pacific slopes and the Gulf of Nicoya, and common areas for small-group work and socializing.
Academics
Click to OpenEligibility
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OVERALL GPA
Students must have a GPA of at least 2.5.
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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
One semester of college-level biology. One semester of college-level ecology, environmental science, or a second biology course is recommended. Some college-level Spanish is recommended. Best suited for students who are outdoorsy, interested in ecology and conservation, and want a challenging and transformative experience.
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Course Information
Program Credit
Total credit: 10 U.S. semester/15 quarter credits per session
Course Credit
CIEE courses: 2-4 U.S. semester/3-6 quarter credits; 30-60 contact hours
Language of Instruction
English and Spanish
Requirements
All students take four CIEE courses including two biology courses, Independent Research, and one Spanish language course.
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.
Courses
Click to OpenSummer 2020 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenScholarships
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
- Ritzmann Tropical and Marine Ecology Scholarships
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- 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.
YOUR FEE INCLUDES:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Meals
- Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
- Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
- A two-day orientation in San José to introduce students to Spanish culture, the academic program, and surroundings, plus practical information about living in Costa Rica
- Full-time program leadership and support in your host country
- Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
- Excursions and/or Study Tours
- Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext
- 24/7 emergency on-site support
No Hidden Fees
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2020 8 weeks | Apr 1, 2020 | Jun 14, 2020 | Aug 9, 2020 |
$8,350
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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 = $6,603 ** Housing = $1,280 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $8,350Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. International Airfare = $650 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $50 Personal expenses = $350 Total Estimated Costs = $1,150Financial 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 to study on CIEE programs through a 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 all meals † Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
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, ask your college or university study abroad advisor if your school charges additional fees for study abroad.
Looking for funding?
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Alan Masters, PhD
Director
Since 1993 Alan R. Masters, Ph.D, has been leading CIEE’s Tropical Ecology and Conservation Program at Monteverde.
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Erick McAdam, MSc
Instructor
He has an MS from Oregon State University in Sustainable Forest Management with emphasis on remote sensing of forest attributes and process-based growth modeling.
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Jose Carlos Calderon
Teaching Assistant
Jose Carlos Calderon, known as “Moncho,” is a bat biologist with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Costa Rica.
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. -
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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Tropical Ecology + Conservation
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Wake up to the sound of howler monkeys at a unique biological station, on the doorstep of the 57,000-acre Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
